Araneta City unveils mural to kick off Pride month celebration

Araneta City unveiled the “Free to be Hue” mural today along Gen. Roxas Avenue as a leadoff event for its month-long Pride celebration.

The mural symbolizes Araneta City’s commitment to inclusivity, acceptance, and self-expression. As the centerpiece of this year’s Pride campaign, “Free to be HUE” celebrates individuality in all its colors and honors the LGBTQIA+ community.

Quezon City Mayor Ma. Josefina G. Belmonte along with members of the LGBTQIA+ organizations attended the unveiling event.

“It’s very important to have these kinds of activities which shows the true meaning of diversity and inclusivity among the community of LGBTQIA+,” We Pride District 6 president Jon Jon B. Baquiran said in an interview at the sidelines of the event.

“It is really important to have celebrations and events like this to [celebrate] the LGBTQIA+ organizations here in Quezon City. Actually, not just here in Quezon city but our call is to really have awareness and recognition for the [LGBTQIA+ community] in the entire Philippines,” Gender and Development council office head Janete Oviedo said in mixed English and Filipino in an interview.

“Events like these are important so we can give them their spaces in the society.” Ms. Oviedo added.

The mural unveiling ceremony officially kicks off Araneta City’s month-long Pride celebration “Free to be Hue”, a Pride Month celebration that embraces community and the freedom to shine in every color.

The mural unveiling will be followed by a Pride Run on June 7 at Green Gate, Smart Araneta Coliseum and then by a dance competition on June 9, march for LGBTQIA+ graduates on June 11, safe spaces session on June 18, and a pride bazaar on June 26 to 28. A major event, ‘Lovelaban sa Araneta’ is scheduled on June 27. — Kaizzer Angela Marie V. Manuba