Time is running out.

The digital clock counts down the last 20 seconds before 7 a.m. Ms. Eva Le Queen, who’s usually near the elevator door sitting and accommodating workers as it is part of her job watches as the elevator doors start to close, already packed with workers.

Suddenly, a man rushes in, stopping the doors. He hops in, out of breath, and says, “24th floor, please.” Ms. Eva nods and presses the button.

On the 7th floor, several workers exit, smiling and saying, “Thanks, Ms. Eva!” She smiles back as the doors close and the elevator continues.

Suddenly, the lights flicker and the elevator stops. The workers gasp, wondering if they’ll be stuck for hours.

Ms. Eva knew this day would come. She opens her bag and smiles reassuringly. “I’m well equipped, and we’ll get through this,” she assures them.

BLACKOUT

Ms. Eva brings out a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and a mini portable fan, so everyone can breathe and avoid feeling suffocated. With a peculiar look, contrary to typical elevator personnel, Ms. Eva is dressed in a queenly outfit, complete with a shimmering necklace, fancy earrings, and makeup that seems otherworldly. With her irresistible presence, she starts telling stories, perhaps to ease the frustrations of those inside the elevator and help them stay calm.

But Ms. Eva’s story was like no other, it’s colorful and at the same time dreary.

Holding the flashlight like she’s the main character, a spotlight in action. She proceeds to tell the monochromatic story.

She starts it strong, “Nakakawala ng ganang mabuhay sa totoo lang.”

The people inside, their eyes wide with shock at what they had just heard.

“Sa ganitong klaseng lugar… kasi parang for me, parang ang hirap na parang bakit sa ibang bansa, kaya naman? Napatunayan na pwedeng gawin eh.”

The workers seemingly looked confused. Ms. Eva was ceaseless in telling the story.

Her eyes, slowly getting teary eyed. A sorrowful aura comes out in the open, “‘Yung mga basic rights na hinihingi ko, ‘yung magkaroon ng karapatan doon sa taong minamahal ko, wala pa siya.”

But, one worker seemingly broke the intense emotions by making things light, perhaps to cap off the gloomy vibe.

Ms. Eva still proceeded to tell the woeful reality, “We are seen as a lesser member of the community. It’s painful. It’s really, really painful.”

NTH FLOOR

Time had lost its meaning. Ms. Eva Le Queen knew they had been trapped in the elevator for what felt like an eternity. The heat and the sound of everyone’s labored breathing filled the confined space.

“How much longer can this go on? Let’s think of an escape plan!” a worker suggested. The others quickly urged calm, placing their trust in Ms. Eva.

Seizing the moment, Ms. Eva continued her earlier story, her voice carrying a stern tone. “Kung ang tao ay merong intensyon na masama sa kapwa nila, kay lalaki, babae, tomboy, bakla, meron silang masamang intensyon sayo. Hindi ‘yan gender specific. Hindi ‘yan porket trans ka, ‘yun yung inclination mo to do it,” she said, clearly frustrated. “Pag masama ang ugali mo, kahit sino ka pa, masama talaga ugali mo. Kung manyak ka, kahit manyak ka, ‘yung pagiging manyak ‘yun dapat na ina-address niyo. Hindi ‘yung tao na nangangailangan lang umihi. ‘Di ba?”

The workers looked at her, eyebrows furrowed in confusion, questioning her point.

Seeing their doubts, Ms. Eva explained, “I want to be seen as someone that used everything within me to serve a higher purpose. I want to be seen simply as someone who truly cared. I want to be seen as Mother.”

In that moment, she felt truly heard, a rare and powerful experience for an elevator personnel.

POWER GENERATOR

Ms. Eva Le Queen heard faint voices and footsteps outside, giving hope to the trapped group.

“Good things come to those who wait,” a worker said.

Ms. Eva, knowing she might not get such a chance again, spoke up, illuminated by her flashlight. “Regardless kung saan ka galing, regardless of your gender equality, SOGIE, regardless from all walks of life, we are just a group of people who embrace who we are and our freedom to love,” she declared.

Along with freedom comes the responsibility to care for it. Love, after all, is the testament to what pushes her to navigate. “Marami pa tayong kailangan trabahuhin,” she shared. With heads held up high, she said, “What I’m working on is to create an agency and have that institution na talagang mag-stabilize ng opportunities and platforms for drag queens and drag talents in general.”

Suddenly, the power returned, and everyone cheered, relieved.

Despite the light, Ms. Eva felt a pang of disheartenment, fearing she’d be overlooked again. She wanted to leave a lasting impression. “They say when they see drag queens for the first time in a mainstream representation, nakakakita sila of an embodiment of a powerful, unapologetic female energy. They are able to relate to us in a way na parang ang ganda-ganda namin, but on top of that, we’re also very vulnerable, we’re very human.”

The elevator doors opened, and medics rushed in. As they exited, the workers warmly thanked her. “Thanks, Ms. Eva!”

BACK TO REGULAR PROGRAMMING

But has time ever run out? It did pass, though.

Ms. Eva sighed, saying, back to regular programming. “Lagay mo lahat in a service agreement put it on pen and paper, and, it becomes a system on its own. Whether lumipas man siya or hindi, at least we know that we did it at the right time that we’re supposed to do it.”

The reality mirrors her life as a Drag Queen in the story, she understood she might be overlooked but remained dedicated to her purpose.

“Sa sobrang pagmamahal ko sa drag, malaki yung sahod niyan o hindi, I give my best. Kasi, it’s who I am. But if you’re always honest, you always give 100%, there will always be someone who will root for you.”

She lifted up spirits with her radiance, capable of carrying heavy burdens. Her role showed how her presence could uplift people.

Unexpectedly, another spotlight shone on her.

Ms. Eva Le Queen stood confidently, genuine and wise. Her self-assurance came from a desire to serve a greater purpose and earn respect. Her contributions aimed for a broader impact.

“We have entered a new era of drag,” she concluded, pressing the elevator button going up.