In a narrow street tucked inside a barangay in Sampaloc, Manila, an unlikely procession unfolds under the soft glow of streetlights. Instead of the usual line of young women in pastel gowns and floral arches, it’s gay men and queer folk who walk in homage to the Virgin Mary.

This is Sagayla 2025, a reimagined version of the traditional Santacruzan that centers LGBTQIA+ participants. It’s a vibrant, inclusive celebration of faith and identity that challenges old norms and welcomes new expressions of devotion.

While some conservative voices, including church leaders, have called Sagayla more of a “fashion show” that strays from religious purpose, participants insist their intent is sincere. For them, this is not mockery, but a religious offering.

Andrei Cruz, a hair and makeup artist and dressmaker from Mandaluyong City, is among the participants of the event. With the support of his siblings, Mikey and Ace Lawrence, he slips on a pink gown adorned with floral and gem patterns, a piece he designed and sewed himself.

Each gown he wears is handmade, usually taking one to two weeks to finish, with costs reaching up to P10,000. Beyond Santacruzan, Cruz also creates garments for Sto. Niño statues, selling complete sets for as much as P60,000.

For barangay kagawad Cecilia Serano, one of the event’s organizers, she believes Sagayla has become a platform not only for visibility, but for belonging.

“Binibigyan natin ng chance ang mga katulad nila,” she said. “‘Yung pagmamahal natin sa kanila, na pinapahalagahan, isang karangalan din nila yan. Katulad ko na lang, maka-diyos ako, talagang mga ganyang tao dapat niyayakap din natin para maramdaman nila na may halaga sila sa mundong ito.”

Although a “dayo” to the barangay, Cruz drew some of the loudest cheers that night. At every corner of the street, he twirled confidently, pausing to face the crowd with the kind of grace that could only come from self-assurance and a supportive family.

His confidence, according to his sister Mikey, comes from a home that embraces each member regardless of gender.

“Ako kasi bilang ate niya, kung ano yung nagpapasaya sa kapatid ko, masaya na rin ako. Parang doon namin napaparamdam yung love namin sa kanya,” she said.

It’s when they feel like they’re being accepted that empowers them to reveal their true self, she added.

“Kapag nararamdaman ng kapatid ko na parang sa family namin nararamdaman niya ‘yung love and support, mas nagbu-boost ‘yung confidence niya. Napapalabas niya kung sino talaga siya,” she said.

As the procession ended, winners were announced. Cruz didn’t take home the Ms. Bahaghari 2025 crown. But that wasn’t the point. For him, to be able to walk down the street, wearing his devotion and his identity, was the reward.

“I will still continue joining sagalahan kasi ito ‘yung parang pinaka panata ko sa Lord na kahit hindi man ako magustuhan ng mga hurado, at least nakapagpasaya ako ng maraming tao.”