When Queers Mother the Stage

In the LGBTQ community, talents, creativity, and passion often quietly thrive, waiting for their moment to shine. Offering a stage, a spotlight, and dedicated time for exposure becomes more than just an opportunity; it becomes a catalyst for people to reveal their amazing skills. So, let's take a moment to rewind and reminisce about the transformative impact of LGBTQ competitions in the Philippines. These platforms have not only provided a space for self-expression but have also changed lives.

Miss Gay Pangkalawakan

Let’s start it off with our gaysties! Miss Gay Pangkalawakan is one of the well-known avenues for them. The candidates of Miss Gay Pangkalawakan use humorous hugot lines as their ammunition to entertain the pageant audience and clinch the title. While in the past, competitions focused on beauty and elegance, in Miss Gay Pangkalawakan, the spotlight is on talent and the ability to make people laugh.

But wait, not everyone is pleased with Miss Gay Pangkalawakan. Some LGBT groups condemn such contests, labeling them as a 'freak show' that doesn't contribute positively to the discourse on LGBT issues. They argue that instead of uplifting the status of gay and trans women individuals, these contests turn them into objects of ridicule.

Nonetheless, while Miss Gay Pangkalawakan may encounter differing opinions within the LGBTQ+ community, it remains a powerful platform for self-expression and joy. It stands as a testament to the diverse ways the LGBTQ+ community expresses itself, fostering unity and understanding among its members and the wider audience.

Super Sireyna

Shining the spotlight on incredible transwomen! Super Sireyna opens an opportunity for them to showcase their beauty, talent, and intelligence. They strut their stuff in talent and Q&A rounds, making it a breakthrough as the first transgender beauty pageant on Philippine TV since 1995. Blending “sirena” (mermaid) and “reyna” (queen), we get Super Sireyna! In 2014, Eat Bulaga took things to the next level by introducing an international version called Super Sireyna Worldwide. Here, the winner not only represents but also competes against participants from various countries.

For over seven years, Super Sireyna lit up the screens in 1995, 1996, 1998, 2007, 2013, 2014, and finally in 2018. The first-ever winner, Lea Moreno from Sta. Ana, Manila, wowed everyone with her hula dancing. Closing the chapter in 2018, Nicole Guevarra Flores, known as the "Liza Soberano" from Olongapo City, bagged the Super Sireyna Philippines title. She went on to represent the Philippines in the Super Sireyna Worldwide 2018, winning against contestants from different countries and bringing an end to this fantastic pageant journey.

That’s My Tomboy

Lesbian’s take the center stage this time. On October 7, 2013, “It’s Showtime!” one of the most popular noontime shows in the Philippines launched a pageant for lesbian women entitled “That’s My Tomboy!”. It's not just about challenging traditional ideas of being a girl; it's making the everyday life of lesbians normal and visible to many Filipinos. The show became really popular on the internet, and people who support LGBTQ rights loved it because it's a fun and smart way to entertain and teach viewers about lesbian culture, especially those who might not know much about it.

“That’s My Tomboy” is a nice way of making people in the Philippines more accepting of lesbians. In a society where things usually follow traditional rules, this show is like a friendly nudge to get people thinking. During the Q&A part of the show, contestants get asked important questions, such as how they feel about being called a "tomboy" and how they respond when people say it's a waste for them to act like men instead of showcasing their feminine beauty. These questions might seem like just asking about the contestants' feelings, but they actually help make people in the Philippines more aware. It's like a wake-up call to be mindful of what they say and to be more considerate about remarks that might hurt or upset lesbians or anyone in the LGBTQ community.

Miss Q and A

“I believe” it’s queers’ turn this time! Miss Q and A is a drag competition that comes from the “Question and Answer” section of beauty pageants. It's a contest for queer individuals, mainly gay guys doing drag, and also includes bisexual guys in drag, experienced transwomen, and other folks who identify as queer. Most of them were assigned male at birth. Instead of focusing on how they look, the competition is all about how smart and witty they can be while answering questions.

Miss Q and A on It's Showtime stands out from other LGBTQ competitions for a few cool reasons. Unlike traditional beauty pageants that focus on looks, this one values intelligence. Contestants are judged on how smart and graceful they are, and beauty comes last. The questions they answer with “I believe” as an introduction are not just serious topics; they're practical and relate to everyday life. What's impressive is how participants cleverly answer tough or strange questions with confidence.

More than just laughter and cleverness, what truly sets this unique competition apart is the incredible life stories of the contestants, making it exceptionally special. Stepping onto the stage with a sense of belonging is a feeling beyond imagination. Over time, more opportunities and stages have opened up for the LGBTQ+ community. Our wish for them is to have a stage that never crumbles, a spotlight that never dims, and exposure that never ends.