By Joseph M. Hocog
Buenas yan Hafa Adai! My name is Joseph M. Hocog and for the past three years, I have spearheaded, through the support of the Tinian Mayorâs Office, the lgbTIQ PRIDE Events for members of the LGBTQ community on Tinian. My PRIDE experience is unique and this is my story.
It was 2017, the former Mayor Joey Patrick San Nicolas decided to host LBGTQ members for a barbecue at Kammer Beach. About 30 people showed, wore whatever rainbow-themed attire they had and mingled for a couple of hours. I was living on Saipan at the time and when I had seen the pictures and videos of that night, I thought: âWow! The administration is putting an effort to acknowledge us!â. That same year, I moved back home and worked for Mayor San Nicolas as his Events Coordinator.