RAINBOW RUSH RIDE: Commemorating LGBT History Month by Standing Strong with Pride

The month of October is widely celebrated as LGBT History Month, a time to recognize the contributions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community to history, culture, and society In the Philippines, this month provides an opportunity to highlight the rich and diverse history of gay culture in the country

The Philippines has a long and vibrant history of LGBT culture, dating back to pre-colonial times when male-tofemale transgender individuals known as babaylan played essential roles in indigenous communities However, the arrival of Spanish colonialism in the 16th century brought a legacy of conservative Catholicism that has made acceptance of LGBT individuals a struggle for centuries

And yet, here they stand, strong with pride.

The LGBT community in the Philippines has also been at the forefront of the fight for equal rights and representation In 2001, the first LGBT political party in Asia, Ladlad, was formed in the Philippines, advocating for the rights of LGBT individuals in the country's political system