81 take part in PSS Mental Health Team’s ‘Luta Color Run’

The Public School System’s Mental Health Team poses with Mayor Aubry Hocog, Luta Color Run participants, and Americorps volunteers at the finishing station of the run. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

The Mental Health Team of the Public School System, in collaboration with community agencies, took the lead in organizing the “Luta Color Run” on Rota last Saturday, June 10, 2023, to celebrate Pride Month.

Following the devastating impact of Typhoon Mawar on the island of Rota, the community demonstrated remarkable resilience as a total of 81 participants joined the fun run. Early participants received a warm welcome and an incentive package to kick off the event.

The run started at the Tun Kindu Baseball Field and took participants on a scenic route around the Sinapalo Youth Center and Rota Judicial Center, then ending back at the baseball field. Along the route, color splash stations were set up every 200 feet, adding to the excitement and vibrancy of the event.

Prior to the start, Isaiah Solong from the Rota Mayor’s Public Information Office led the participants in a light stretch and exercise session, followed by welcoming remarks from LEA Community manager Marvin Tamangided and Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog.

Vannah Hocog, a Behavioral Health specialist from PSS Mental Health, collaborated with Tamangided in the days leading up to the event to coordinate support and efforts alongside various community partners.

“It was a heartwarming event that brought the community together to support allyship and inclusivity. These kinds of activities serve to promote safe spaces for our LGBTQIA+ youth and community as a whole. Despite the challenges that Rota faced from Typhoon Mawar, it did not hinder the Gilita spirit to celebrate PRIDE,” said Tamangided.

PSS Mental Health organized the event to raise awareness about the vital importance of creating braver and safer spaces for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. These inclusive environments are essential in fostering comfort, acceptance, and value within students and communities. Promoting such spaces not only cultivates inclusivity, but also empowers individuals to embrace their identities, fostering self-discovery and acceptance of their sexual orientation, while recognizing the crucial role of mental well-being and physical health in this transformative journey, and emphasizing the provision of support and resources for individuals to flourish.

Dr. Bobby Cruz, PSS Mental Health State Education Agency director, said, “I am immensely proud of our Luta team and inspired by the mayor’s leadership in prioritizing Pride despite numerous challenges. These events serve as a powerful reminder that individuals of all ages and diverse gender identities can live authentically without the burden of hiding their true selves. The Luta Color Run served as yet another testament to our collective efforts in replacing fear with hope, rejection with acceptance, intolerance with humanity, and most importantly, eradicating shame to cultivate pride.”

For more information and updates on events, activities, and social media challenges for Pride Month, you can follow the Dolphin Pride Club, Pride Marianas-Youth, Pride Marianas, and PSS Mental Health (Haligi Aware) on Instagram and Facebook.

Pride Month is an observance that spans the entire month and celebrates the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, +) community. It commemorates the historic milestones of the LGBTQ+ social movement and endeavors to educate the community about the importance of inclusivity and equality. It is essential to note that the LGBTQ+ community encompasses various gender identities beyond those represented by the acronym, including intersex, nonbinary, asexual, pansexual, and individuals who identify in diverse ways or are exploring their sexual or gender identity or expression. The celebration also extends a warm welcome to all allies and supporters of the LGBTQ+ community. (PR)