First LGBT convergence in Bicol to be held
By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay
and Roy San Ramon
PILI, Camarines Sur --- TV host Vice Ganda, actress Angel Aquino and Special Assistant of the President Bong Go will top bill the list of guests when members of LGBT (Lesbian. Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender) meet in this city for their first-ever regional convergence on December 1 at Legazpi Convention Center.
“Unity in diversity – this is one of the driving forces of Kusog Bicolandia (KB). KB values self-reliance However, no one can have independence if there is discrimination in socio-political affairs on the basis of sexual orientation, or age, or careers, or financial status.”
Under this premise, Sir Noel De Luna, Founding Chairman of KB, in a press conference held Sunday here disclosed his support to the members of the LGBT communities while urging the members of the media to help dispel the stigma of negativity as misconstrued by the society.
KB, the first Regional Political Party organized to promote and unify Bicolandia, focuses not only in bringing social changes in the arena of politics and socio-economic state of the region but also pushes empowerment of the various sectors.
This time, KB is pioneering in a new initiative – the launching of Kusog LGBT (Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) or KLGBT which aims to bring to the fore significant issues concerning the said community.
“As LGBT communities are making their voices heard across the globe, locally, they are one of the fastest rising populace of young entrepreneurs and career professionals. Despite being under represented in political, legislative and social policies, while facing discrimination and losing opportunities because of this, this rise is a signal of the various contributions they are capable of, waiting to be harnessed, De Luna added.
De Luna, popularly known as SND, divulged to the members of the press that KB, just like its previous commitment to empower the marginalized sector, shall also take its stand in behalf of the LGBT community and ensure that each one of them will be given an opportunity in terms of livelihood, trainings and similar activities that will enhance their skills and talents.
SND believes that this belief is consistent with the KB’s seven (7) fundamental political principles to which it faithfully adheres.
“The LGBT initiative is consistent with the principles of upholding the interest of the Bicolanos regardless of their religion, political beliefs and/or affiliation, gender, or even sexual orientation,” SND explained.
More so, De Luna believes that building a self-reliant community entails building the member’s self-confidence, giving respect and upholding dignity.
“I urge our friends in the media, please do your share also. Let us stop bullying those who decided to come up in the open. Nobody deserves to be bullied. We all deserve respect,” SND said in closing.
“Despite being under represented in political, legislative and social policies, while facing discrimination and losing opportunities because of this, this rise is a signal of the various contributions they are capable of waiting to be harnessed,” a KB press statement says.