NEW YORK CITY – Philippine consulate officials here have underscored the role of LGBTQIA+ in the quest for freedom from all forms of discrimination.
During the celebration of Pride Month at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center here, Consul General Elmer Cato has paid tribute to LGBTQIA+ members in Northeast America.
“This is a reflection and continuation of the Philippines’ long history of gender sensitivity and tolerance for all people with differing gender identities,” Cato said in his speech.
The Consulate here has conferred the Sinag Tala award to outstanding members of the said community.
The awardees were Danton Remoto, chairman emeritus of Ang Ladlad Partylist, USEC Gina Ortiz Jones of the Air Force, Darren Apolonio, a fashion designer and graphic artist, and Miguel Paguirigan, nurse with 40 years of service.
Cato said that many members of the said community are “paragons and worthy of commendation by all”.
