Our organization kicked off PRIDE Month by gathering with over 75 incredible community members, educators, artists, poets, civic activists and guest speakers at our first in-person Queer Filipinx Lakbay Summit in San José!
On Saturday, June 3rd, we hosted our first in-person Queer Filipinx Lakbay Summit with the theme of “Getting into the Mix”, which was a collective expression of empowerment, solidarity, and love.
The conference included a keynote speech from Queer Pinay Playwright, Cultural Strategist, and Director, Kat Evasco, and interactive workshops around Faith & Queerness, Mental Health & Spirituality, and Intersectionality in LGBTQ+ Filipina/x/o communities such as visible and non-visible disabilities, wellness and well-being, and organizing for civil and human rights protections in schools, workplaces, and public spaces led by our incredible community partners.
The necessity of holding and cultivating inclusive, safe, and loving spaces has long-been a guiding principle of our organization and broader network of youth, adults, families, and seniors. However, we know that such affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ communities are being attacked, questioned, and eliminated in parts of California and across the United States, seen in local and national anti-LGBTQ actions, legislative proposals, and hateful rhetoric.
These are the moments we stand up and assert that leading with love and acceptance is non-negotiable.
As one of our workshop leaders, Sera Fernando, the Director of Santa Clara County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs exclaimed, “We are love!”
Let’s be love.
Maraming salamat to everyone that “Got into the Mix” with us by sharing your time, gifts, and contributions to our broader community.
Lastly, special shout outs to our Queermmittee and Lakbay Summit Director, Celeste Francisco. You all are some real ones!
Official event photos and videos coming soon.
Sulong!
LEAD Filipino
