This Pride Month, the Free To Be U campaign joined the Philippines’ “Love Laban 2 Everyone” Pride Festival with a dedicated booth focused on HIV awareness at Quezon City Memorial Circle on June 22.
Organized by Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC Philippines), supported by PEPFAR and USAID through FHI360, the Pride booth aimed to destigmatize HIV and promote prevention, testing, and treatment via QuickRes.org. Attendees engaged in HIV trivia games, received informational materials, and booked health appointments through QR codes.
“The misinformation about HIV is staggering,” remarked one attendee. “There’s a real need for better awareness so people know you can live a normal life even with HIV.”
The booth was staffed by “Free to Be Youth” volunteers, young queer leaders tackling the HIV epidemic among Filipino youth. These leaders also marched in Pride, advocating for inclusive policies in HIV response.
“HIV affects many young and queer Filipinos,” noted Teresita Bagasao, Project Director of EpiC Philippines. “Accessible information and services are crucial, supported by platforms like QuickRes.org.”
The “Love Laban 2 Everyone” event, Quezon City’s third Pride PH Festival, attracted over 200,000 attendees. It featured a Pride Expo and March, symbolizing unity and celebrating diversity across Asia’s largest Pride celebration.
