Celebrating Visibility: SIKLAB’s ‘Be Here, Be Queer’ Slogan Resonates
In a bold display of pride and unity, Catanduanes’ SIKLAB Pride Month celebration brought its message to the fore with the unapologetic slogan, “Be Here, Be Queer!” This year’s festivities, held last June at the Provincial Capitol Dome, spotlighted the LGBT+ community’s growing visibility and the island province’s ongoing journey toward authentic inclusion. SIKLAB, which stands for “Sama-samang Ipinagdiriwang ang Karapatang Lumaya at Magpakatotoo” or “Collectively Celebrating the Right to Freedom and Authenticity”, has cemented itself as more than just a seasonal event but as a platform for advocacy, education, and community-building according to recent local coverage.
A platform for advocacy and pride
This year’s SIKLAB made headlines not just for its electric line-up, from the morning ‘IncluSiklab’ forum, dazzling afternoon ‘RampaSiklaban’ parade, to the crowd-favorite ‘PUKSAAN’ drag race, but for its strong messaging: everyone is welcome, everyone is seen. The province isn’t just putting on a show; it’s crafting a safe, visible space for queer Filipinos to celebrate their identities and be recognized by their own leaders. As former Governor Joseph Cua aptly put it, “You are seen, you are heard, you are recognized”, a rare but crucial affirmation in local politics as reported.
The power of visibility
The impact of being “here”, and queer, goes beyond mere festivity. SIKLAB, with its emphasis on visibility, has become a rallying cry for acceptance, challenging old taboos and encouraging conversations around sexuality, self-expression, and legal rights. The provincial government, through its Local Youth Development Office, has taken concrete steps: from annual support programs to hosting events that attract both allies and queer youth as detailed in their official announcements.
Looking forward: SIKLAB as a model
Catanduanes’ approach is setting the pace for rural LGBT+ advocacy in the Philippines. By combining energetic public celebrations with firm backing from local officials and institutions, SIKLAB is carving out a blueprint for other regions. It shows that embracing diversity isn’t just possible, it’s powerful, joyful, and necessary. With allies in government and the confidence to demand space, the community’s message is ringing loud: visibility is non-negotiable, and pride is for everyone.
This year, as the rainbow confetti settles and supporters continue the conversation online, SIKLAB’s slogan reminds us: to be visible is to be empowered. In Catanduanes, the call is clear, “Be Here, Be Queer”, and the invitation stands for all of us to join the celebration into the future.
