Mark Your Calendars: Here Are the Events You Can Join This Pride Month 2024

Celebrate inclusivity and diversity at these pride month events happening around Metro Manila.

The month of June is blooming with colors as Pride Month events happen around Metro Manila. This year, there are more events than ever—from marches to recreational activities, drag performances, and community gatherings—all designed to celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community.

Since the pivotal 1969 Stonewall Riots, which ignited the gay rights movement, June has become a time for people to freely express themselves in spaces that embrace who they are. Beyond the fun and entertainment, these events highlight the ongoing advocacy for equal rights and opportunities for everyone.

Pride Month Event Celebrations Happening Around Metro Manila

Whether you’re looking to join a vibrant parade, attend an educational panel, or simply connect with people who have fully embraced their true selves, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the Pride Month events happening around and near Metro Manila that you can be part of.

Surftown Pride (June 6-9)

For the queer beach lovers and surfers out there, here’s your time to shine. This weeklong Pride month event features pride parades, parties, and pop-up stores by queer-owned businesses. Entrance is free, so don’t miss out on the much-anticipated Kape’t Baklaan, Pridetropiko, and Surftown Ball!

Komiket Pride (June 7 – 16)

Komiket, an art market, now showcases queer creatives and their art forms. Transitioning to the event details, it will take place at Ayala Malls The 30th on June 7-9 and June 14-16. Additionally, attending Komiket means supporting LGBTQ+ artists and their contributions to the cultural landscape. Furthermore, it’s a fantastic opportunity to show solidarity with the community and celebrate their talents.

Drag Arena by Onlypans (June 8)

Living around La Union? Don’t miss this lip-sync battle hosted by Drag Race Philippines queen Eva Le Queen at Onlypans La Union. Expect fierce drag performances and a superbly cool art pop-up store by Tipon-Tipon. Best of all, the entrance is free!

Butterboy Pride (June 8)

Pride-exclusive brunch featuring croissants, quiches, madeleines, and pain au chocolat? Count me in! Butterboy is hosting its first drag brunch events this month at its store in 81 Basa, Quezon City. Enjoy a delectable meal while being entertained by performances from Naia Black, Deja, O-A, and Shewarma.

Para sa Bading (June 15)

After the success of their first event on February 4, Cult of Joe is organizing another fundraiser. The first event extended support to jeepney drivers fighting against the phaseout. This time, the event aims to help the queer community by supporting Home for the Golden Gays. Home for the Golden Gays is a nonprofit organization that supports elderly LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Para sa Bading 2 will take place at 123 Block in Mandaluyong City. This music gig will feature OPM bands Cup of Joe, Any Name’s Okay, Over October, and The Ridleys.

No Boys Allowed (June 15)

Set at the Vinyl on Vinyl Gallery in La Fuerza, Makati, this event will feature an all-female lineup, including Flying Ipis, Aia de Leon, Thirds, Leanne & Naara, and more. As the event title suggests, it’s open exclusively to women in the LGBT+ community and their allies. Besides the jam session, there will also be tattoo sessions and tarot readings during the event.

A Fruity Affair (June 15)

This event, produced by Studio Segui in partnership with Jellytime and Annex House, is a true celebration of Manila’s creative scene. Featuring the music of Tom Suplico, Jer Dee, Jimmy J, and SODI, the event showcases local talent. Transitioning to the drag performances, the lineup includes Rocky Star, Kimiseta, Gorgina, Kendra, and Temptacion. Overall, the event is a testament to the vibrancy and diversity of Manila’s artistic community.

Out, Loud, and Proud Drag Pride Fiesta (June 15)

Another Pride event happening on the 15th is Beyond Limitless’ Out, Loud, and Proud Drag Fiesta. Happening at the Filinvest City Events Grounds in Alabang, the event will feature international acts and top Philippine drag artists. Among the performers are RuPaul’s Drag Race queens Brooke Lynn Hytes, Courtney Act, Detox, Jujubee, and the Philippines’ own Precious Paula Nicole, Marina Summers, Maxie, Deja, Arizona Brandy, and Hana Beshie, among others.

QUEERLAYAAN 2024: A Pride Celebration & Art Market (June 16)

Being an ally and a member of the community goes beyond attending vibrant events; it’s also about supporting the work, creativity, and businesses of the local queer community, especially our artists. On June 16, from 10 AM to 8 PM, you can show your support at Whitespace Makati as Queerlayan showcases local queer artists and creators and their works.

Presented by Sticker Con MNL in collaboration with ARTEGOph, the event features local artists, including Kim Au, Nooms Splash, Take Care Art Studio, Estitiks, and Sunog Banga. For a minimal entrance fee of P100, you can already go around the 300 stalls and join in the fun of this event.

#LoveLaban2Everyone: Pride PH Festival (June 22)

Happening this June 22 at the Quezon Memorial Circle, this event is poised to be one of the biggest Pride Festivals in the country. Kicking off as early as 9 AM, the event will be attended by the country’s biggest LGBT+ icons and allies, including Vice Ganda, Marina Summers, Nica del Rosario, BINI, Juan Karlos, Janine Berdin, Elijah Canlas, Justine Peña, Viñas Deluxe, and more!

Entrance is free, so don’t dare miss it!

RUNRIO Pride Run (June 22)

Time to lace those shoes and come in your most colorful active wear. On June 22, join the fun with the RUNRIO Pride Run 2024 at the SM MOA Complex. Runners who participate in the event will not only get to enjoy the fun that is of the running community but will also receive a pride-themed medal.

Graduation Rights: March with Pride (June 22)

In a heartwarming move, the Quezon City government is stepping up to support LGBTQIA+ students who faced discrimination in their schools due to their gender expression, in direct contradiction to DepEd’s ‘gender-responsive basic education policy’. These students, who were unfairly barred from participating in their school’s graduation ceremonies, will now have the chance to celebrate their achievements and identities at a special graduation program organized by the city.

This month of June, let your voice be heard, join the fun, and support the community. Don’t miss out on these exciting Pride Month events happening near you!

_{Cover image credit: Moma.org}