QC Government Champions Equality with Inclusive Pride Run 2025

Honey, let me tell you about the absolute SERVE that was the inaugural QC Pride Run last night! Tomas Morato Avenue transformed into a rainbow runway as thousands of fabulous folks laced up their sneakers and strutted their stuff for equality, and darling, the energy was electric!

On Saturday evening, the Quezon City government kicked off Pride Month with their first-ever Pride Run, a dazzling 5-kilometer celebration themed “Run with Pride. Run for Pride.” As your cultural correspondent who lives for these moments, I can confirm this wasn’t just any ordinary fun run, this was a glittering declaration of QC’s commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Sequins, Sweat, and Solidarity

The festivities began at 6 PM with participants donning their commemorative singlets and LED wristbands (included in that ₱500 registration fee, which, considering you also got a medal, was a steal, mama!). But let’s be real: many runners took their looks to the next level, expressing their authentic selves with makeup, wigs, and costumes that would make RuPaul proud.

The organizers positioned the event as “a health-oriented initiative filled with joy and jubilance, where all are welcome, regardless of SOGIE.” And welcome they were! From serious runners to first-timers, allies to community members, the diversity was *chef’s kiss*.

Stars Aligned for Pride

The entertainment lineup? Absolutely sickening! The QC government brought out performers like LesQrew, Kay Cal, and the fierce drag queen Marla Gorr, while celebrities Rhian Ramos and Allen Dizonna showed up to support. Talk about star power!

But the real stars were the community leaders who shared their inspiring stories, including LGBTQI+ advocate Leslie Ampuan, QC Rainbow Queen 2024 Nadie Fernandez, and ASEAN Sogie Caucus Chairperson Ging Cristobal.

More Than Just a Run

In true Quezon City fashion, the event wasn’t just about breaking a sweat. The Quezon City Health Department provided free HIV testing for all participants and HPV testing for cervical cancer for women, because health equity is the ultimate fashion statement, darlings.

As thousands of runners made their way through the streets of Quezon City, the spectacle was captured by numerous media outlets, with images of the active crowd flooding social media within hours.

For more than 50 years, our community has been fighting for inclusion, equality, and acceptance. Last night, Quezon City proved once again why it’s at the forefront of championing queer rights in the Philippines. As I watched runners crossing the finish line, sweaty but smiling, I couldn’t help but think: this is what pride looks like, fabulous, fearless, and moving forward together.

(Artie’s Pick: That runner in the six-inch heels who still finished faster than me. Werk, queen!)