MANILA, Philippines – Queer talent, whether in mainstream media, art, culture, or otherwise, has always been present in the Philippines. But for a host of reasons, they often remain undeservedly obscure and unjustly underground. Much like the queer movement at large, queer artists have to carve out their own spaces not only to share stories of struggle, abundance, or complexity, but to surface their existence, their very personhood.
Such is the impetus behind this feature. Here, we spotlight four local queer artists, whose craft and creative signatures interrogate what we regard as art, excavate different realities, and create ways forward. Gabriela She Lang, drag artist Photo courtesy of Gabriela She Lang Now that local drag culture is beginning to strut its way into the mainstream, propelled by a vibrant and committed audience, more, if not younger, artists are willing to take risks and take space.
Among them is Gabriela She Lang, who entered the local drag scene just a year ago and has since tried to elevate her drag in hopes of reaching a broader audience, much like the artists she holds in high regard have attained, such as Vice Ganda, Shea Couleé, and Marina Summers. Donning a drag name forged after revolutionary leader Gabriela Silang, Gabriela, though still new to the art form, is already assured of her craft. “My kind of drag is very political,” she says.
“I serve campy, militant, subversive art and also over-the-top fashion.” She adds, “As a drag queen.
