Araneta City celebrates Pride Month with message of inclusivity
This entire month, we celebrate lives authentically lived—people who are not afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves, individuals who fearlessly and proudly tell the world that, indeed, love is love, no matter your creed, beliefs, or gender.
In time for Pride Month, the City of Firsts is standing with the LGBTQIA+ community and underscoring its commitment to promoting and fostering inclusivity through a series of programs that aim to empower members of the community. This year, Araneta City chose the theme “You Matter, No Matter” in recognition of the sheer importance of telling members of the LGBTQIA+ community that everything about their identity matters.
“We have always been proud supporters of the LGBTQIA+ community and we have always advocated for greater equality and inclusivity for them. They are always welcome here at Araneta City, a community that is more than honored to welcome them and ensure that the entire City of Firsts is a safe space for them. We want to tell them that whatever their gender identity, whatever pronoun they opt to use, or whatever their status is, they matter, their voices and presence matter,” said Marjorie Go, AVP for marketing of Araneta City, Inc.
In line with Araneta City’s celebration of Pride Month, the City of Firsts has prepared several activities that aim to uplift, empower, and embolden members of the LGBTQIA+ community to be proud of who they are.
First, the City of Firsts will have a special exhibit at the Gateway Mall Activity Area to educate the public about the relevance and power held by the chosen pronouns of queer people. The “Hi! What’s your pronoun?” will highlight the various pronouns and neopronouns that members of the LGBTQIA+ community use. From familiar terms like he, she, they, or them, to newer, more gender-neutral ones like xe, xyr, hir, and siya, the exhibit aims to enlighten visitors on the importance of using the correct pronouns in addressing queer individuals. The “Hi! What’s your pronoun?” The exhibit will run from June 26 until June 30.
Next, Araneta City is working closely with LoveYourselfPH to conduct an intimate discussion about safe sex, the importance of self-acceptance, and self-love. Another relevant topic in this discussion is the tackling of various ways to fight the stigma against HIV. The talk will happen at the Gateway Gallery on June 26 and will be attended by Bb. Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold.
Aside from these, Araneta City will splash the colors of the rainbow all over the City of Firsts with a variety of decorations that celebrate the wide spectrum of identities represented by the Pride flag. One key decoration is the Rainbow Arch located at the Gateway Mall Activity Area. People can pose and take pictures under the arch to help them show their pride to the world.
For people who post their pics under the Rainbow Arch on social media, Araneta City has a special surprise for them. They can win an overnight stay for two at the Novotel Manila Araneta City! All they need to do is upload their photos on Facebook or Instagram and use the hashtags #YouMatterNoMatter, #PrideAtAranetaCity, and #AranetaCity. So, show your pride and celebrate it with the person you love!
“Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are some of the bravest and most resilient people. They have withstood so much and yet they continue to show us that love, in all its forms, should be celebrated. That’s why we’re really committed to making the entire City of Firsts a place where they will feel loved, valued, and appreciated. We want them to know that they matter, and they belong here with us,” Go said.
To know more about the latest promos, activities, and happenings at Araneta City, please visit www.aranetacity.com. You may also like and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.