A year of Philippine LGBTIQ+ milestones
The situation of Philippine LGBTIQ+ community has experienced heartening progress, while still facing challenges.
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The situation of Philippine LGBTIQ+ community has experienced heartening progress, while still facing challenges.
The Amsterdam Rainbow Dress on display at the TriNoma mall in Quezon City in June 2024.
Maxie crowned as the winner of ‘Drag Race Philippines’ Season 3.
Photograph courtesy of HBO Go
Embattled drag queen Pura Luka Vega.
Photograph courtesy of ig/puralukavega
Drag queens performed at Love Laban 2 Everyone Pride PH Festival, which drew thousands of attendees.
Photograph courtesy of Pride PH
Sparks Camp Season 2.
photograph courtesy of Black Sheep Productions
Honorees of the Philippine LGBTQ ICON Awards 2024.
Photograph courtesy of The Red Whistle
Marina Summers competing in ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World Series 2.’
Photograph courtesy ofworld wof wonder
Winners of Tomboy Philippines.
Photograph courtesy of Tomboy Philippines
In 2024, the situation of LGBTIQ+ communities in the world remains to be a complex mix of progress and setbacks. In many Western nations, LGBTQ+ rights have continued to advance, with more countries legalizing same-sex marriage, improving anti-discrimination laws, and increasing representation in politics and media, including the Best Actress win of Spanish actress Karla Sofía Gascón, which was shared together with her co-stars in Emilia Pérez, at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, making history by being the first openly trans actor to win a major prize at the prestigious festival. Additionally, the continuing success of Rupaul’s Drag Race and its international franchise substantially contributed to awareness and the mainstreaming of the queer creative expression of drag.
Furthermore, countries such as Canada, the Netherlands and Spain have reinforced their commitment to equality through inclusive policies and protections for transgender individuals. The United States has seen both progress and challenges, with some states enacting protective laws while others introduce restrictive legislation targeting transgender rights.
Marriage equality has been achieved in several parts of the world such as Estonia, Aruba, Curaçao, Greece, and Thailand, which became the first Southeast Asian country to legally recognize same-sex marriages and the third territory in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, after Taiwan and Nepal.
However, in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, LGBTIQ+ communities continue to face discrimination, criminalization and violence. Uganda, for example, passed harsh anti-LGBTIQ+ laws in 2023, and other nations maintain or strengthen their restrictions. Russia has expanded its anti-LGBTIQ+ propaganda laws, making it increasingly dangerous for activists and individuals to live openly.
Despite these challenges, global advocacy efforts remain strong. LGBTIQ+ Pride events, social media activism, and legal battles push for equal rights worldwide. The fight for LGBTIQ+ equality continues, highlighting both victories and the need for continued activism.
In the Philippines, LGBTIQ+ situation in 2024 has experienced progress, while still facing challenges. SOGIESC Equality Bill has still not been signed, but ordinances penalizing discrimination based on gender were in development in several towns and cities.
This rundown of notable Philippine LGBTIQ+ events and developments in 2024 is part of my ongoing project of writing a timeline of Philippine LGBTIQ+ history.
Pioneering Filipino drag competition and reality series, Drag Den, aired its second season. Created and directed by Rod Singh, Drag Den 2 premiered on 18 January 2024 on Amazon Prime Video and streamed weekly until 7 March. Manila Luzon returned as host and main judge, with Sassa Gurl and Nicole Cordoves serving as co-judges. Produced by Cornerstone Studios and Project 8 Projects, the second season featured ten contestants competing — Deja, Mrs. Tan, Moi, Feyvah Fatalé, Russia Fox, Margaux, Jean Vilogue, Elvira, Marlyn and Maria Lava. 22-year old queen from Baguio City, Deja emerged as the winner, earning the title of the “Filipino’s Next Drag Supreme,” while Mrs. Tan and Moi were the runners-up.
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Twenty-six-year-old drag performer and Drag Race Philippines Season 1 runner-up Marina Summers became the first Filipino to compete in RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs The World, a spin-off of the popular RuPaul’s Drag Race. She was one of the 11 contestants competing in Series 2, which aired from 9 February to 29 March 2024, and finished in third place.
