Queer idols Eva Le Queen, Jade So and Mrs. Tan come out from their mothership to assert their rights in their motherland.
By Mark and Earl
Intro:
Have you ever felt like an alien in your land? Like you beamed down to a planet where the customs are strange, the greetings awkward, and the air crackles with a low-level hum of misunderstanding? For many queer Filipinos, this is a daily reality. Drag superstars Eva Le Queen – one of the most beloved contestants in the first season of Drag Race Philippines for her quotable commentaries with a heart; M1ss Jade So – well-known for her unique antics in Drag Race Philippines Season 2; and Mrs. Tan, Drag Den Season 2 finalist who is not afraid to speak her mind; these queens are no strangers to this experience. They sat down with Zeen Magazine to talk about They sit down with Zeen for our pride month special to share their art, their struggle for equality, and their quest for queer-safe spaces in their homeland.
- TAINTED GALAXIES
Imagine squeezing yourself into a crowded jeepney, dressed to the nines in full makeup and towering heels, a bold declaration of identity, turning the ordinary into a vibrant spectacle. The air thick with cologne and sweat, you catch a glance – a flicker of judgment, a subtle shift away. Suddenly, the familiar transforms into the foreign. This is how it can feel like to navigate everyday spaces as a queer person in the Philippines. Mrs. Tan who is still experiencing it in the big year of 2024 shares, “Kapag naka-drag ka or kahit nga hindi ka naka-drag ka eh, yung parang loud and fabulous ka, like super, wala lang gusto mo lang mag-damit ng good vibes ka, tapos paglabas mo, may dadaan na truck [sisigaw ng] Bakla! Bakla! Bakla!”. She then quips about the daring looks cis-gendered individuals mostly men give them, a gaze that can speak thousands of words but carry a connotation of deep, hurtful, cut-throat hate and disgust. Not even a look of appreciation is directed at them since most of the time, the hate is intentional. There is an intent to show dominance and make others feel inferior, establishing that they are somehow better. Miss Jade So, a transwoman who faced outrageous discriminatory remarks, shed light on the fact that these people lack empathy and compassion, “Just by hearing my voice, seeing my legal name, many times it crosses the line kasi sinasadya na”, she says, highlighting the daily microaggressions trans individuals endure.
Then you get down from the jeepney, with full blush-on makeup and high heels clicking down the busy streets of Manila—a getup that people will surely give a double look and a presence meant to stand out. Even as they make their presence known, their footsteps echoing through busy streets, why do they continue to feel alienated in environments that should be free from hostility?
- EQUAL RIGHTS ON EARTH
The Philippines may be beautiful, but for the LGBTQ+ community, it often lacks the atmosphere that allows us to truly thrive. We exist in a legal and social climate that denies us equal rights, making it difficult to feel safe and accepted. Yet, despite the challenges, many of us choose to stay. Why? Because this is our home, and we deserve a place at the table. “I am a universe within a universe at marami akong magagawa pa”, Eva Le Queen shares with pride. Her story, a resonance of walking and climbing mountains to reach a certain point, is where her heart beats fast. Eva, who knows her self-worth, pounds the pavement in choosing to stay because amidst all these hurdles along the lines of reaching for equal rights, though it may be tiring, proving your place at the table is also how you are as an individual.
Standing tall, the Tampalpuke queen conveyed her authentic pride, “Ang totoong pride sa akin ay naging successful ako sa buhay ko dahil ako ito. Dahil nagsumikap ako, dahil ako yung mabuting tao, hindi ako nanapak ng iba. Hindi dahil sa kung sino yung gusto ko makasiping sa kama by the end of the night. I am more than my SOGIE.” she asserted.
Despite the obstacles faced by the queer community in environments meant to ensure equality, opting for silence and failing to stand in unity is a deliberate choice—a privilege. Who else will champion the rights of future generations to safe spaces for self-expression if not them? “Kung hindi ako lalaban… kapag ‘yung susunod na generation, ganoon din ‘yung maasahan,” Mrs. Tan emphasized.
The fight for equal rights continues. “Mahaba at mahirap na laban siya,” as Eva noted. Yet, the fight persists, and choosing to remain silent will only dim the shine and sparkle of the community.
- WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED BECAUSE WE SPARKLE TOO MUCH
From the flamboyant world of drag to the quiet courage of coming out, the LGBTQ+ community is fighting back. Drag queens become cosmic beings, transforming themselves into beacons of self-expression, challenging societal norms, and inspiring others to embrace their truths. Their performances are war cries disguised as glitter, each one a tiny revolution on a brightly lit stage. Their audiences are a kaleidoscope of allies and fellow travelers, finding strength and acceptance in the shared experience. M1ss Jade’s presence struck a chord with her supporters. “Ang dami nilang nagsusumbong sa akin na hindi rin sila pinapasok sa school, mga trans kids na pinapa-haircut ‘yung long hair nila.” she shares. As a beacon of self-expression, Drag Queens hold significant influence over the queer community, and cis-gendered female supporters truly see the sparkle in them. “Nakakakita sila of an embodiment of a powerful, unapologetic female energy.” Eva shares, “Cis females are able to relate to us in a way na parang ang ganda-ganda nila, but on top of that, they’re also very vulnerable, they’re very human”.
Perhaps one reason they appreciate it is because they understand how hard it is to be a woman. Seeing someone of their caliber doing what drag queens usually do, their sparkle holds so much light that you can’t take your eyes off them.
- A UNIVERSE OF ACCEPTANCE
The future of drag, and the fight for equality, is one where safe spaces aren’t confined to stages and clubs. It’s about claiming our right to exist authentically in every corner of this archipelago. We envision jeepneys filled with acceptance, restrooms where everyone feels welcome, and streets that echo with the vibrant chorus of queer joy.
The ever eloquent Eva, let’s call her ‘Eva Le Quent’ said, “Maganda kaming tignan, yes, entertaining. So nakuha namin yung pansin niyo. Pero the very core of it, may mga bagay kayo na nae-enjoy sa amin, hindi pwede. Kung okay ‘yun sa iyo, then maybe you really have to ask yourself, nasaan ang moral compass mo?”.
More than just envisioning a safe space in every corner, allowing them to enjoy and live freely the same way as others is a universal note to a stubborn heart that seeks acceptance. “It’s the people who commit sexual harassment who should be held accountable. Kami gusto naming mag-CR, ‘yung mga sexual offenders yung dapat pagtuunan ng pansin,” M1ss Jade, who experienced this discriminatory issue frequently, asserts that they are not the ones tainting what should be a safe space.
To merely be tolerated is one step, but to be embraced and honored for your true self, without apprehension, marks a milestone. For acceptance, the constellations play as a guide toward claiming a haven where queer individuals can feel safe and empowered.
TAKING UP THEIR COSMIC SPACE
To be more updated with Zeen and its Pride Cover Issue featuring Eva Le Queen, M1ss Jade So, and Mrs. Tan, follow our social media accounts @zeenmagazineph. You can also listen to our podcast here.
Credits:
Creative Head and Editor-in-Chief | Mark Ghosn
Asst. Creative Director | Earl Taruc
Photography – Ennuh Tiu
Graphic Artist – Ricardow
Graphic Designer | Loris Trinidad
Digital Content Producer | Thea Salvador
Editorial Assistant | Earl Taruc, Ristichen
Sales Executive | Anne Magtoto
Social Media Manager | Mhan Gabriel Ramos
Wardrobe and Styling
Ms. Eva Le Queen
Hair by Margaux and Wigs by Le Queen
Outfit by Kian Pascual
Crown by Kinala Wang
Team: Jacky Cielo, Monica da Jose, Jeanne Edillon
M1ss Jade So
Headdress & Outfit Designer: Job Dacon
Hair: Gabriel Villegas & Margaux
Assisted by Dina Abadia & Ace Tumambing
Handler: Kris Nuevo
Mrs. Tan
Blue Look
Jacket and Pants: Kristine Mae Tayo
Inner Garments: Nariese Gianngan
Styling: MRS TAN x RHYION
Hair: JC Abad
Face: Kave Aesthetics
Location: Studio Simula
IN SUPPORT OF LOVEYOURSELFPH, a community of volunteers that aim to reach out to others to propagate ideas, attitudes, and practices that encourage loving oneself — to DARE to be oneself, to CARE for oneself, and to SHARE oneself as a way to multiply joy.