Araneta City hosted Quezon City’s “Graduation Rights: A March for LGBTQIA+ Graduates” on 11 June at the Quantum Skyview of Gateway Mall 2. Held in celebration of LGBTIQ+ Pride Month, the event honored LGBTIQ+ students who were unable to participate fully in their commencement ceremonies because of dress codes and other barriers related to their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics.

Now in its third year, “Graduation Rights” was held outside the Quezon City Hall Complex for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the initiative as it found a new venue in the “City of Firsts.” More than 200 LGBTIQ+ graduates joined the celebration, which affirmed that every student deserves to be recognized and celebrated as their authentic self.

Quezon City mayor Joy Belmonte led the program together with Presidential Special Committee on LGBTQIA+ Affairs chairperson for Diversity and Inclusion Undersecretary Ellen Pasion and Araneta City senior vice president for Leasing Lorna D. Fabian. They were joined by government officials, community leaders, advocates and supporters in celebrating the graduates’ achievements, resilience and pride.

The event is part of Araneta City’s month-long Pride celebration, which features a series of activities throughout June promoting inclusion, equality, and greater visibility for the LGBTIQ+ community.