Araneta City hosted Quezon City's "Graduation Rights: A March for LGBTQIA+ Graduates" on Thursday, June 11, at Quantum Skyview, Gateway Mall 2, in celebration of Pride Month and in recognition of rainbow graduates who were unable to march at their own commencement ceremonies due to dress code policies and other barriers related to their Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE).
Now on its third year, the QC Graduation Rights for Pride Month was held for the first time outside the Quezon City Hall Complex, marking a significant milestone for the initiative and finding a new home in the City of Firsts. Over 200 rainbow graduates took part in the event, which reaffirmed the belief that every student deserves the right to be recognized and celebrated as their authentic self.
The program was led by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, together with the Presidential Special Committee on LGBTQIA+ Affairs Chairperson for Diversity and Inclusion Undersecretary Atty. Ellen Pasion and Araneta City Senior Vice President for Leasing Lorna D. Fabian. They were joined by other distinguished guests, community leaders, advocates, and supporters in celebrating the resilience, excellence, and pride of LGBTQIA+ graduates.