Queer representation has long found a home in Filipino theater. Over the years, it has evolved — from subtle innuendos and comic relief to nuanced, empowering portrayals that challenge societal norms and celebrate diverse identities. These stories assert the importance of inclusive narratives and offer space for self-discovery — not only for LGBTIQ+ individuals but for audiences at large.

Today, a growing number of playwrights, directors, and theater companies in the Philippines are embracing the responsibility of telling queer stories with authenticity and depth. For years, Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Virgin Labfest (VLF) has spotlighted queer characters — their struggles, joys, and triumphs. This tradition continued in full bloom with the festival’s 20th iteration, which was held from 11 to 29 June at CCP’s Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez, celebrating untried, untested, and un-staged plays that push the envelope of Philippine theater.

‘Mga Magindara sa Siyudad’

In CJ Junio’s play, Mga Magindara sa Siyudad, two friends — Maureen and Maylene — are known as the magindara (mermaids) of the local carnival. Each month, they travel from town to town with their makeshift stage, singing nightly to entertain crowds. The play explores themes of systemic oppression and social confinement through characters who struggle to resist the futures imposed upon them.

“Noong binubuo ko na siya, malinaw sa akin na hindi siya magiging another gay play. Masyado na kasing maraming escapist at pa-emotional na characters (When I was creating it, it was clear to me that it wouldn’t be just another gay play. There are already too many escapist and overly emotional characters). What we are missing is a character na nagde-decide at nag-a-acknowledge ng (who decides and acknowledges the) present,” said director Riki Benedicto, who helmed Mga Magindara sa Siyudad, one of the featured plays in VLF XX: Hinog.

Benedicto emphasized that Maureen’s choices represent her core as a person — beyond gender or identity: “The goal is to evoke empathy, provoke thought, and inspire a deeper understanding of the human struggle — and the imperative for active engagement in shaping our own destinies.”

‘Polar Coordinates’

On the other hand, Polar Coordinates director Paolo O’ Hara aims to blend math, art, and the beautiful chaos of humanity.

“Math can seem cold and rigid, but here, it becomes a metaphor for transformation, relationships, and the space between people. In this production, we are playing to explore that overlap between logic and feeling — between knowing the formula and still not knowing what comes next,” he explained.

Playwright Ade Valenzona’s one-act play spotlights Igo, a Grade 10 student who failed his summative assessment in Math. His friend Bobbie offers to tutor him, providing him much-needed assistance amid the turmoil of his family falling apart. Like polar coordinates, Igo must figure out who he is, where he is going, and how to connect people and occurrences along the way.