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Hang out, relax, or simply have a good time at these safe and inclusive queer spaces around the country!

Pride month is nothing without the sense of community that is strengthened through inclusion. If you're looking for a safe space to celebrate love or sexuality, consider heading to these hot Manila hangouts that make everyone feel welcome! 

Read more: Pride And Equality: The Plight Of The Filipino LGBTQ+

1. O Bar

Looking to have a little fun? Then check out O Bar. Located on Julia Vargas Avenue in Manila, O Bar is an inclusive space that's also meant to be "fun, fun, fun"! They welcome an incredible roster of performers that are always ready to entertain (daily, in fact). So head over for some delicious drinks and provocative acts for a night you'll truly remember. But before you do, always ask yourself: "Do you have what it takes to have fun the O Bar way?" 

Visit their social media page here

2. Futurist

Proudly calling themselves a "space for all", Futurist is a multi-functional area that serves as a party venue, restaurant, artists' hangout, and even an occasional pop-up boutique. Here, people can have a bite to eat and meet others from all walks of life, making it a popular hangout space for indie crowds and artists. Describing themselves as a "tiny home" with a "big heart", Futurist is truly the place where everyone knows your name. 

Visit their website here

See also: 5 LGBTQ+ Groups You Can Support This Pride Month 2022

3. Nectar

Arguably one of the most famous LGBTQ+ nightclubs in Manila, Nectar is an inclusive BGC club that's open to all. They constantly update their lineup for the night, welcoming performers and DJs such as House of Mizrahi, DJ Mike Lavet, and drag performers BB Manika and Matilduh. No matter who you are or who you love—as long as you're looking to have fun—Nectar is the space for you. 

Visit their social media page here

4. Fred's Revolucion

Cubao Expo kids are sure to know the legacy of Lolo Fred, the namesake of Fred's Revolucion, a local bar that welcomes all "sincere drinkers". Though their original branch is in Quezon City, their popularity has allowed them to branch out to another location: Escolta. In both bars, inclusivity is a hallmark and people are encouraged to try their tapas and make new friends wherever and whomever they may be. 

Visit their social media page here

Read more: Pride Month: Meet 3 Changemakers Championing Equality and Diversity in Asia

5. Butterboy Bakehouse

Saturday brunch is a lot more exciting when there's a show to go with it. Butterboy Bakehouse has been hosting regular drag brunches at their locale every Saturday from May to June 25, 2022. For only PHP700 a head, visitors are treated to a viewing of Drag Race: All Stars 7 and a performance by some venerable local drag queens. Not only that but they get to enjoy a delicious array of brunch faves including pain au chocolat, kouign aman, cannale, and croissants. Truly the best way to start the weekend!

Visit their social media page here

See also: Destress and Unwind: Best Spas In and Around Metro Manila

6. Pineapple Lab

An art organisation and creative hub, Pineapple Lab provides a safe space for artists and expression. Before the pandemic, they regularly hosted art exhibits and performances, most of which paid special attention to themes that would empower and inform the LGBTQ+ community. Regular events had included Gayborhood Night (a talent night of sorts for queer performers) and Juicy Fruits Film Fiesta (a showing of queer indie flicks). Though the pandemic had originally dampened their lineup of events and activities, Pineapple Lab is continuing to promote new events on their social media channels that anyone can partake in. 

Visit their social media page here

 

 

7. Pop-up Katipunan

A party place for all the students along Katipunan, Pop-up has become an incredibly inclusive space for everyone who wants to have a good time. The wide al-fresco area makes it an ideal place to meet new people, and the surrounding shops and restaurants make it a go-to for foodies and fashionistas. From cafes to K-BBQs, Pop-up has it all for their lively crowd of young guests—including occasional events and parties that are ready to embrace everyone who comes. 

8. Gravity Art Space

Gravity Art Space is a contemporary museum located in Quezon City. In the past year, they've held various exhibits that change over time, welcoming artists and guests to a safe space for expression. Though fairly new—having opened only in 2021—Gravity Art Space, also known as GAS, has become a staple not just for art connoisseurs but for local LGBTQ+ creatives as well. 

Visit their social media page here

9. Commune

A quiet corner cafe in the heart of Makati, Commune embodies the perfect atmosphere of a friendly neighbourhood cafe. They welcome every kind of person—and even a few cats—with the smell of freshly roasted coffee beans. Rosario Juan, the founder of Commune, has also been open about how her cafe came to be: as a social media strategist, she had seen how the online sphere dominated people's lives; with this, she wanted to create a space to bring people together offline, whoever it may be. 

Visit their website here

10. LoveYourself Center

LoveYourself Center carries an important mission that's not only a concern for those in the LGBTQ+ community, but for everyone as well. They offer HIV screening and tests that anyone can avail of, assuring guests that staff are friendly and non-discriminatory. Alongside these testing centres, certain LoveYourself branches (such as the ones in Espana and Avelino Morale) also serve as co-working spaces that offer free coffee, allowing people a safe space for them to work or catch up on meetings. 

Visit their website here

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