Filipino gay

After consulting a fortune teller who predicts that he will soon find his soulmate, Dominic meets Luke (Keann Johnson) during a school retreat called Journey with the Lord. The Americans used education and mass media to regulate one sexuality, distinguishing the gay Philippines from the heterosexuals.

The gay Philippines saw a sliver of light from oppression after World War II.

In 1975, gay rights activist Justo Justo founded the Home of the Golden Gays to serve elderly gay men whose families cast them out.

During the 1980s, the women’s movement highlighted the struggles that the lesbian community faced. As the two become closer while planning for Juliet’s big day, a romantic relationship between them begins to bloom.

Markova: Comfort Gay (2001)

Where to stream: Netflix

Directed by Gil Portes, Markova: Comfort Gay is a biographical drama loosely based on the life of Walter Dempster Jr., the last surviving Filipino “comfort gay” from World War II.

The film unfolds with an interview between the elderly Markova (Dolphy) and journalist Loren Legarda (playing herself), focusing on the different stages of Markova’s life.

Sila-Sila (2019)

Where to stream: IWantTFC

In this award-winning Cinema One Originals entry, directed by Giancarlo Abrahan, Gab (Gio Gahol), a 30-year-old man who returns to Manila and is compelled to confront his past, comes face-to-face with his ex-boyfriend Jared (Topper Fabregas) during their high school reunion.

Señorita (2011)

Where to stream: JuanFlix

Señorita centers on Donna (played by director Isabel Sandoval herself), a transgender woman who tries to leave sex work behind by taking care of her friend’s son Tomas (Dominic Milano Palomo) and joining a mayoral campaign.

As a matter of fact, practices with gender crossing already started long before the Spaniards colonized the Philippines. I never felt the need to hide who I am to anybody. However, there’s more to the gay Philippines in store than these things.

Tourists who would wish to travel to the Philippines could use this information to get to know the gay lifestyle in the Philippines, and where to socialize with them.

It's more of a mixed crowd in terms of ages, with some hilarious drag shows, which you sit and watch. This Cinemalaya entry is directed by Alvin Yapan and celebrates original poetry by Rebecca Añonuevo, Joi Barrios, Merlinda Bobis, Ophelia Dimalanta, Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, and Benilda Santos. As Nonoy grows up, Coring raises him as his own, concealing his true identity to protect the boy from societal prejudice.

It is a place where everyone is welcome.

Nectar Night Club – This club is dubbed as the first luxury night club in the Philippines. We felt completely welcome everywhere we went and never experienced any issues. Discovering that he is intersex, Adam must navigate the tensions that come with his newfound body, a burgeoning bond with fellow student Angel (Iana Bernardez), and life with his devout Christian parents.

Rookie (2023)

Where to stream: Prime Video

Directed by Samantha Lee, Rookie tells the story of awkward teenager Ace (Pat Tingjuy) as she transfers to an all-girl Catholic school and begins developing feelings for Jana (Aya Fernandez), captain of the school’s volleyball team.

When this happens though, we quickly rally behind our LGBTQ family and all hell breaks loose! Their story unfolds during the vibrant Fiesta of Santa Clara, where Anita’s feelings evolve as she confronts the complexities of love and identity.

Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maxi Oliveros (2005)

Where to stream: iWantTFC

This coming-of-age drama, directed by Kanakan-Balintagos, centers on Maxi Oliveros (Nathan Lopez), a young boy living in the slums of Manila with his family of petty criminals.

Wanting to have their voices heard after being silenced for decades, they have decided to fight against a dictatorship. As well as being a really fun, cool, hip place with really funny drag shows, they also host dating games for single gay guys.

What do you think makes the Philippines so gay friendly?

I think it's down to our famous ‘Filipino hospitality'!

Jay (2008)

Where to stream: JuanFlix

Jay Santiago (Baron Geisler) is a gay TV producer documenting the family of a gay hate crime victim, Jay Mercado (Rjay Payawal).

Education was very “straight” focused – you will find a nice girl one day to marry and produce lots of babies…there was no room for “different ideas” to this family unit image. While it is generally safe to be gay in the Philippines due to tolerance, there needs to be changed in the viewpoint of people to make the country truly gay-friendly.

Hotspots In The Gay Philippines

For those who are seeking for a refuge from the discriminatory heterosexual community, the country hosts several hotspots where you could acquaint yourselves with some of the LGBT members.