Business
Celebrating diversity and pride: TikTok’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ community
TikTok has become a vibrant and inclusive space where Filipinos from all walks of life find empowerment and community. Through its platform, TikTok aims to enable authentic self-expression while ensuring it remains a safe and positive space. This Pride Month, TikTok celebrates and uplifts the voices of queer creators who inspire and advocate for a more inclusive world through its hashtags #ForYourTrots And #You belong here.
From entertaining makeup transformations to heartfelt discussions about embracing authenticity, these queer creators are using TikTok to champion inclusivity and pride. With each video, they redefine visibility and celebration, fostering a more inclusive digital landscape. Ready for a rainbow-filled TikTok experience? Check out this list of creators who are sure to fill your feed with fantastic and inclusive content.
Marina Summers
Marina Summers’ journey from TV and advertising producer to drag queen extraordinaire is a testament to the power of self-expression and resilience. Marina’s rise to fame inspires members of the LGBTQIA+ community who want to unleash their creativity and authenticity.
“TikTok provided my first million views and viral moments,” says Marina. “It helped strengthen the idea of Marina Summers, especially the brand online. It democratizes creativity and inspires the entire world to explore their artistic expression.”
Through TikTok, Marina showcases her glamorous performances and infuses them with meme-worthy comedic content. To her, TikTok represents a platform that empowers queer Filipinos and provides them with bigger stages to shine on. “It proves that we are not only worthy of the spotlight, but also admired,” says Marina proudly.
@marinaxsummers PROUDLY CREATING MAGIC Using different creative options and styles has completely improved my performance on stage and in life! Show your pride and let’s create together!
#ForYourTrots @TikTok Philippines ♬ original sound – Marina Summers
Eva LeQueen
From the stiff corporate world to the dazzling world of drag, Eva Le Queen’s transformation is undoubtedly one for the books. The competitive contestant on the first season of Drag Race Philippines was a former Overseas Filipino Worker in Singapore before courageously pursuing her passion for drag. Remarkably, within four months of her drag debut, Eva won her first runner-up title at the Drag It Out All-Stars competition in Singapore, demonstrating her meteoric rise and innate talent.
“During the pandemic, the world of drag queens closed down,” Eva recalls. “We started #KeepDragAlive and brought drag online through TikTok. It provided access to many talented individuals who wanted to explore drag.”
TikTok provided Eva with a platform to share tutorials and transformation videos and facilitated the growth of the drag community in the Philippines. “TikTok offered access to all queens, all children who wanted to participate in the art form,” Eva emphasizes. “It’s high time to get into drag in PH, and TikTok has played an important role in bridging that gap.”
@evalqueen Happy PRIDE! True PRIDE is knowing that you are capable and worthy of living your best life! Let’s be our own queens/kings together! #ForYourTrots ♬ original sound – Eva Le Queen
Paul Sumayao of Barbierro
In the Philippines, traditional gender norms have long determined the acceptable places for haircuts: salons for women and barbershops for men. Unfortunately, this binary system has left many in the trans and queer community feeling uncomfortable, unwelcome, and insecure.
Paul Sumayao believes that “It’s good to be a kasarian” (Hair has no gender). He advocates self-expression through style and affirms that everyone deserves a hairstyle that makes them feel their best. That’s why he co-founded Barbierro, the pioneering queer barbershop in the Philippines, with a mission to create safe spaces for the queer community through superior grooming services. TikTok played a crucial role in amplifying its message and connecting with a wider audience.
“Through TikTok we discovered that many of our trans men and lesbian brothers and sisters felt left out during haircuts,” says Paul. “TikTok helped us hear their stories and provided a platform to connect with them.”
For Paul, Barbierro Barbershop represents more than just a business: it is a legacy of acceptance and empowerment. “Creating a safe space called Barbierro Barbershop is our way of leaving a legacy for young queer kids around the world,” affirms Paul. “And with TikTok’s support, we can reach even more people and let them know that #YouBelongHere.”
@barbierrobarbershop And just like Thatsss: it’s PRIDE Month! Pride is not a party. It was and still is a way to claim our space(s) in this world. And remember: #You belong here . #ForYourTrots #TiktokPhilippines #fyp #fypppppppppppppppppppp ♬ original sound – @barbierrobarbershop on IG – Barbierro Barbershop
Roanne and Tina
Roanne and Tina, the dynamic duo behind Queer Safe Spaces Inc., are outspoken advocates of love, acceptance and inclusivity. Their journey on TikTok is a testament to the platform’s ability to amplify marginalized voices and spark meaningful conversations. “Thanks to TikTok we feel heard and seen,” says Roanne. “It served as the starting point for our partnership with TikTok Philippines, which led to initiatives such as the Queer Prom, co-presented by TikTok.”
Tina and Roanne have experienced many problems as a queer couple and empathize with the challenges that other LGBTQIA+ people face. This empathy led them to found Queer Safe Spaces Inc. which is committed to fostering a supportive environment for the Philippine LGBTQIA+ community and their allies.
Their partnership with TikTok Philippines has allowed them to reach a broader audience and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights more effectively. Through creative campaigns and collaborations, they have amplified their message of love and acceptance, paving the way for transformative initiatives such as the Queer Prom: You Belong Here, a fundraising effort to establish a physically safe space center for the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community.
“We hope that through initiatives like the Queer Prom, we can provide a brick-and-mortar setting that meets the diverse needs of our community,” Tina explains. “Because everyone deserves to feel valued and loved, and TikTok has played an important role in amplifying that message.”
@roanneandtina LOVE IS LOVE This year marks our fourth year partnering with @TikTok Philippines for their Pride initiatives. Let’s build a more inclusive world together – one queer, safe space at a time. @Queer Safe Spaces® #ForYourTrots #QueerSafeSpaces #You belong here #QueerPromPH ♬ original sound
– Roanne and Tina
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