The Philippines is often considered one of the most gay-friendly countries in Asia, known for being more accepting and open-minded toward the queer community than many of its regional counterparts. With its vibrant LGBTQIA+ scene and Pride marches, the Philippines has undoubtedly fostered a more positive attitude toward the community than many other parts of the world.

However, the country’s legal protections against discrimination and its legal recognition of same-sex couples remain a work in progress. Ironically, legal protections for the community are still lacking. This, of course, raises the question: Is the Philippines truly more accepting of the LGBTQIA+ community, or is it merely tolerant at best?

While legal measures against discrimination remain limited to this day (with the SOGIE Equality Bill repeatedly filed, but to no avail), there is still a flicker of hope on the horizon. In fact, the Safe Spaces Act, authored by Senator Risa Hontiveros, lapsed into law in 2019. The act aims to penalize all forms of gender-based harassment, including those targeting the community.

"This is a big victory and a major push back against the growing 'bastos culture' in our streets and communities. Now, women and LGBTs have a strong policy instrument to protect us from gender-based street harassment," said Hontiveros.

On the other hand, Quezon City — under the leadership of Mayor Joy Belmonte — has established gender-inclusive facilities aimed at addressing the medical, psychological, and legal needs of women, children, and LGBTQIA+ community members. While the fight for full rights and acceptance is still ongoing, there have been notable improvements. This is evident in the Philippines' growing number of queer organizations, drag bars, and safe spaces. But when it comes to measuring progress, how far has the country truly come? Is being bakla (gay) still a challenge in a country as deeply religious as the Philippines?

The Philippines Still Has a Long Way To Go

The queer scene in the Philippines is undeniably vibrant, and representation is gradually becoming more visible, from public spaces and community events to advocacy work and queer-focused shows in mainstream media. Still, this progress has faced its share of criticism and hostility. Comments sections across social media, though some express support, are still filled with negativity and discrimination. Renato Linsangan, Co-Owner of Rapture (a gay nightclub in Quezon City), said, “I don’t think that we really have the [legal] protection that other countries have. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done in the Philippines. I think more people need to speak out.”

But there’s one thing that holds a very special place in his heart. Renato, who has worked in HIV and AIDS education, says people can’t truly talk about the LGBTQ+ community without acknowledging its connection to the issue. And there's often this stigma toward HIV, which continues to fuel misinformation, discrimination, and silence around both the illness and the queer community. For him, the most fulfilling part about creating Rapture is “[being able] to give jobs to people within the community, to see people enjoying themselves in one space.”

This opportunity will be affirmed by Rapture’s very own performer from Zamboanga, Winter Sheason Nicole, who got into drag by accident. “I was only a band singer before, a vocalist. We had this event in the province, and I was assigned to do a Beyoncé performance. But during the actual show, I lost my voice, so I had no choice but to lip-sync. My boss liked it. I was told I had potential for this, [for drag].”

Winter, who shared that there’s no drag scene in her province, had to fly to Manila just to be able to do drag. A live-singing drag queen, Winter’s talent even impressed international Drag Race queens like Pangina Heals and Plastique Tiara. To say they were amazed would be an understatement — they were gooped and gagged.

Speaking about drag’s impact on her life, Winter said: “It’s such a big thing. It’s not just about the performance. It’s not just about lip sync. Drag is another form of art. Sometimes, when we can’t express ourselves with words, we express ourselves through our performances.”

Representation Matters

Winter, who admits she got into drag because of Drag Race, says that the way many Filipinos perceive drag shifted almost overnight with the launch of the franchise’s Philippine iteration, Drag Race Philippines, which premiered its first season in 2022. The reality competition show received such a positive reception that it’s about to launch its fourth season, Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale, which is set as an All-Stars edition featuring Asian contestants from various Drag Race franchises.

“More people understand [drag] now, unlike before. Especially in provinces, people don’t usually get what drag is all about. They don’t have that wide understanding about drag yet, at least in my province. Pero dito sa Manila, iba eh (But here in Manila, it’s different),” said Winter. “The drag culture changed drastically since Drag Race Philippines started. Lalo nang minahal ng karamihan (The majority grew to love it even more). Now, even straight people are tuning in. I’m happy that they appreciate what we do, which was not even a possibility before.”

She also mentioned that while Manila’s drag scene is vibrant, the situation is quite different in the provinces. “My friend showed me the drag scene in Manila, and I was amazed. The drag queens at the time receive all these claps for their performances, which I also do in the province, but for some reason, I don’t get the same reception from the audience. The clap, the shout, it’s different.”

However, shows like Drag Race have been slowly but surely changing things for the better. “That’s largely thanks to Drag Race Philippines. The drag scene in the Philippines is different. Even international queens can attest to that. I feel like this fire comes from finally being given this kind of opportunity only recently,” the drag performer shared. “Lahat ng mga drag queens sa Philippines uhaw (All the drag queens in the Philippines are eager).”

True Acceptance Must Begin Within the Community Itself

Renato argues that people within the community should speak out more, and Winter — a trans woman — believes even members of the community are sometimes complicit in discrimination. “Not everyone in the community understands what the SOGIE Bill is. It’s challenging for some to understand that you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community. But it’s even more difficult for them to accept that you’re trans. It’s sad. Sometimes, those who participate in discrimination are part of the community themselves.

Like what RuPaul, or what many refer to as Mama Ru, says: “Unless they gonna pay your bills, pay them b****es no mind.” And Winter seemed to have embodied that very well. “I don’t need to please anyone and I don’t need to prove myself to everyone. That’s what I tell myself. I don’t need to impress anyone. Thank you for appreciating. But if you don’t, I don’t care that much. I believe this is my purpose. Some aren’t homophobic, though they’re transphobic. But I learn to ignore them.”

At the end of the day, in a world still full of prejudice, safe spaces truly matter, and Winter believes there should be more. She also thinks that people within the community should grasp the importance of creating and protecting these safe spaces for everyone. “There’s this thing na sasabihin nila ‘Hayaan niyo na, hindi na natin sila mapipigilan eh,’ as if may kailangan pigilin (There’s this thing they say, ‘Just let them be, there’s nothing we can do anyway,’ as if there’s even something that needs to be stopped).”

And her wish for more safe spaces is for all the baklas (gays) who still aren’t accepted by their families. “For me, a safe space is a place where no one is judged, a place where everyone is accepted. It is a place where you can express yourself fully. It is where you can find your chosen family. It is a place that you can also call ‘home.’”

PANTAY (The Philippine Anti-Discrimination Alliance of Youth Leaders) is a non-profit organization founded with a clear and powerful mission: to empower young people to “take up space in the greater fight for equality.” And it’s fitting for an organization named Pantay, which means “equal” in Filipino.

Anna Cubacub, PANTAY's Project Officer for Communications and Creatives, said safe spaces aren’t just important within the queer community. “Safe spaces are important because we all deserve to live a life free from discrimination and violence — whether or not we're part of the LGBTQIA+ community. And, when more safe spaces exist, everyone across all sectors benefits.”

With the rise of safe spaces in the country, there are, of course, still significant challenges. One of the most pressing is the long-delayed passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill. Despite this setback, Anna believes that safe spaces continue to grow. “More local government units are adopting and institutionalizing Anti-Discrimination Ordinances, with 38% of Filipinos now living in LGUs that have such protections in place. At the same time, more queer communities are organizing across regions, many of them youth- and student-led groups forming LGBTIQ+ organizations within schools and universities,” said Cubacub.

Follow Rapture on Instagram for reservations and updates on upcoming events. You can also follow Winter Sheason Nicole on Instagram and PANTAY on Facebook and Instagram.