QC to hold graduation rites for queer people denied of marching in their schools

In Quezon City, you may come — and graduate — as you are! 

On social media Wednesday, the Quezon City government announced their plan of holding a graduation ceremony for members of the LGBT + community who are denied of marching in their school's graduation ceremony for dressing according to their SOGIE (sexual orientation, gender identity and expression). 

Dubbed  "Graduation Rights: March with Pride in QC," the graduation ceremony for queer people is set for June 22. 

Other details, including the time and location of the event, have yet to be revealed as of writing, but those interested to join the graduation rites should be 18 years old or above, and a Quezon City resident or a graduate of a school located in the city. 

Aside from the requirements above, you should also prove that you weren't able to march for your senior high school or college graduation due to self-expression. 

Registration starts on Wednesday until June 7. 

"May mga estudyanteng parte ng LGBTQIA+ community na hindi pinapayagang magmartsa sa graduation rites kapag ang suot ay taliwas sa dress code na pinaiiral ng paaralan," the QC government wrote on Facebook. 

Because the city not only acknowledges but also accepts everyone's SOGIE, the QC government emphasized in its post that "graduation rites are everyone’s rights, regardless of expression."

In its announcement of their special graduation rites for queer people, QC also managed to remind everybody of the Department of Education's Basic Education Policy (DO 32, S-2017), "which aims to integrate  principles of gender equality, equity, sensitivity, non-discrimination, and human rights in the provision and governance of basic education."

This is just the latest in QC's initiatives for members of the LGBT+ community. In June 2023, the QC government launched the Right to Care Card to authorize LGBTQ+ couples to make medical decisions on behalf of their partners. It is the first card of its kind in the country.

May more local government units follow suit!

— Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News