Drag artist Pura Luka Vega was arrested again by police in Manila on 29 February 2024 for three counts of “immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions and indecent shows.” She was arrested for the same charges in October 2023. Vega received enormous backlash after a video of her drag performance, mimicking an image of Jesus Christ and dancing to a remix of “Ama Namin,” was posted on social media in June 2023. Several places declared her persona non grata and cases filed against her in the biggest public persecution of an LGBTIQ+ person for perceived religious offense in the Philippines.
Artists and fellow drag performers decried the continued persecution. Concerned Artists of the Philippines released a statement on 1 March condemning the repeated arrest.
“This pattern of harassment raises serious concerns for the artistic freedom of individuals within the LGBTQ+ community,” they said. “It is disheartening to witness the persistent efforts to curtail Pura’s artistic expression. The broader implications of these arrests are chilling to our artistic community. These hate-based attacks and weaponization of the law not only undermine the fundamental rights of Pura Luka Vega but also impoverish and disempower the art community at large.”
“We urge authorities to reconsider their actions and uphold the principles of freedom of expression, recognizing the importance of a diversity of expression within the arts sector,” the organization emphasized. “We stand united in demanding the immediate release of Pura and affirming the right of every individual to express themselves creatively without fear of persecution.”
The Equality Alliance, the broadest coalition of more than 200 LGBTQ+ organizations, private sector representatives, youth groups, religious formations and other allied groups in the Philippines, was launched, led by PANTAY, Lagablab LGBT Network, Bahaghari, Pride PH, LGBT Pilipinas, Inc., and congresswoman Geraldine Roman. This was an effort to further promote and push the SOGIESC Equality Bill and urge the president to certify the bill as urgent.
The exhibit “Pabuhagay” was mounted from 18 to 29 June at Alta Citta Mall in Tagbilaran City, featuring works by eighteen LGBTIQ+ Boholano artists —Marvin Ablao, Ameril Ampatua, Gil Ctlr, F Jordan Carnice, Thirdy Cuadra, John Oliver, Janelle Jumarito, Yoyo Cabahug, John Dave Aceberos Raña, Jumjum Ouano, Ryard Josh Adorable, Daneel Potot, Clijster Aile Oguis, Giancarlo Accardi, HJ Raneses, Maria Isabel Café, Rezi Pitaya, Inday Noa, and Ren Paragados. This marked the very first time the provincial government of Bohol held an event to celebrate LGBTIQ+ Pride Month in the Central Visayan island province.
Love Laban 2 Everyone: Pride PH Festival and affiliated Pride events in different parts of the country drew a cumulative total of 228,000 attendees, making it the largest Pride event in Asia in terms of attendance. Love Laban 2 Everyone: Pride PH Festival was held on 22 June at the Quezon Memorial Circle, with an estimated crowd size of about 212,000 attendees, but was cut short because of heavy rains. A second Pride event, Love Laban 2 Everyone! Happy Equality: Araw ng Pasasalamat, was held on June 30, drawing about 27,000 attendees. Affiliated Pride events held simultaneously with Love Laban 2 Everyone: Pride PH Festival were Iloilo Pride Pyesta 2024 in Iloilo City, Iloilo, with about 6,000 attendees; Northern Luzon Pride in Baguio City, with about 4,000 attendees; Iligan Pride 2024 in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, with about 1,000 attendees; Catarman Pride in Catarman, Northern Samar, with about 500 attendees; Quirino Pride in the province of Quirino with about 300 attendees; and Magsaysay Pride in Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental, with about 50 attendees. Other affiliated Pride events were Mindanao Pride in Cagayan de Oro City on 30 June, with about 3,000 attendees, and Ladlad Caraga in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, on 29 June, with about 1,000 attendees. Other affiliated Pride events were Mindanao Pride in Cagayan de Oro City, held on 30 June, with about 3,000 attendees, and Ladlad Caraga in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, held on 29 June, with about 1,000 attendees.
