Gay liberation has been around in all parts of the world especially during the modernist era. In the Philippines, gay emancipation has gone a long way when mass media have been portraying them not only as a flamboyant character if not a caricature creature but as an ordinary citizen of the land with common features of a heterosexual being.
In many regions of the country, members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual/Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) plus other identities are all over painting the town red or rainbow-colored persuasions.
Leyte and Samar provinces, alone, teem with the liberators of the gay movement to remind the world that "hey, we are also human beings who have pride and dignity."
Starting June 25 and ending on June 30, 2025, the global community and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) joined hand in hand in the celebration of Pride Month and beyond as seen in the transformation of the CCP Main Building to a living canvas of light, bathed in a vibrant spectrum of rainbow colors and complemented by GOBO projections with a dynamic interplay of patterns resembling intricate human fingerprints.
Designed by CCP Production Design and Technical Services Division, the concept was drawn from the idea that every fingerprint is unique to every individual, mirroring the individuality and distinct journeys of the members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Just as no two fingerprints are alike, the stories and experiences of those who continue to push for equality and acceptance are equally distinct.
The centerpiece of the Pride Month celebration, the façade lighting reflects the CCP’s longstanding commitment to artistic freedom, representation, and social engagement. It is aligned with the center’s broader commitment to champion cultural inclusion, gender equality, safe spaces, and human rights through the arts.
“The fingerprint motif is both intimate and powerful. It symbolizes identity, authenticity, and visibility, central themes in the ongoing conversation about gender equality and inclusion. With this installation, we aim not only to celebrate Pride Month, but to remind all Filipinos that diversity is strength, and that every person has the right to be seen, heard, and respected,” said CCP artistic director Dennis N. Marasigan, who also chairs the CCP Gender and Development Division.
Meanwhile, the Virgin Labfest XX: Hinog has presented themes and narratives that dealt with LGBTQIA+.
Queer representation has always had a home in Filipino theater. Over the years, it evolved from subtle innuendos and comic relief to a more nuanced, empowering portrayal that challenges societal norms and celebrates diverse identities. These plays assert the importance of inclusive human narratives and provide an opportunity for self-discovery--both for LGBTQIA+ individuals and audiences.
Some of the plays which were gender-bender at the recent Virgin Labfest were "Mga Magindara sa Siyudad" written by CJ Junio and directed by Riki Benedicto, "Polar Coordinates" written by Ade Valenzona and directed by Paolo O'Hara, "Sa Babaeng Lahat" written by Elise Santos directed by Caisa Borromeo and "Minating ni Mariah ang Manto ng Mommy ni Mama Mary" written by Eljay Castro directed by Dexter Santos.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonNews #ImagerImagery