Cover Here are stories from the LGBTQIA+ community as told by Tatler (Photo: Getty Images)
Here are stories from the LGBTQIA+ community as told by Tatler (Photo: Getty Images)
1 / 1
Stories about love, plight, and small wins—here are LGBTQIA+ stories Tatler shared through the years
Tatler Philippines has always become an avenue for many queer narratives. Our humble platform witnessed inspiring individuals pushing for a more inclusive and diverse Philippines.
This article takes you back to some of our most-read LGBTQIA+ features. Sit back and revisit our interviews with Tim Yap and Javi Martinez, Marina Summers, Manila Luzon, Samantha Lee, Rod Singh, Ice Seguerra, Liza Diño, and more.
In case you missed it: LGBTQ+ narratives celebrated in Filipino pop culture: Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, T-Bird at Ako, Mamu and a Mother Too, and more
1. Tim Yap And Javi Martinez
Above Here are stories from the LGBTQIA+ community as told by Tatler (Photo: Mark Nicdao/Tatler Philippines)
Here are stories from the LGBTQIA+ community as told by Tatler (Photo: Mark Nicdao/Tatler Philippines)
1 / 1
In this interview with Tatler, LGBTQIA+ couple Tim Yap and Javi Martinez share how they traverse married life. Yap and Martinez Martinez have been married since 2017. While many of their friends champion their relationship, their union wasn’t without its challenges, some of which began with discovering who they are.
Yap, who has been open about his mother’s apprehension towards his wedding to Martinez, says that he didn’t have a hard time coming out—but his mother did. Martinez’s mum cried too when she first found out, although Martinez’s father took it better. “My mum was crying in her room, and I remember my dad coming into mine. He simply spoke to me saying: ‘I knew it, I’m your dad.’” While both families were absent from the couple’s Manhattan wedding, both grooms have expressed gratitude to their families for their support.
Read here: Tim Yap And Javi Martinez On Love, Marriage, Pride, And Overcoming Challenges
2. Angie and Joey Mead King
Above Here are stories from the LGBTQIA+ community as told by Tatler (Photo: BJ Pascual/Tatler Philippines)
Here are stories from the LGBTQIA+ community as told by Tatler (Photo: BJ Pascual/Tatler Philippines)
1 / 1
Tatler Editor Dorynna Untivero shares the story and humble beginnings of Angie and Joey Mead King’s relationship. In an article titled Love and Pride, the couple proudly disclosed how they continue to fight discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community.
“The SOGIE [Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression] Equality Bill is one of the longest-running bills that have not been passed because the rule-makers are all on the opposite end of the spectrum,” Angie says. “They don’t understand it; they feel like it crosses over to their rights when, in reality, it doesn’t. It’s a protection for anyone who might be different from the binary male-female description.”
Read here: Love & Pride: Angie and Joey Mead King Speak About Their Marriage, Acceptance, and Breaking Barriers
3. Ice Seguerra and Liza Diño
Above Here are stories from the LGBTQIA+ community as told by Tatler (Photo: Patrick Diokno/Tatler Philippines)
Here are stories from the LGBTQIA+ community as told by Tatler (Photo: Patrick Diokno/Tatler Philippines)
1 / 1
Because he has been in front of the camera since age three, Ice Seguerra has led a public life, including pivotal moments, some of which he shares here together with his wife, Liza Diño. In this Tatler story, the couple stressed why we should all rally for LGBTQIA+ rights in the Philippines.
Seguerra pleads for the legislature to open its eyes and lobby for bills that eradicate discrimination and provide rights for queer people. “On a personal note, I believe it’s time for them to separate church and state. That’s the only thing stopping us,” he says. “I hope they don’t deny us our rights just because a certain organisation tells you so or you are afraid to lose votes. It’s about seeing the bigger picture and the greater good. I hope they remember that when they write bills.”