The wearable art installation, the Amsterdam Rainbow Dress, made a stop in the Philippines, a first for Southeast Asia. It was at the Love Laban 2 Everyone: Pride PH Festival on June 22 and was on display at TriNoma on June 25 and 26 in Quezon City. It was worn by Vice Ganda for an art photography shoot. The installation is a dress made of the national flags from countries where being LGBTIQ+ and LGBTIQ+ acts are illegal, punishable by imprisonment, torture or even death. It aims to raise awareness on the global struggle of the marginalized community and to advocate for acceptance and equal rights.
Marahuyo Project, television series on queer youth, premiered. Produced by Anima Studios, the eight-episode series was created and directed by JP Habac, with Benson Logronio and Juvy Galamiton as main writers. Starring Adrian Lindayag and Neo France Garcia, Marahuyo Project follows a group students as they face challenges in establishing their university’s first LGBTIQ+ organization in a coastal town. The series was released on the Anima Studios’ YouTube channel for free, beginning with two episodes (“Amihan” and “Dios Buhawi”). Episodes 3 (“Sidapa at Bulan”) and 4 (“Santelmo”) were released on 26 June, Episodes 5 (“Hunyango”) and 6 (“Sirena”) on 28 June, and Episodes 7 (“Aswang”) and 8 (“Babaylan”) on 30 June.
The second season of Sparks Camp, a gay dating reality series produced by Black Sheep and ABS-CBN Studios, began streaming on Black Sheep’s YouTube channel.
The Metro Manila Pride organization was not able to hold a march and concert, and instead held a series of small events throughout the month such as “Hangout, Coffee, and Chill” on 15 June in Makati City; “Resbaklaan,” a talent show, on 22 June in Makati City; “Pride Piknik,” a potluck and film viewing event, which also showcased several performances, at the Rizal Park Open-Air Auditorium in Manila, on 29 June. Their slogan for the LGBTIQ+ Pride Month celebration was “Resbak Na! Iisang Laban Para sa Karapatan at Kulayaan.”
Five LGBTIQ+ individuals and allies were honored at the third Philippine LGBTQ Icon Awards, held on 29 June 2024, during the 13th Annual Philippine Pride Party in Marilao, Bulacan. Honorees were actor Adrian Lindayag, who received the Young People’s Champion Award for his dedication to queer visibility in media; singer-songwriter Ice Seguerra who received the Trans Trailblazer Award for his efforts in paving the way for other trans artists in the entertainment industry; drag queen Marina Summers who received the Beacon of Representation Award for upholding LGBTIQ+ excellence in the international stage; human rights advocate and lawyer Chel Diokno, who received the Ally for Change Award for his support of the SOGIESC Equality Bill; and former Vice President Leni Robredo, who received the Icon of the Year for her personal advocacy for equality, outspokenness against discrimination, and the impactful programs and initiatives of Angat Buhay that support the Filipino LGBTIQ+ community.
Organized by HIV awareness and LGBTIQ+ rights organization The Red Whistle and O Bar Philippines, the Philippine LGBTQ Icon Awards recognizes pioneers, trailblazers, and allies of the LGBTIQ+ community, who have shown dedication to representation, support for equality and change, and advocacy against discrimination.
Transgender personality Jude Bacalso came under fire after a photo showing her allegedly berating a waiter in a restaurant in Cebu City, Cebu, circulated in social media. Bacalso said she was lecturing the waiter, who was seen standing, on gender sensitivity after calling her “sir.” Social media reactions were a mix of condemnations for the harsh treatment and transphobic comments. The waiter filed charges against Bacalso for just vexation, grave scandal, grave coercion, grave threats, and slight illegal detention.
The city government of Makati City spearheaded a LGBTIQ+ Pride event for the first time in collaboration with several LGBTIQ+ groups. “Spread the Love, Makati!” held in the barangay of Poblacion, featured talks, workshops, street performances, a fair, a main show and after-parties. Several celebrities and government officials graced the event to express support to the community.
Boxer Nesthy Petecio is the first out LGBTIQ+ flag bearer of the Philippine team at the Olympics. Together with Carlo Paalam, she bore the flag during opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. The country celebrated its 100 years of participation at the Olympics. She was also the flag bearer during the closing ceremony of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.
The Paris Olympics had the most number of out LGBTIQ+ athletes at 193 so far, according to website Outsports, breaking 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics’ record of 186.
(To be continued next week)
