Quezon City held its third annual rainbow graduation rites this week, continuing a tradition that celebrates LGBTQIA+ graduates alongside their families and allies. The milestone event, which has become a staple of Pride Month in the city, honors graduating students from various schools and universities across Quezon City in a ceremony designed to be fully inclusive and affirming.
Organized by the Quezon City government in partnership with local educational institutions and LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups, the rainbow graduation rites provide a space where queer graduates can celebrate their academic achievements without hiding who they are. The ceremony features a full stage program, guest speakers from the LGBTQIA+ community, and the conferment of special certificates recognizing each graduate’s journey.
A Growing Tradition of Inclusion
Now on its third year, the rainbow graduation has grown significantly since its inception. What started as a small gathering has expanded into one of the most anticipated events of Pride Month in Quezon City. The local government has made it a priority to ensure that queer students feel seen and celebrated during what is already a major milestone in their lives.
Mayor Joy Belmonte has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, and under her leadership, Quezon City has rolled out several pioneering initiatives. These include the Right to Care Card program, gender-inclusive healthcare policies, and anti-discrimination ordinances that protect queer residents across the city. The rainbow graduation rites are an extension of these efforts, reinforcing the message that Quezon City is a safe and welcoming place for everyone regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
What Makes This Year Special
Several elements made this year’s rainbow graduation particularly memorable:
- More than 200 graduates participated, the highest turnout since the event began
- Family members were invited to join the ceremony and walk the stage with their graduate
- Special awards were given to graduates who have been active in LGBTQIA+ advocacy
- The program included performances by queer artists and cultural groups
- Each graduate received a commemorative rainbow stole to wear during the ceremony
- Career counseling booths were set up to help graduates find LGBTQIA+-friendly workplaces
Parents and guardians also had the chance to participate in a supportive allies workshop held alongside the main event. The workshop provided resources on how to better support queer family members, including understanding pronouns, navigating healthcare decisions, and advocating for inclusive policies at home and in their communities.
School and Community Involvement
Multiple schools and universities across Quezon City sent representatives to the event, including the University of the Philippines Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University, and various public high schools in the city. Student organizations played a big role in coordinating with their respective institutions to ensure that graduates who wanted to participate could do so without any administrative hurdles.
The rainbow graduation also ties into larger Pride Month celebrations in Quezon City, which this year included the QC Pride Run, the LoveLaban Pride Festival, and several community dialogues on LGBTQIA+ issues. The city government has positioned June as a month of celebration, education, and advocacy, and the graduation ceremony sits at the heart of that vision.
If you or someone you know is a Quezon City graduate interested in these kinds of events, schools and organizations can reach out to the Quezon City government’s LGBTQIA+ affairs desk for more information on next year’s plans. For custom pride shirts, event uniforms, or graduation souvenir shirts for your organization or school, feel free to get in touch.
For inquiries about custom shirts for school events and pride celebrations, call us at +63 946 048 0491 or email gracezelguerra22@gmail.com.