Come out for love!

MANILA, Philippines – We urge everyone to join us as we celebrate the wonderful, colorful lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Filipinos – together with our allies, friends, and families who have chosen to support and accept us as we are.

Let us all be an inspiration to the LGBT youth of today so that when it’s their turn to take the stage and march on the streets, they will be proud to say that it did “get better”because love prevailed.

#ComeOutForLove

#ComeOutForLove is an interactive and person-centric campaign collecting stories of support, acceptance, and bravery both from the non-LGBT sectors, as well as the LGBT community.

While past Pride Marches have focused the lens on the LGBT community, we have decided to turn this around and engage our non-LGBT supporters in sharing their stories and this advocacy with us.

Through this campaign, we’d like to show everyone the importance of coming out to support your LGBT loved ones. We want to inspire people to accept and not simply tolerate their LGBT family members and friends and to be the changemakers our society needs to continue the fight for equal rights for all. (READ: PH votes yes to UN reso on LGBT rights)

Pride, after all, is all about love. Share your story. Share the Love. Here’s how:

1. Get a piece of paper or an illustration board and write down what or for whom you’re coming out for. 

2. Take a photo of yourself or with family and friends.

3. Answer the question: Why are you participating in the campaign? Why do you believe it’s important come out and support your LGBT loved ones?

4. Post your answers and share your photo by tagging #ComeOutForLove or @MMPride_ on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. You can also send your photos & stories via email: metromanilapride@gmail.com 

So what do you say? We’d love to hear all your stories! Keep sending them in!

The Metro Manila Pride Season is a series of community-led activities that culminates in the annual Metro Manila Pride March to be held on December 6, 2014.

As part of this initiative, Task Force Pride (TFP) is holding the 2014 Metro Manila Pride Press Launch on October 11 at Boho Sarapsody Bistro in Cubao, Quezon City. TFP Philippines is the official convener of the annual community-driven Metro Manila Pride season. This volunteer-managed, non-partisan, and not-for-profit network of LGBT groups, individuals, and allies works towards a future that recognizes and respects both the diverse expressions of responsible sexuality and the rights of LGBTs to a dignified life without discrimination and prejudice. – Rappler.com

For more information, please email TFP Communications Head, Tao Aves, at metromanilapride@gmail.com or visit www.metromanilapride.com.