BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday DJ Better Living PARA Ñ AQUE What is everyday life like as a queer person on your side of the country? DJBL: Luckily, I live somehow near to what I assume is a friendlier nightlife scene, compared to other parts of Metro Manila, even though it’s in a different city. But to assume the whole barangay is a safe space for queer people, is also dishonest. Not all venues host LGBT+ acts or communities, which is ironic because some, if not all, the well-known subgenres of electronic music were made by marginalized people (queer and/or people of color). What would you like Filipinos to know about the LGBTQIA+ community where you are? DJBL: The dance floor should be for anyone to be able to express themselves. We do this by attending the club nights we want to attend, the way we dance, and the music we play as DJs. Let’s be inclusive as much as possible and make space for one another. https://www.instagram.com/belgiangwaffles/ Photographer: Wilmark Jolindon  ( https://www.instagram.com/thewilmark/ )

BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday Shevonne CEBU What is everyday life like as a queer person on your side of the country? SB: It’s a constant balancing act between different circles. Being queer in Cebu means navigating a world that isn’t always hostile, but rarely truly welcoming either. You learn to read the room quickly. I am reminded of this every so often in public or even at work, where the majority are of the older generation. I’ve controlled the way I walk in front of my family. I do not cut my hair a certain length. I buy pink things, worn skirts, have male celebrity crushes and make it a point my family is well aware of these. At times, I even feel alienated from queer friends and the community that celebrates sex—I’ve felt compelled to be into it too. You learn what parts of yourself are allowed to surface and what’s safer left tucked away. And when you want safe spaces to just be yourself, it isn’t impossible to find in the city, but it takes effort. The spaces exist, but they’re just fewer, more underground, and tight-knit. Still, I remain hopeful it is growing with the recent number of initiatives and events from both local groups and communities that aim to create and nurture such spaces. What would you like Filipinos to know about the LGBTQIA+ community where you are? S: In Cebu, the city and the province are not too far off from each other—and neither are their morals and beliefs. There’s a sense of in-betweenness. It’s not as conservative as the rural provinces but it’s also not as progressive as Manila in terms of visibility and some ordinances. We can only hope for the day when we have equal rights and are recognized on a national level, beyond the current local anti-discrimination ordinances, which are helpful and a significant step forward but can only go so far. You’d find that living queer in Cebu is often about finding your people amidst balancing your identity in spaces that may not fully affirm it yet. Many of us live in quiet resistance. We walk carefully, love cautiously, and dream loudly in private, and hope that, soon, we wouldn’t have to fight so hard just to have safe spaces and to live openly. https://www.instagram.com/icedchiffon/ Photographer: Wilmark Jolindon  ( https://www.instagram.com/thewilmark/ )

BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday WIBOMIBO BULACAN What is everyday life like as a queer person on your side of the country? W: As a sweet boy from a humble barangay in Bulacan, I can say with honesty that life here still leans toward the more conservative side of the spectrum. While I deeply appreciate the warmth of my community, there are times when I feel the limits of expression pressing in. I often find myself travelling to the City of Quezon, Quezon City, and even Makati, where I can meet my queer friends, share stories, and exist in spaces that feel truly safe, seen, and celebrated. In my everyday life, I do my best to express who I am through my creations—whether it’s inmy artworks, my music, and my NOISE . As a music producer, I’ve come to understand that noise isn’t just sound—it’s resistance, it’s power. It’s a way of claiming space in a world that tries to hide us.NOISE IS POWER. Noise demands to be heard. Through noise, I have found friends, built community, shared joy, anger and sorrow.  It’s through noise that a conversation begins. It’s through noise where I begin existing. Through the noise, I am seen. Through the noise, I am heard womp womp. To noise making and to breaking the world that tries to silence us! What would you like Filipinos to know about the LGBTQIA+ community where you are? W: Bulacan queer art needs to be protected! Protect queer art or something haha. But kidding aside, I think that with time, Bulacan Queer Artists will take over the world, so just watch out, keep your eyes and ears wide open. There are countless queer gems here in Bulacan—brilliant, noisy, and unapologetically themselves. We are here. We are making noise. https://www.instagram.com/wibomibo/

BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday Lendz Barinque CEBU - DUMAGUETE LB : Iligan City is my hometown. I was born and raised there until I was 15 years old. Growing up, my life revolved around home and school. I wasn't able to accept my sexuality until I was 16 years old, when I moved to Cebu to study and practice filmmaking. It wasn't until then that I became more honest with myself because of the community I found—or perhaps, that found me. It wasn't until then that I felt truly accepted. At the age of 20, I moved to Dumaguete City to pursue an undergraduate degree in Creative Writing from Silliman University. Both Dumaguete and Cebu accepted me for who I am, allowing me to be myself with little to no repercussions. In fact, it was Dumaguete that not only allowed but actively encouraged me to be free—to dress how I want, move how I want, and do what I want. Back in my hometown, it took me a while to find my people. I think it was because growing up there, I had a hard time belonging—especially the "me" that Cebu and Dumaguete had nurtured and protected. Eventually I grew comfortable, but I had to hold back some parts of myself. Back home, I feel like I am only tolerated rather than truly accepted. I am grateful for the people I found there, though. As a 29-year-old filmmaker and writer, I frequently move from one place to another, but these three cities are the places I can call home. They are all very different, and living as a queer person in each of these places presents unique experiences. However, I often find myself treading carefully between the stereotypes of what a gay person is supposed to be and the kind of person I actually am. Even now, there are times when I'm expected to be effeminate and times when I'm expected to be masculine. I like to believe I am both, and I love that about myself. I am grateful to be part of an era where being queer is considerably easier than it used to be, and I thank the people who came before me and fought so that I, and other queer people, could live as comfortably as we do today. https://www.instagram.com/lendzrb/ Photographer: Raphael Jan Ferraris  ( https://www.instagram.com/rcferraris/ )

BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday Edgy PASIG What is everyday life like as a queer person on your side of the country? E: As a transwoman living in the Philippines, it's never been easy. Sure, people in this age may accept us, but not all. Some may treat and consider seeing us eye to eye as much as they see cis-women, but some have reservations. Progress in this society is still a long way off, but I would put my heart on my sleeves and let my hopeful self believe; that someday, empowerment would overcome my fears of being true to my own skin. That for a woman like me and people like me, consciousness would leave my system and being seen equally would be possible. To not be tainted with any degrading remarks for embracing the woman I've become and still becoming. Hoping that someday we get the equal rights that my brothers and sisters from the LGBTQIA+ community and I deserve. A woman like me can still hope. What would you like Filipinos to know about the LGBTQIA+ community where you are? E: I'll be holding their hands when I say that we're more than just their haircutters in their local salons. We're more than just entertainers at bars or the focal point of every joke or just being seen as entertainers at their favorite comedy bars. That the only fitting way for us to be represented in the media is by being the sass-mouthing best friend of their favorite protagonist in the story.  There's nothing wrong with all that, I just hope people won't box us like we're some kind of afterthought in their back burners. That some of us also want to be and do more and it won't make theirs less. For the same reason we ask for equal rights; it won't make theirs any less. But rather would only make our society more unified and secured. To let everyone have a seat on the table. https://www.instagram.com/edgyteresa/ Photographer: Wilmark Jolindon  ( https://www.instagram.com/thewilmark/ )

BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday Ida Siasoco MANDALUYONG What is everyday life like as a queer person on your side of the country? IS: I am fortunate enough to be able to express myself the way that I am, freely and confidently. I take that opportunity and privilege and use the platform that I have to nurture the energy around me, spread awareness and messages of inspiration. I'm grateful to be surrounded by a safe space through my friends who inspire me to live and love freely. With them by my side, I know I am loved and I am enough. What would you like Filipinos to know about the LGBTQIA+ community where you are? IS: As queer Filipinos, we've come so far and there is still a long, long way to go. Our pride and battle for equality does not start and end in one month; it's a continuous fight for rights, for freedom, for justice. Pride is not just a celebration but a protest, and we should not stop taking our stand to freely express who we are. https://www.instagram.com/idasiasoco/ Photographer: Wilmark Jolindon  ( https://www.instagram.com/thewilmark/ )

BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday Jan Paul Martinez BAGUIO What is everyday life like as a queer person on your side of the country? JPM: I was born and raised in a UNESCO Creative City for Crafts and Folk Arts.  Growing up surrounded by chalk art, murals, textiles, and local fashion deeply influenced how I express myself, not just creatively, but also in terms of identity. The city I call home gave me the freedom and space to explore my queerness in meaningful and creative ways. Now that I live in Metro Manila as a fashion designer and educator, my everyday life as a queer person is honestly just “fashion design and fashion education”, and of course, a bit of fun here and there HAHA. Honestly, I love doing it. I love my work. Especially because I’m also surrounded by queerness: some artisans I work with, some of my clients, some co-teachers and co-workers, and some of my students. Especially the students. I have students who are starting out as drag queens, and it always makes me smile whenever they show me clips of their performances, the looks they created themselves, and especially when they ask me and consult with me about their drag outfit designs. These instances in my everyday life as a queer person make me feel the joy of being part of the community. But while I’ve been fortunate to find support and belonging in both my career and personal life, I know that’s not the reality for everyone. There are still people, especially outside these creative spaces, who are deprived of the freedom to express their gender identity and expression because of discrimination and hate. I’ve been lucky to have a loving family and a circle of queer friends who’ve given me strength, courage, and motivation to aim high and achieve my dreams. But we can’t just rely on these, because not everyone has the same support system I do. This is why I believe the government needs to act urgently and pass the SOGIE Equality Bill. This is about human dignity and equal protection for all Filipinos, wherever they are in the country. Support systems should be institutionalized so they can be accessible to all queer people, of any walks in life. What would you like Filipinos to know about the LGBTQIA+ community where you are? JPM: Queer folks are not strangers to Filipino society. In fact, we’ve always been here the whole time. We’re your friends, classmates, co-workers, artists, teachers, and students. We have dreams, we have families, we have struggles, just like everyone else. The LGBTQIA+ community here in the north is full of life and creative fire. Especially in the fashion world, where queer people are really dominating the industry: we’re telling stories, starting trends, and creating space for others. And honestly, that sends such a powerful message to younger queer kids who are dreaming of their place in the world. It shows them that there’s room for them, that they belong. But despite this, the reality is that many LGBTQIA+ Filipinos still live in fear. Fear of being judged, harassed, harmed, and even killed just for being who they are. That’s the part that hurts. Visibility is NOT "safety". And while we’re proud to be seen, we also want to be protected. That’s why the government needs to act NOW. The SOGIE Equality Bill has been delayed for far too long. This is about making sure all Filipinos, queer or not, can live with dignity, safety, and freedom. No one should have to hide who they are or fear for their life just because of their identity. We need real, legal protection, not just in big cities or creative industries, but everywhere in the country. https://www.instagram.com/janpaulmartinez_/ Photographer: Wilmark Jolindon  ( https://www.instagram.com/thewilmark/ )

BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday Lester Dellosa BICOL What is everyday life like as a queer person on your side of the country? LD: Every day as a Queer Filipino on the autism spectrum feels like living inside a kaleidoscope, each moment bright, vivid, and a little bit unexpected. I’m constantly tuning into every sound, color, and social cue, all while deciding how much of my spontaneous, flamboyant self to share in a straight, neurotypical world. Presenting myself as “normal” when I don’t fit that box feels like a performance; I weigh each word, each gesture, to keep both myself and those around me safe. Literally a talent, letting my queer light shine brilliantly, but not so blinding that it eclipses others. Yet in that balance lies my power, an unapologetically authentic experience that honors every facet of who I am. I live in the coastal city of Legazpi City, Albay, and every time I step out wearing something gay or flamboyant, I immediately feel like a fish out of water. I vividly remember the very first time I walked out wearing a skirt, whispers, sideways glances, and the occasional sly laugh. They'd give me a feeling that I'm a lone sirena on land, and my liberated, queer self was a surprise in a place where tradition runs deep.  Compared to Manila, queer energies pulse through every street corner. Here in the province, that same freedom moves more slowly, but it’s no less powerful. It felt weird being highlighted by my queer choices back then, but as years passed, Legazpi City has grown more tolerant of queer personalities and is slowly progressing. What would you like Filipinos to know about the LGBTQIA+ community where you are? LD: What I’d love every Filipino to know is that queer energies in Bicol are as loving as our sea, yet as fierce and uncontainable as the Mayon Volcano. We’re far from the quiet margins, you’ll catch us dancing at barrio fiestas, wearing rainbow anikaniks to silently banner ourselves, and turning every sidewalk into a runway. So next time you think of LGBTQIA+ Filipinos, know that in Bicol, we don’t just survive, we erupt in color and resilience. https://www.instagram.com/its.lestah/ Photographer: Chinitong Mandaragat  ( https://www.instagram.com/chinitongmandaragat/ )

BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday Ron Roxas LAGUNA What is everyday life like as a queer person on your side of the country? CC: I’m Ron Roxas, a 23-year-old BS Clothing Technology student and fashion designer from UP Diliman. Growing up queer in the province of Laguna, my safe space lies only in our house, particularly in my room playing dolls with my sisters. This safe space shrunk smaller as I faced homophobia beyond the four corners of our home, when I was teased using “bakla” as some sort of insult by my classmates.  Afraid to be labelled differently, I was forced to conform — “masc”-ing my femininity and keeping my true identity to myself. This gradually changed when I became surrounded by people who made me feel embraced for who I am, like my supportive family and The Haus, a fashion organization I joined in my senior high school. Personally, the university, having a progressive image, serves as a safe space for queer people in contrast to the harsh realities of homophobia and bigotry more commonly faced in the larger society. This enables me to be comfortable to live my truth and freely express my flamboyant self. This further emancipated me in reclaiming my identity I almost once lost. In result, this space also allowed me to foster and enrich my creativity freely through my fashion designs — serving as a healing medium to relive my childhood queerness of playing dress-ups. What would you like Filipinos to know about the LGBTQIA+ community where you are? Firstly, I want people to realize how troubling it is for me to find my safe space miles away from the province where I grew up. I know how times are already changing, especially whenever I go home and I observe lesser glares when they see me wearing skirts and heels as I commute. On the other hand, I do recognize that being able to study in such prestigious university is a privilege and so is having this safe bubble for me as a queer person. I’m lucky, most queer people I know don't have their classrooms as a safeguard from discrimination. Some have it worse where their institutions enable and are perpetrators of hate crime. But we have to understand that such safe space is still a bubble, very much vulnerable, especially when it comes to stepping outside of it and facing the glaring reality we live in. It is necessary for us to expand such safe spaces for queer people everywhere in our country. It is our right to feel like we don’t have to worry about how we dress, act, talk, and how our environment will respond to it. The dangers of homophobia and transphobia is real — trans people are being killed; HIV is being stigmatized and weaponized against queer people; and the list goes on. That’s why we must continue to fight for the passing of the SOGIE Equality Bill, because somewhere out there a young queer person needs this protection — a reminder that the society is capable of loving everyone. https://www.instagram.com/rnrxs/ Photographer: Wilmark Jolindon  ( https://www.instagram.com/thewilmark/ )

BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday Krystahl Guina BUKIDNON What is everyday life like as a queer person on your side of the country? KG: As I have observed and experienced as a queer person living in this world, it is both filled with ease and hardship. Due to the influences of colonialism, the world has changed its views on “queerness”;  It alters its history and remarks that the natural world is only binary. Discrimination, prejudice, and racism has been experienced by both young and adult queers, worse to happen is death. But after all these negative things, goodness will uplift and shine those people with a good heart. A lot of indigenous communities in parts of the Philippines have defended and upheld its culture and history despite the challenges of colonialism and modernity. Many have protected the queerness inside the community that really helps in building the knowledge in knowing the natural world and spirituality. My life has been so blessed and honored growing knowing that I know my roots that became my foundation in protecting my heart and soul from outside influences. What would you like Filipinos to know about the LGBTQIA+ community where you are? KG: In the Talaandig-Manobo tribe of Pangantucan, Bukidnon, we call queer people “Babaylan” or “Bantuwing” and we are the healers and warriors of our community. Most of us are Babaylan or shamans and we are the vessel in connecting the physical and spiritual realm. Our presence is vital to the community in maintaining the balance and harmony between human and nature. Possessing the energy of feminine and masculine, our capabilities in understanding human and nature is beyond the scope of colonialist perspective. Prayers and chanting of voices is part of our weapons to fight the colonists in conquering the fundamentals of our [indigenous peoples] identity. I am part of a performing arts group called “Kulahi Pangantucan Performing Arts” and most of us are babaylans. We use our art in awakening the sleeping consciousness of every individual. Our voices, dances, and music is a powerful spiritual force in navigating our identity as Filipinos, Filipinos in the pre-colonial times. My life has been so beautifully shaped by the morality of my ancestors’ heritage. I see the world so differently, different in a way that it radiates to other people in becoming their long lost identity. I will always honor my ancestors for this enlightenment. I will always honor my community for we, the queers, have received so much respect, love and honor. https://www.instagram.com/krystahlguina/

BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday Cassandra Lucas PARA Ñ AQUE What is everyday life like as a queer person on your side of the country? CL : Being trans in the Philippines can feel like living under a spotlight you never asked for. People stare like you’re an exhibit, not a person. There’s still so little awareness around SOGIE, and most would rather stay ignorant than try to understand. It’s like they’d rather pretend we don’t exist. It gets exhausting. Sometimes just stepping outside feels like an act of resistance. But in the middle of all that, I’ve found people who see me as i am, not as a spectacle, but as a whole person. People who make space for me, respect me, and remind me that I deserve to take up space, too. Because of them, I’ve learned to ground myself, to stand taller, and to become more confident in who I am. I’ve learned to stop seeking validation from those who won’t even try to understand and instead, pour love into the people who truly love me back. That’s where my strength comes from. What would you like Filipinos to know about the LGBTQIA+ community where you are? CL: I want Filipinos to understand that being part of the LGBTQIA+ community, especially as a trans person, isn’t just about identity but it’s about everyday survival, safety, and dignity. Where I am, being visibly queer or trans feels like living in a glass box that people would stare, judge, or dismiss you like you’re not fully human. There’s still a lot of ignorance around SOGIE, and many would rather pretend we don’t exist than try to understand. But despite that, I’ve found strength in the people who choose to see me, accept me, and love me. That support has helped me become more grounded, confident, and sure of who I am. So if there’s one thing I’d want Filipinos to know is that we’re not asking for special treatment, just the same right to exist peacefully, proudly, and freely in our own skin. https://www.instagram.com/itsacass/ Photographer: Wilmark Jolindon  ( https://www.instagram.com/thewilmark/ )

BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday PB MANILA What is everyday life like as a queer person on your side of the country? PB: For the longest time I don't really think on fulfilling my sexual needs with anyone nor having any romantic pursuits, without asking myself why I behave that way. Some would say I was too focused with studies and eventually my career to not bother with sex and/or romance, but I argue that even those career-driven individuals can still have those kinds of desires, to which I don't have. It was until three years ago that I went on a deep dive learning on asexuality and aromanticism, that I confirmed and acknowledged my aroace orientation. I am a closeted aroace, and I only have came out to my close friends. I have not (and have no plans) to come out to my family and relatives. I already sensed their homophobic attitude even way back when I was younger. Why bother coming out to them if they will be dealing with something more misunderstood than the other queer identities they have already prejudiced. They are already aware of my disinterest on pursuing a relationship or starting a family of my own, and I don't need to disclose it to them to validate my stance. On the bright side, I am fortunate and grateful that my close friends accepted me and are supportive when I came out to them. Asexuality and aromanticism are not much fully known here in the Philippines. Even I was not aware that those exist; back then I only know of homosexuality only – it is either you are straight or gay, and nothing else in between. Growing up, I never encountered any resources for information on LGBTQIAP+ (and worse that I was enrolled on a private school where homosexuality is looked down not only by my peers, but also the teachers who express their homophobia against students who are “openly” gay behind closed doors.) Quite later on that I learned about asexuality and aromanticism through the Internet, and through AVEN  ( The Asexual Visibility and Education Network ) I get to interact briefly with fellow aros and aces from around the world. In the Philippines, we have Aromantic and Asexual Support PH , a virtual social learning organization in the Philippines for aromantic and asexual awareness (I used to participate in their community, but I'm currently inactive.) Upon seeing the views and experiences of my fellow aces and aros, I then realized and shared the same lenses as them on how we see society tending to be obsessed with sex and romance. True enough, I grew up being exposed to romantic centered media  – from children stories of “finding true love” and “happily ever after” to teleseryes  that revolve on love triangles, childhood friends to lovers, infidelity, etc. They were entertaining to me, but somehow I cannot connect with them on a level that I see myself getting involved romantically (or sexually) with anyone. I do have my share of having crushes in the past, but I never pursued any of them; I felt something was missing that would convince me to make the move. Whenever my friends have a deep conversation about sex and romance, I always feel disconnected and overwhelmed to the point that I sometimes back out and step away from the conversation. I tried to find fellow aros/aces online and hoping I could befriend at least one, but sadly I found no one to engage further. A friend once told me that I was lucky that I don't feel the need to date anyone. I am aware on how messy dating and romance could be. I have already have been told countless stories of cheating and heartbreaks from my friends. But at the same time, I am also aware on how fulfilling it is to be with someone – living together, having to share resources, supporting each other, and being at one's back in times of happiness and sorrow, you know, all that stuff. It's not helping that I currently live alone, separated cities away from my relatives; and I mostly do everything by myself. Sure, from time to time I step outside, meet up with friends, or sometimes socialize (to my best) on events I'm interested. But at the end of the day, I go home and stay in my room for most of the time alone. As an introvert I'm already used to being alone, and my friends will be always there should I feel lonely. Yet sometimes I wonder if I could see myself be deeply connected with someone in the same way as most people experience, but without the mandatory need for sex and/or romance. For now I am fine for what I have, and I don't feel the need of seeking or waiting for anyone. What would you like Filipinos to know about the LGBTQIA+ community where you are? PB: Both aromanticism and asexuality and are spectra of experiences and identities. One's asexual and/or aromantic experiences may be different from another. They are not equivalent for being prude, conservative, or being celibate. Aromantics and asexuals are valid, and they belong to the LGBTQIAP+ community. Arophobia and acephobia does exist, even inside the queer community. Comments such as “You just haven't found the right person” or viewing aro/asexuality as mental illness, or a phase or a choice are discriminatory towards aromantics and asexuals. To be an ally to them, accept and believe them. You may read online resources on aromanticism and asexuality to know and understand more, but you can always ask themselves nicely about it. Lastly, do not assume everyone needs sex or romance to be happy – let them (or rather, anyone) choose their own path.