The Blazing Pride Month 2022: “Atin Ang Kulayaan! Makibeki Ngayon, Atin Ang Panahon”

Still, gender equality is one of the most pressing issues that we face. And now, as we celebrate this year's Pride Month, we can say that the journey of our fellow LGBTQ people has come a very long way. It grew into massive communities and now recognizes more than just the four-letter word where it started. It's now LGBTQIA+ which stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning or Queer, Intersex, and Asexual or Ally.

A Quick Rundown to Pride Month's History

It all started when Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in New York City's Greenwich Village, was raided by the police on June 28, 1969. It sparked days of protests and has ignited the people to fight for LGBTQ equality. The Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists Alliance were formed right then. These organizations were patterned after the civil rights movement and the women's rights movement. All the efforts made were very clear so a year after the Stonewall riots, the nation's first Gay Pride marches were held. Thanks to Brenda Howard, a bisexual New York activist also called "Mother of Pride," for organizing the first Pride parade to honor the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall uprising.

Since then, the month of June is recognized as Pride Month where we celebrate the milestones of the LGBTQ community and of course, commemorate the Stonewall events. Though it's a month-long celebration especially, here in the Philippines, Pride Day is celebrated on June 28 which marks the first pride march held in New York City in the year 1970. From there, LGBT Pride Month is celebrated across the world to recognize and embrace the diversity in sexual orientation.

The Philippines and The Pride Community: What's the Difference Between Civil Union and Same-Sex Marriage?

Currently, the House of Representatives has pending bills that aim to recognize the civil partnership of couples regardless of gender. House Bill 1357 and House Bill 2264 are both known as the Civil Partnership Act. If you're unaware of the proposal, it is easy to misunderstand it as a marriage-like partnership but they're different at some point. In the last National Elections, CNN Philippines held a Presidential Debate where the candidates were asked about their take on same-sex civil unions. We were able to see presidentiables who support and oppose the pending house bills.

If you want to know the difference between civil union and same-sex marriage, let's look at how they differ from each other.

Both House Bill 1357 and House Bill 2264 are pending bills known as the Civil Partnership Act. The proposal says that partners will be given all benefits and protections the same as spouses in a marriage under the existing laws is getting. It also aims to provide the same rights and privileges that a married couple enjoys like being able to adopt children and be recognized as the parent of a child. The proposal also wishes to provide same-sex couples with the right to separate legally, give consent to medical decisions on their partner's behalf, and even have equal visitation rights in medical and detention facilities.

As per House Bill 2264, the civil partnership also aims to grant couples inheritance rights over the properties that they have acquired together. Therefore, if you and your partner have invested in multiple real estate properties, you can rest assured that you'll be covered by the inheritance law once House Bill 2264 passes the congress. Also, civil union requires couples to legally give respect, fidelity, support, and assistance to each other. Of course, one of the most important claws in the proposal is to acquire the same rights and privileges that married couples have on insurance memberships with the Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), and also PhilHealth.

So, what are the differences between civil union and same-sex marriage? A civil union or civil partnership seeks legal protection and rights that married couples enjoy. It is not to require special treatments and power over the marriage that the religious sector embodies. The marriage terminology used on the pending bills focuses on the legality, rights, and obligations.

3 Reasons Why We Love the Pride Month Celebration

The Pride Month is for Everyone

No, it is not exclusive to the LGBTQIA+ only but for everyone! As the rainbow community comes together to celebrate the freedom of sexual diversity and fight for acceptance, you're more than welcome to join the festivities and celebrate too. Besides, who wouldn't want to watch the fun and glamorous Pride events, right?

The Celebration is Packed with Fun Events

Again, the Pride month celebration is jam-packed with lots of events. Good luck counting them as in each Pride parade, gay marches, and concert, they have prepared festive activities that'll blow your mind and maybe warm your heart too.

The Fight for the LGBTQIA+ Issues Continues

Aside from the fun, colorful events that will happen left and right, Pride month is the perfect chance to give light to other LGBTQIA+ issues that needs attention. There are discussions and talks about issues related to gay rights, pending House bills, and other issues that need to come out. The gay community has come a long way but much more to go and we hope to see more recognition in the coming years.

Pride Month is here so dust off your rainbow flags, show off in colorful outfits, and join the fun events prepared by the LGBTQIA+ communities. This year's theme is “Atin Ang Kulayaan! Makibeki Ngayon, Atin Ang Panahon” aligned with the community's purpose to continue fighting for equality and gay rights. Witness the Pride events as the world's LGBTQIA+ communities all over the world come together and celebrate freedom. Join the Pride parades, attend jam-packed festivals, and enjoy concerts in different parts of the Philippines!

LGBTQIA+ Couples: Build Your Dream Home with Lumina Homes

While waiting for the pending bills, you and your partner can now build your dream home together. Lumina Homes have been providing affordable yet quality housing programs to Filipinos. In over 50 key locations, you'll surely have plenty of options to choose from.

Our master-planned communities are located near signature lifestyle brands that include Coffee Project, Vista Mall, AllHome, major highways, and so much more. Also, introducing eSpacio, our newest amenity project inside our Lumina communities that aims to provide accessible entertainment.

So, if you’re looking for affordable yet decent housing programs, Lumina Homes is ready to help you make your dream happen. You and your partner deserve a home that is built to last. Check out our website for more information or talk to our sales representatives to get started!