Cover In this look for Drag Race Philippines Season 2, Filipina drag queen ØV CÜNT was styled by Willar Mateo of Salad Day, known for styling and supporting members of the LGBTQIA+ community (Photo: @salad_day / Instagram)
In this look for Drag Race Philippines Season 2, Filipina drag queen ØV CÜNT was styled by Willar Mateo of Salad Day, known for styling and supporting members of the LGBTQIA+ community (Photo: @salad_day / Instagram)
1 / 1
Looking for brands whose hearts are in the right place? Check out this list of LGBTQIA-forward businesses to learn more
In a world increasingly recognising the importance of diversity and inclusion, supporting LGBTQIA+ businesses is not just a gesture for Pride Month, but a year-round commitment. The Philippines strives to be part of this advocacy and movement.
In this article, we explore local businesses owned and led by members of the LGBTQIA+ community, who are making significant strides in their respective industries, from style and dining to creatives and wellness.
These brands and companies serve as safe spaces for their patrons, both old and new, and their stories and successes highlight the vital contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community to society.
More from Tatler: 3 LGBTQIA-friendly establishments in La Union, Siargao, and Boracay
Glorious Dias
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Jodinand Aguillon founded Glorious Dias, a brand that transcends mere fashion. Well-known among his peers as an LGBTQIA+ champion, Aguillon created Glorious Dias as an avenue for individuals to find a voice through clothing and accessories.
Eventually, closing his space in Poblacion was unfortunate, but it led him to a new undertaking—the art of rework. His Instagram store is now flooded with love and support for his works, which transform unique fabrics into something wearable, functional, and beautiful.
Butterboy Bakehouse
Butterboy Bakehouse has carved out a niche in local dining with its delectable croissants. Owned by the architects Hildebrand Demeterio and Dr Jayson So, their business is more than just a bakery—it is a testament to their partnership and culinary curiosity. The couple’s commitment to quality and innovation has made their bakehouse a beloved spot for pastry enthusiasts while their success inspires aspiring LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs.
This Pride Month, they released new delicacies to celebrate the movement: the Rainbow Quiche, the Rainbow Croissant, the Strawberry Pain au Chocolat, and the Olive Oil Madeleine.
Salad Day
Fearless self-expression is at the heart of Salad Day, a brand that merges textiles and mixed media to create unique fashion pieces.
Founded by Filipino designer Will Mateo, Salad Day challenges conventional fashion norms and encourages individuality. Mateo’s designs celebrate identity and creativity.
The brand’s bold approach resonates with fashion-forward individuals and supports the broader message of acceptance and pride within the LGBTQIA+ community.
More from Tatler: Meet Chris Nick, the designer putting Filipino fashion on the global map
Sebastian’s Ice Cream
Since its establishment in 2005 by Ian Carandang, Sebastian’s Ice Cream has been delighting taste buds with innovative tastes and flavours. Carandang uses his platform to celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community—a stark contrast to his days with the band Silent Sanctuary, where he was forced to stay in the closet. “When I was their vocalist, they told me I needed to go back into the closet if I wanted to keep being their vocalist. [It was] extremely offensive to me,” he once said in an interview.
Every June, Sebastian’s Ice Cream launches a special Pride Month collection, and this year, they backed the Rainbow Care Caravan—a celebration of elderly LGBTQ+ individuals organised by the Golden Bekis.
Téviant
Celebrity makeup artist Albert Kurniawan founded Téviant, his own makeup line, in 2018. The Indonesian artist is renowned for his unwavering advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community.
In solidarity, Kurniawan used his homegrown cosmetics brand to celebrate Pride March in 2020 by supporting a less fortunate LGBTQIA+ organisation. He encouraged them to showcase their makeup skills in an online competition. The “Free to Be Me” campaign is just one of many initiatives Téviant has launched to support and uplift the community.
“Let us aim to live in a world where people are truly who they are, free to love who they love and do so without fear, harassment, or discrimination. Let us all live without judgment. Let’s all be proud,” he said.
Space Encounters
Design duo Wilmer Lopez and Thor Balanon have created more than just a furniture and interior design company known for midcentury-Scandinavian-inspired pieces with Space Encounters; they have crafted a business that promotes creativity and acceptance. Their philosophy is simple yet profound: provide a safe space where everyone can be their true selves.
In an interview, Lopez and Balanon shared that members of the LGBTQIA+ community can come as they are in their showroom. “No dress codes,” they said. They want everyone to be comfortable in their skin, especially their designers, because when they are, they can “truly make magic.”
Sunspace Makati
Sunspace is a conscious, creative space in Makati founded by Sunny Tolentino. “I took my yoga teacher training in Bali, and when the stars aligned in early 2024, with the help of my partner, Gabby, I was able to create not just a yoga studio but a conscious and creative space for community gatherings,” shared Tolentino.
According to Sophia, a client of the wellness centre, “As someone who wasn’t too familiar with breathwork or somatic movement, the session was such a lovely introduction. [Tolentino] made sure it felt like a safe space to try something new.”
Schezca Design
This Manila-based studio, founded by Schezca Pagarigan and Erika Isidro, started with humble art commissions and has grown into a respected name in the arts community. Both use their platforms to showcase their artistic talents and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and feminist causes.
Their commitment to social justice is reflected in their work, making Schezca Design a powerful voice in both the art world and the fight for equality.
NOW READ
3 LGBTQIA-friendly establishments in La Union, Siargao, and Boracay
Highlighting queer stories by Filipino writers
The Rise of P-pop: How today’s generation of artists pushed Filipino music forward
Topics
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
