As Pride Month 2025 draws to a close, the fight for LGBTQIA+ equality in the Philippines surges forward with renewed urgency.
Verde Creatives, a public relations, talent management, and events agency, unveiled its landmark Pride Month photo campaign titled “EQUALITY CHAMPIONS: Magandang Laban” — a bold visual call for the long-overdue passage of the SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics) Equality Bill.
The campaign was officially launched on June 17 at the Dark Roast Coffeehouse in Maginhawa, Quezon City, as part of Verde Creatives’ 8th anniversary.
More than a celebration, the campaign stands as a testament to the decades-long struggle of the LGBTQIA+ community for dignity, protection, and equal rights under the law.
“At a time when the SOGIESC Bill has yet to be passed despite being filed for over 25 years, it is more important than ever to put a human face to the cause,” said Verde Creatives founder and LGBTQIA+ advocate Ms. Bemz Benedito. “We are being left behind. This campaign brings visibility to our stories and reminds the public and lawmakers that we are real people with real struggles and real contributions to society.”
The photo campaign features a powerful mix of LGBTQIA+ individuals and cisgender allies, including Senator Loren Legarda, Representative Geraldine Roman, Representative Len Alonte, and Kababaihan Partylist Rep. Kate Galang-Coseteng. They are joined by organizations such as Ladlad Partylist, the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP), Transpinay of Antipolo Organization (TAO), and the LGBTQIA+ Association of the LTFRB under the Department of Transportation.
“We’re not backing down,” said Benedito, who is also the first transgender woman to be nominated for a congressional seat and to chair Ladlad Partylist. “Every photo in this campaign is a declaration of courage and resilience. Visibility is our resistance. By showing who we are, we challenge prejudice and demand justice.”
The initiative was further backed by community leaders and longtime advocates. Dexter Macaldo, Chairperson of Ladlad Partylist, noted that the images “bring stories of strength and individuality — inspiring others to live their truth in a more accepting society.” Vashti of STRAP expressed her excitement: “This campaign supports our shared experience and push for laws that recognize our rights, especially the SOGIESC bill.”
Maria Barbie Arcache, national leader of 1 LGBT Pilipinas, reflected on her journey from pageants to activism. “You can share that beauty in your heart… Now that I’m retired, I still want to share that advocacy. We cannot be stagnant. We are here to move and shake the world in the aspects of human rights,” she said.
The campaign title “Magandang Laban” (A Good Fight) underscores the optimism and determination of those involved. Verde Creatives hopes the campaign will reignite national attention on the need to pass the SOGIESC Bill — a measure that aims to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics.
The bill continues to languish in Congress despite widespread support, both locally and internationally. Advocates stress that the legislation would secure fundamental rights to education, employment, healthcare, and public services for LGBTQIA+ Filipinos.
Support from corporate and institutional partners — including PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil and his wife Mary Rose Marbil, Dark Roast Coffeehouse, P-iKan, and Organic Nature — adds further weight to the campaign’s broad cross-sectoral backing.
Senator Loren Legarda voiced her continued support: “This initiative beautifully illustrates the human faces behind the SOGIESC Bill. It reminds us of the fundamental protections every Filipino deserves.”
Verde Creatives’ latest effort builds on the success of its 2024 “Queen of Baguio” campaign and proves that creativity can be a tool for advocacy and impact. With “Equality Champions: Magandang Laban,” the call for equality rings louder — reminding everyone that June is not just a month of celebration, but a movement demanding action.
The campaign will continue to expand its reach beyond Pride Month, with future activations and partnerships in the pipeline.
Because equality isn’t seasonal — it’s a right. (with reports from Carlos Miguel Aragon)
