Cebu Pride Movement Launches 2025 Pride Season with the Theme: “Stand Proudly, Live Loudly!”

Hi beshies! The Cebu Pride Movement (CPM) officially kicked off this year’s Pride Month with the theme “Stand Proudly, Live Loudly!” during a launch event at Quest Hotel on June 4. With media, influencers, and allies in attendance, CPM issued a clear call: it’s time to celebrate visibility, authenticity, and unity.

Quest Hotel Management, Cebu Pride Movement, Love Yourself, Media partners, allies, and friends

Pride is as much a protest as it is a party. Now in its third year, CPM continues to push for LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility. Leader Matthew Basabe highlighted the movement’s unwavering commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). He expressed pride in the growing number of allies and partners joining the advocacy. He shared a hopeful vision for a unified city-wide Pride celebration in the future.

Quest Hotel reaffirmed its commitment as an LGBTQIA+ ally by hosting this year’s Pride Month kick-off event. The hotel highlighted its internal support initiatives for both employees and guests, proudly sharing its own Pride theme: “Happy to be Loved!” To celebrate the season, Quest also announced special room promotions and restaurant offerings available throughout the month.

One of CPM’s longtime partners, LoveYourself Cebu, also marked a major milestone—its 7th anniversary and the launch of a new community hub in Lapu-Lapu City. This expansion comes at a critical time: the Department of Health recently reported a 500% increase in HIV cases among Gen Z. While alarming, advocates view the rise as a sign that stigma is being dismantled, and more young people are seeking testing and care without fear or shame.

Regi Nam of LoveYourself Cebu reiterated the organization’s goal of building a stigma-free community. They called for more volunteers to join the effort and emphasized that the work is far from over.

As part of this year’s Pride festivities, CPM invites everyone to bring color and solidarity to the  Cebu City Pride Parade on June 28, which is spearheaded by the Cebu City Anti-Discrimination Commission, with significant support from the Cebu City LGU and various PRIDE organizations.

“CPM was created to bring people together,” said Enrique San Juan, co-leader of the organization. He warmly invited queer Gen Z youth and allies to join the Big Pride Picnic on June 29 at IT Park’s Garden Bloc, where a 400-square-meter picnic blanket will be laid out. The event promises a joyful finale to Pride Month, celebrating love, friendship, and the beauty of chosen families.

The fight for equality continues, but so does the celebration of identity, resilience, and community. Happy Pride to all LGBTQIA+ Cebuanos!

Follow their Facebook Page Cebu Pride Festival or Instagram Page @CebuPrideNow for more details. To support, you may reach them at cebupridemovement@gmail com

All photos are provided by Cebu Pride Movement