On December 7, 2024, 1,000 members of the TiboQC Federation (Kilusan ng mga Samahang LBQT ng Quezon City) gathered to participate in the National Lesbian Day March, commemorating the historic National Lesbian Rights Conference held on December 7-9, 1996.
Organized by GALANG Philippines, the TiboQC Federation is a citywide network of 18 grassroots organizations composed of lesbian and bisexual women, queer individuals, and trans men (LBQTs) from urban poor communities in Quezon City.
The march began at the 11th World Scout Jamboree Memorial Circle, following the oath-taking of federation officers before Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. A symbolic turnover of GALANG Philippines’ LBQTCare Health Package to the mayor also took place, detailing actionable recommendations to enhance LBQT access to health services.
Mary Jane Largo, Executive Director of GALANG Philippines, highlighted the significance of the event:
“LBQTs’ struggles have often been marginalized due to intersecting factors of SOGIESC and being assigned female at birth. GALANG firmly believes that, with the local government’s initiatives for inclusive, gender-responsive public services, the creation of the TiboQC Federation will amplify their presence and make their advocacies more visible in the heart of Quezon City.”
GALANG Philippines, the first lesbian-initiated, lesbian-led feminist human rights organization in the country, has been at the forefront of empowering LBQTs in urban poor communities for over 16 years. Through its efforts, grassroots LBQT organizations in Quezon City continue to advocate for equality, representation, and access to essential services.