ILOILO – With this province recording the highest number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in Western Visayas, the Iloilo provincial government will hold its first Pride Month Forum this Wednesday, June 18, to promote awareness and inclusivity for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community.
Over 100 participants from the LGBTQIA+ sector across Iloilo’s 42 municipalities and Passi City are expected to join the forum themed “Beyond the Colors,” which will take place at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol lobby.
Organized by the capitol through its LGBTQIA+ Association in coordination with the Gender and Development (GAD) office and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), the forum aims to highlight the urgent need to address stigma, discrimination, and health concerns affecting the LGBTQIA+ population.
“The forum seeks to underscore the importance the provincial government places on the LGBTQIA+ community, especially during Pride Month,” said Gil Palma II, vice president of the IPG-LGBTQIA+ Association. “We also hope to encourage active participation of members in government programs in their respective towns.”
Key topics in the forum will include the Safe Spaces Act and the alarming rise of HIV cases in the province.
According to data from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office, males having sex with males remain the most common mode of HIV transmission, followed by those who have sexual relations with both males and females.
Since 1988, Iloilo has recorded 2,174 HIV cases — representing 34 percent of the region’s total — making it the province with the highest number of cases.
In just the first quarter of 2025, 111 new HIV cases were diagnosed in the province, with 40 of them recorded in March alone. The number of deaths attributed to HIV has reached 271 since 1988, including 15 fatalities from January to March 2025.
“We want to educate more people — especially those who may not fully understand HIV — on how it spreads and what preventive measures they can take,” Palma added.
The forum will also serve as a platform to address continuing cases of discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially in public spaces.
“We still hear of discrimination against our members,” Palma said. “This is why we are discussing the Safe Spaces Act — to educate the public and push for respect and protection of LGBTQIA+ rights.”
The organizers are inviting all LGBTQIA+ members and allies in the province to attend the forum and take part in fostering a more inclusive and informed community./PN
