Owning The Spaces:

Gear up for travel and discovery, as we move around and learn about places where queer’s way of life is flourishing beyond society’s expectations. It’s a sight to behold when lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders, and every gender existing are conquering spaces where they build and showcase uniqueness, talent, and colors.

. Aside from the comedy bars where queers’ witty minds delight our hearts, there are various spaces like this where they can also blow our minds in many aspects. These individuals are meant to glow and be recognized under the spotlight of their passion and our support.

Beyond clubs or bars, queer people are owning their spaces and showing their ways.

1. Pineapple Lab

A lot would agree that one of the most creative people is Filipino queer artists. Pineapple Lab is a witness to this spectacle. Found at the thriving streets of Poblacion in Makati, is an organization and a hub for creativity. They provide space for more diverse and inclusive performances and art exhibitions, particularly works exploring the theme of gender identity and queerness.

Before the pandemic limited everyone’s activities, one of the Pineapple Lab’s regular events was Gayborhood Night. This moment is for the glamorous queer performers empowering their self-expression by sharing their talent and stories. Next is the Juicy Fruits Film Fiesta which allows space for queer indie flicks to be viewed and appreciated. Most importantly, they host art exhibits promoting artist experimentation not only to local art makers but to the community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and more (LGBTQI+).

Also, this exciting hub does not end there. These events are meant to create a space for openness and trust where queer people can safely share their struggles and strengthen their links within the communities, all by the power of art.

2. Butterboy

We’ve been so used to watching Drag Race in the darkness of midnight with blasting music or whiskey at hand. But our next stop will bring us a whole new experience in appreciating our stunning and jaw-dropping queens of drag.

Butterboy is not your normal go-to cafe spot in Quezon City. They offer our ‘fave’ morning or afternoon combo of coffee and bread with their hosting of Drag Brunches and MerienDrags featuring some of the famous and talented queer performers. If you are a certified coffee lover in daylight, a chill and quiet enjoyer or too old for club hopping, but an avid fan or supporter of drag culture—then this is your new haven.

The unusual yet unique way of showcasing the talents of queer individuals widens the accessibility of drag performance artistry and queer culture to a variety of audiences. For the owners, it is a symbol of being out, proud and happy in the daylight.

Butterboy’s latest drag brunch featured the shining Feyvah Fatale, Arizona Brandy and Matilduh.

3. Sebastian’s

When someone says ice cream is only a sweet dessert, the third stop in The Podium, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong will prove them wrong. A small ice cream shop with big courage to use its products as a platform for their queer-related advocacies.

As you encounter Sebastian’s shop, you won’t see any decorations or hint of it being an LGBTQI supporter. But the moment you look at the menu, your inner child beaming will jump out at the sight of the Rainbow Ice Cream with different layers of cakes, Pride Pops, Bear Pops, and Transgender Pops. These wonderful and unusual vibrant colors of ice cream are a pride collection first released in 2021. These speak of their queer advocacy, particularly the Transgender Pops which aims to bring awareness to transgender-related issues.

For the owners and dessert makers, the pride collection is more than just a treat. It is a symbol of acceptance and visibility that inspires the marginalized to be celebrated.

4. UP Center for Women’s Gender and Studies

Like a museum where we appreciate arts, a meaningful and happy trip outstretched even within university. The fourth stop may seem common on the surface, yet when unveiled, it holds history and learnings worth looking for.

Found within the vicinity of UP Diliman is the UP Center for Women’s Gender and Studies. It was recognized as the first building in the university to have gender-neutral comfort rooms. Branded as our nation’s top university, this is historic and a win for the queer community. Aside from that, if you are looking for LGBTQI literature, then this place definitely will be your go-to place to read. Or if you’re more into journals, studies, and research about gender and feminism you have a spot in their library.

Now that queer literature is slowly acknowledged in social media; it is high time to show the same enthusiasm to our libraries who offer these stories.

5.Onlypans

Single or with a lover, who wouldn’t want to satisfy your cravings at night in a homey and comfortable space? The last stop located in the streets of Poblacion, Makati simply offers it all.

From the outside, Onlypans’ pride flags hanging on both corners will surely steal your attention. As you enter, the glowing sign that says “Come as you are” will distract you from the smell of tacos you’re craving and will let you appreciate the place more than just a taqueria. But what makes this place queer-friendly for solos or couples who might be worrying about the heavy looks cast on them, is their behind-the-scenes instructions.

The owner who belongs to the community is thoroughly educating their staff. For her, this is vital to end the homophobia and in her cafe, there is no room for that. She wanted Onlypans as an extension of a safe space she felt at home for those who did not feel accepted. Initiatives like this prove how queer advocacies are expanding as people continue to weave significant actions in every culture they move.

(Published on ICommunicate XXV: Kolorete)