By PR | 01:13 PM June 20, 2024
Bohol took a braver leap on diversity and inclusivity after it launched the first
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning/queer (LGBTQ) -plus-themed visual art exhibit in celebration of the annual Pride Month.
The Center for Culture and Arts Development (CCAD) and the Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage (BACH) Council opened the Pabuhagay: Pride Month Art Exhibit on June 18 at the Alta Citta, Tagbilaran City.
At least 18 courageous LGBTQ+ Boholano artists showcased visual excellence aimed to create awareness of the LGBTQ+ community in Bohol and the wide spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as acceptance and tolerance of diversity.
Artists featured were Ameril Ampatua, Gil CTLR, F Jordan Carnice, Thirdy Cuadra, John Oliver Janelle Jumarito, John Dave Aceberos Raña, Ryard Josh Adorable, Daneel Potot, Clijster Aile Oguis, Giancarlo Accardi, HJ Raneses, Maria Isabel Cafe, Rezi Pitaya, Inday Noa, Ren Paragados, Marvin Ablao, Jumjum Ouano, and Yoyo Cabahug.
Cabahug, project coordinator of Bohol Pop Contemporary Visual Artists Group (Bohol Pop), welcomed the attendees and gave an overview of the exhibit, while Ouano, ex-officio of Bohol Pop, presented the curator’s note and welcome message.
Before the launching, SOGIESC talks presented Boholano Historian Marianito Luspo on shamanism, babaylanism, and gender fluidity; Ouano, project coordinator of CURLS, Inc., on SOGIE’s Influence in Arts, Media, and Pop Culture; and Gavin Michael Cubillo, CCAD project development officer on the plans of CCAD on Gender and Development.
In his message, Cubillo called for the community to be brave enough to express their identity and fight for visibility and acceptance through various fields, including the arts.
“If not now, then when? Hadlok kaayo nga mu-step into the light, but importante nga naa (nasugdan) ang Pabuhagay ug naa kami kanunay sa CCAD musuporta, among pangusgan nga naa na ning (Pagbuhagay) every year,” Cubillo said.
“If we make our fight stronger and be heard, maybe there will be changes (and) improvement sa treatment sa LGBTQ+ community. We are here and we will no longer be living in fear,” he added.
Lucell Larawan, chairperson of the BACH Council Visual Arts Committee, graced the event which also featured vocal and drag performances from members of the LGBTQ+ community.
‘Pabuhagay’ is presented by the Bohol Integrated Development Foundation, Alta Citta, Bohol Pop, and supported by the BrightKids Foundation.
The exhibit is also part of the bigger, bolder, and new Sandugo sa Bohol celebration under the ‘Tabo’ stream that focuses on fairs and expos which will run until June 29.
Aligned with Governor Aris Aumentado’s Strategic Change Agenda and ABante vision, the aim of the expanded ‘Sandugo’ celebration is to showcase Boholano arts and culture in the first and only UNESCO Global Geopark Regenerative Island Province in the Philippines.
For schedules and information about the Sandugo sa Bohol celebration, you may download the Pedi App on Play Store for Android and App Store for iOS users, or visit sandugosabohol.pedi.ph. (PiMO/JSS)
