Araneta City, a commercial, mixed-use development area in Cubao, Quezon City, became more colorful with celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month last June, with its #EveryHueInYou campaign, aimed at celebrating the diversity of human sexuality and gender, and love and life in all its beautiful colors.
Starting on 1 June, the #PRIDEstrian crossing at the intersection of General Aguinaldo Street and General Malvar Street (near Gateway Tower and New Frontier Theater) has been “yassified” to reflect the colors of the Pride flag, becoming Instagram-worthy.
The Araneta City management also put up the #ForestOfHue, an art installation filled with colorful trees that people can come to and take their photos or TikTok videos at. The #ForestOfHue was installed at the Ali Mall Activity Area from 5 to 9 June; the Farmers Plaza Bazaar from 10 to 18 June; Gateway Mall Activity Area from 19 to 22 June; and the Farmers Plaza Activity Area from 24 to 30 June.
The City of Firsts also promoted HIV awareness by hosting the exhibit Tanggulan of photographer Niccolo Cosme. The exhibit showcased advocates like Miss Universe 2015 Universe Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey, Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2022 Gabrielle Basiano and Binibining Pilipinas International 2022 Nicole Borromeo in portraits that are painted using HIV+ blood. It was at the Gateway Gallery Studio from 8 to 18 June; Ali Mall Activity Area from 19 to 22 June; and Gateway Mall Activity Area from 23 to 30 June.
“We support all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Through installations like these, we are encouraging them to proudly show their true colors to the world. We know how important it is for members of the community to live their truth as authentically as possible, and we here at the City of Firsts are behind them all the way,” Marjorie Go, AVP for Marketing of Araneta City, said.
Araneta City also challenged netizens to show their fierce side by joining the #RampaSaAraneta contest. They were encouraged to pose and sashay on the #PRIDEstrian and #ForestOfHue, upload entries on TikTok, tag Araneta City and use the hashtags #AranetaCity #RampaSaAraneta #CityOfFirsts for a chance to win exciting prizes, such as an overnight stay at Novotel Manila Araneta City and P5,000. The competition ran from 5 to 30 June.
To help foster a more inclusive space for everyone at Araneta City, agency personnel underwent a special learning session on gender and sexuality led by Ameerah Milano, faculty member and coordinator of the Gender and Development Desk of the Academic Affairs Office of the Far Eastern University. The session aimed to educate participants on matters of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
“At Araneta City, we aim to foster a safe community where anyone can feel free and comfortable to be their true selves. This Pride Month, we express our solidarity and unwavering support for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. They are always welcome to be who they are here in the City of Firsts,” Go said.