Hawaii Filipino Lawyers Association marks Pride Month with NFALA-ganza

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – In honor of Pride Month, a local organization is celebrating through culture, advocacy and community.

Read more M7.8 earthquake strikes Philippines, no tsunami threat to Hawaii

The Hawaii Filipino Lawyers Association is hosting its fifth annual NFALA-ganza!, a three-day event from June 19-21. The event aims to support LGBTQIA+ law students and raise scholarship funds.

Joey Badua of Hawaii Filipino Lawyers Association and state Rep. Daisy Hartsfield, covering Waipahu and Village Park, joined HNN Sunrise Weekends to discuss the event and the importance of creating safe spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community.

“I think as attorneys it’s our responsibility and duty to really make sure that our rights are protected and that we educate our community about the importance of treating people fairly and just accepting them for who they are,” Badua said.

Hartsfield says during this year’s legislative session, lawmakers passed Hawaii House Bill 1875 which broadens protections for individuals seeking medical care, particularly members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“We know even within our Filipino community that we have a lot of individuals who struggle with mental health,” Hartsfield said. “We want them to be comfortable with who they are and be proud of who they are.”

Read more First Alert Forecast: Scattered trade wind showers Monday as winds ease slightly

After years of virtual and hybrid performances, the first in-person NFALA-ganza was held at the historic Stonewall Inn in New York City, where the gay rights movement began.

Honolulu festivities will begin on Friday, June 19, with a welcome reception at the Outrigger Waikiki Paradise Hotel, followed by educational panels on Philippine history, Filipino migration and the LGBTQIA+ community featuring Dr. Lance Collins.

Another panel will discuss a recent U.S. Supreme Court case involving conversion therapy, featuring Hawaii Supreme Court Justice Sabrina McKenna and University of Hawaii professor Linda Krieger.

The main event will be held at Tapas Waikiki and include performances from local entertainers and drag performers.

Read more Kauai police seek man wanted in connection with homicide investigation

To donate or support, click here or follow @hifilaw808 on Instagram.