MANILA, Philippines – Metro Manila Pride 2018 happened on June 30, with the annual march seeing its biggest turnout yet (an estimated 15,000, according to organizers), with more representation from the Manila LGBT community and its allies.

As many have pointed out, Pride is not just a march, but a protest — especially since LGBT people in the Philippines still face inequality, discrimination, and violence.

The protest spirit was certainly alive in the signs that pride marchers carried as they went around the streets of Marikina, facing bad weather, and angry bible thumpers.

Through words painted on big canvases or printed out on sheets of paper, the LGBT community made sure the march was more than just about being seen, but also about being heard.

Some messages were funny, some were dripping in sass. More still were inspiring and encouraging. Some signs contained simple reminders on how to be decent human beings, while others called for action.  

Some signs were deeply personal, such as this one, carried by a 17-year-old student Kobi Rivera, who had yet to come out as bisexual to his mother.

Other signs were used in response to hate protesters.

Some signs promoted safe sex by offering quality condoms for free.

Speaking of free things, there were a lot of free hugs to go around.

Crafter Paula Fucoy (@crochetbuffetph) has been attending Pride and giving away handmade Pride ribbons and hugs for the past 3 years.

Why does she do it? Her answer perhaps applies to many of the other signs at Pride: “I want people to remember that they are loved.” – Rappler.com