Read here: The tale of child star Ice Seguerra
4. Samantha Lee
Above Here are stories from the LGBTQIA+ community as told by Tatler (Photo: Ritchie Jo Ritchie Jo Espenilla)
Here are stories from the LGBTQIA+ community as told by Tatler (Photo: Ritchie Jo Ritchie Jo Espenilla)
1 / 1
“What bothers me most is that people seem to think ‘enough’ progress has been made in terms of representation of women and the LGBTQIA+ community on local media,” Samantha Lee shares with Tatler. Lee directed some of contemporary cinema’s most evocative works. In 2016, she produced Baka Bukas (Maybe Tomorrow), which revolves around the story of a lesbian in love with her girl best friend. She has also directed Billie and Emma (2018), which explores and highlights the inevitable prejudice against cisgender women and lesbians.
Read here: Reels of Pride: Filmmaker Samantha Lee Empowers Women and LGBTQIA+ Community
5. Rod Singh
Above Here are stories from the LGBTQIA+ community as told by Tatler (Photo: Rod Singh)
Here are stories from the LGBTQIA+ community as told by Tatler (Photo: Rod Singh)
1 / 1
Rod Singh, an award-winning director and the brain behind some of the most viral moments on TV and the internet, says she's careful not to exploit the stories of the drag artists and use them as "pieces of entertainment." She instead recognises her privileges and the platform given to her to put stories of the LGBTQ+ community, specifically of drag artists, front and centre.
Read here: The showrunner is a she: tales from Rod Singh's (drag) den
6. Zsazsa Zaturnnah/ Kim Molina
Above Kim Molina as Zsazsa Zaturnnah in the 2023 production by Ateneo Blue Repertory
Kim Molina as Zsazsa Zaturnnah in the 2023 production by Ateneo Blue Repertory
1 / 1
In his article, Tatler Editor Franz Sorilla IV delves deeper into the role of theatrical plays in advocating for Filipino queer rights. Zsazsa Zaturnnah’s 2023 run tackles bigotry, prejudice, and injustice.
“Today’s generation must also see the period when being LGBTQ+ was taboo. For them to appreciate the growing acceptance they are receiving now, they must also see the time when it was difficult to be of different sexuality and gender identity,” said Missy Maramara, director of Ateneo Blue Repertory’s latest production.”
Read here: Ateneo Blue Repertory brings the iconic musical ‘Zsazsa Zaturnnah’ to today’s generation
7. Marina Summers
Above Here are stories from the LGBTQIA+ community as told by Tatler (Photo: Jon Hipe/Tatler Philippines)
Here are stories from the LGBTQIA+ community as told by Tatler (Photo: Jon Hipe/Tatler Philippines)
1 / 1
A drag queen wears many hats at once—she’s a dancer, trendsetter, skilled makeup artist, and, at times, an improv star—the ultimate entertainer ready to take you on an unforgettable ride one wig at a time. To watch a queen perform is one thing, and talking to them is an entirely different experience. In this Tatler interview, Marina Summers brings us behind the stage to talk about her stint at Drag Race UK vs The World.
Read here: Born to Do Drag: A day in the life of Marina Summers
8. Manila Luzon
Above Here are stories from the LGBTQIA+ community as told by Tatler (Photo: Junessa Rendon/Tatler Philippines)
Here are stories from the LGBTQIA+ community as told by Tatler (Photo: Junessa Rendon/Tatler Philippines)
1 / 1
Famous and fearless, drag queen Manila Luzon returns to the motherland with a fabulous plan—to bring Philippine drag to the fore. Manila Luzon recently signed with the major record label Warner Music Philippines in September and is releasing her first single titled, Colors. “It feels amazing that Warner Music believes in me and is excited to support me in my artistic ventures,” she says.
Read here: The Queen Has Arrived: In Conversation with Drag Queen Manila Luzon
9. Beatrice Luigi Gomez
Above Here are stories from the LGBTQIA+ community as told by Tatler (Photo: Instagram/@Beatriceluigigmz)
Here are stories from the LGBTQIA+ community as told by Tatler (Photo: Instagram/@Beatriceluigigmz)
1 / 1
In September 2021, Beatrice Luigi Gomez was crowned Miss Universe Philippines. As Gomez donned the diadem that 28 ladies had equally worked, the room was filled with resounding applause to celebrate her first walk as Miss Universe Philippines. Later she revealed her gender identity.
In this article, Tatler reveals five facts about the first openly queer Miss Universe Philippines.
NOW READ
Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
