ROTA (Public School System) — The PSS Mental Health Team spearheaded “Luta Color Run” on June 11, 2022, Saturday, with the support of partnering community agencies in celebration of Pride Month.
Pride Month is a month-long observation and celebration of the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Queer +) community. It celebrates the historic strides made by the LGBTQ+ social movement and the continuous endeavor to educate our community on the importance of inclusivity and equality.
The spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community is not limited to the commonly known gender identities named in the acronym. It includes a spectrum of gender identities such as intersex, nonbinary, asexual, pansexual, and/or those who identify in other ways or are questioning their sexual or gender identity or expression.
The Pride Month celebration also welcomes all supporters of the community who support the movement as allies.
Mental health plays an immense role in the process of self-discovery in one’s sexual identity.
PSS Mental Health, in conjunction with Project TASA and Project HALIGI AWARE, hosted Rota’s second “Luta Color Run” to celebrate the spirit of Pride Month and raise awareness on the importance of mental wellness and physical health.
The first 75 participants were greeted with a warm welcome and received incentive packs.
There were a total of 95 participants.
Prior to the commencement of the event, the Department of Fire and Emergency Management Services led participants in warming up for the Luta Color Run.
Marvin Tamangided, Local Educational Agency community project manager for Rota, then delivered the welcoming remarks.
Vannah Hocog, PSS mental health behavioral health specialist, worked alongside Tamangided in the days leading up to the event.
The Luta Color Run route started at the Tun Kindu Baseball Field, and proceeded to the Sinapalo Youth Center and Rota Judicial Center before heading back to the baseball field.
There were color splash stations for every 200 feet of the route. The partnering community organizations and agencies included FILCOR, DCCA DYS, Rota Municipal Council, CHCC CGC, G&C Clan, AmeriCorps and the Rota Mayor’s Office, all of which helped ensure the success of the event.
For their part, DPS and DFEMS provided assistance by ensuring the safety of all participants.
One participant said: “The event was a huge success with a great turnout. I’m excited for more activities like this. It really brings out the community for a great cause. I’m really happy that many people came out to support LGBTQ awareness.”
PSS Mental Health would like to thank the following organizations and agencies for their generous contributions and support: FILCOR, DCCA DYS, Rota Municipal Council, CHCC CGC, DPS, DFEMS, G&C Clan, AmeriCorps and the Rota’s Mayor’s Office.
PSS Mental Health spearheaded “Luta Color Run” with the support of partnering community agencies on Rota.
Rota AmeriCorps volunteers support Project HALIGI AWARE.
