Colors of Love: Honoring Elderly LGBTQ+ with Rainbow Care Caravan
The Philippine Information Agency-NCR (PIA-NCR) teamed up with various government agencies, NGOs, and companies to celebrate Pride Month with a colorful event named Rainbow Care Caravan in Intramuros, Manila on June 20.
This event splashed a vibrant support to the elderly LGBTQ+ community, teaming up with organizations such as Golden Bekis and Golden Gays, and presenting a diverse range of services and gifts to all attendees.
Labor of Love
Rainbow Care Caravan was a heartfelt expression of love, compassion, and hope for the LGBTQ+ community. According to PIA-NCR Regional Director Emver Cortez, they crafted it through a labor of love despite financial constraints, aiming to provide free services and organize an event for the community.
“Ito po ay talagang labor of love lang kasi wala tayong masyadong puhunan at pondo, pero this time naitawaid natin at makakapagbigay pa tayo ng serbisyo sa ating mamamayan,” Mr. Cortez said.
Ice Seguerra, a singer-songwriter and a trans man, also attended the event to show his support for the community. He emphasized that celebrations should not limit themselves to Pride Month and stressed the importance of creating a safe space where everyone in the community can feel included.
“We need our safe space, a safe space na masasabi naming we kind of free to be who we are. Because if you notice we are such beautiful people,” singer-songwriter said.
Furthermore, despite limited resources, the Rainbow Care Caravan exemplifies the power of compassion and determination in making a positive impact. It not only addresses urgent medical needs but also provides a platform for showcasing talents and livelihoods, fostering a sense of community and hope among participants.
Rainbow Care for Everyone
Rainbow Care Caravan celebrates the elderly LGBTQ+ community by offering a range of services including free PhilHealth Konsulta, medical and dental services, HIV testing, legal consultations, and assistance with police clearance.
This initiative aims to support and empower LGBTQ+ organizations named Golden Bekis and Golden Gays. Additionally, Lalamove PH is extending their support to the elderly by donating 20 wheelchairs as gifts to lucky attendees of the Rainbow Care Caravan.
These free services for the elderly extend beyond Pride Month, showcasing compassion not only for the LGBTQ+ community but also for those elderly individuals in need. This demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting the diverse needs of the community.
Golden Bekis
Golden Bekis was established in 2021 during the height of the pandemic. Their group, mostly composed of gay men aged 55 and up, teaches their members skills to create products like bracelets, and sell them in bazaars.
Among them were individuals who lived on the streets or worked as street vendors. Many of them highlighted their critical need for medical assistance and so Rainbow Care Caravan proved to be a lifeline for them, offering essential services that made a significant difference in their lives.
Kyle Mendrez, representing Golden Bekis, expressed heartfelt gratitude to their partners, particularly Lalamove, for their unwavering support during Pride Month.
“Malaking pasasalamat sa tulong at tiwala na binigay ng partners, tulad ng Lalamove sa selebrasyon ng Pride Month. Proud din kami na ma-share ang Golden Bekis merchandise sa iba ring LGBT-owned businesses. Sana magkaroon pa ng mas malaki ang mas impactful na partnership na makakatulong para sa kabuuan ng ating komunidad,” Medrez said.
In a bid to empower communities, Lalamove Philippines facilitated connections between the Golden Bekis and LGBT-owned businesses Butterboy Bakehouse and Sebastian’s Ice Cream. They further demonstrated their support by sponsoring P60,000 worth of Golden Bekis merchandise, prominently featuring it during Pride Month promotions at Butterboy and Sebastian’s Ice Cream.
Butterboy Bakehouse distributed Golden Bekis merchandise at their SM North Edsa branch opening on June 13, raising awareness for elderly LGBT individuals. Additionally, Sebastian’s Ice Cream pledged 20% of their Pride Month Collection sales to support the Golden Bekis and Golden Gays, further demonstrating their commitment to the cause.
The Rainbow Care Caravan is clearly a project driven by love. In this way, it becomes evident that love, expressed in various ways, stands as the most powerful tool for driving positive change within the community.
