How Vice Ganda and other queer personalities are reinforcing the LGBTQIA+ acceptance in the Philippines

Ex Badilla

June 23, 2023

• 

  No matter how much we say that the Philippines is ‘queer-friendly,’ the country’s patriarchal and spiritual views are etched deeply in every Filipino. 

  For almost two decades, the LGBTQIA+ community in the Philippines has been fighting for the SOGIE Bill to be signed into law. Unfortunately, aside from the patriarchy, the community is also faced by certain beliefs that contribute heavily to the impediment of having equal rights. 

  

  Photo courtesy of Metro Manila Pride 2023

  In retrospect, it is very ironic that Spain, the country that colonized us through religion, has already legalized same-sex marriage way back in 2005, and recently signed a comprehensive law for anti-discrimination which includes the LGBTQIA+ community. 

  Makes one wonder, how come the Philippines is so full of queer people, and yet, the country is still struggling to grant them rights that protect them? Well, let’s just say that the country still has a long way to go before it can fully flourish. But with the generation today, there is hope that the future is bright for the minority. 

  They are the generation known to break generational traumas and toxic cycles. With this comes their openness and understanding nature, which helps in creating conversations and tearing down harmful mindsets. As someone who is part of the community itself, this year’s Pride Month is different from the ones before. The representation has significantly grown, and these people are contributing, if not reinforcing the acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Philippines.

  As the Unkabogable Star, Vice Ganda did not disappoint in welcoming Pride Month with a strong statement through their concert, Your Memejesty. Aside from the entertaining performances and stand-up segments, Vice Ganda made sure to remind the audience on what they stand for. They aren’t afraid anymore, and so should the people that they inspired to be unapologetically themselves. 

  @tian_tian87 Vice Ganda & Ion Perez Kiss #yourmemejestyqueenvg #viceion #philippineconcerts #aranetacoliseum #lovewins🏳️‍🌈 ♬ original sound – tian_tian🇵🇭

  In the male-dominated industry of eSports, OhMyV33nus continues to shatter stereotypes against queer pro and even amateur players. Dubbed as the Queen of Support, he proves that being ‘just a support’ player doesn’t equate to weakness and fragility. In fact, he continues to receive verbal abuse and online bashing from various people for being queer and a huge threat in the industry. As the current team captain of Blacklist International, they won back-to-back national championships, and a historic sweep win at the M3 World Championships. 

  

  These drag performers are taking the country by a storm! With the Philippine franchise of Drag Race, a space has been made for queer artists like them in the mainstream media. Surprisingly, this received strong support, not only from the members of the LGBTQIA+ community, but as well as the general public. This is considering that the Drag scene in the Philippines isn’t as recognized as in the Western countries. Their appearances are from here and there, and more and more people are gaining the courage to be inspired by their craft. 

  

  You can celebrate Pride with these queens on June 30th!

  

  With the current political weather in the Philippines, the chances of getting the SOGIE Bill approved are slim. Our country needs to break away from toxic mindsets and beliefs in order to make way for new ideas and conversations. However, it is not a hurdle we can’t pass through. Celebrating our Pride shouldn’t be threatened by bigots that think the law is a pie. Let’s all continue to create safe spaces for everyone. Equality for all.

• COMMENTS