In 2020, Pride month faced a new challenge. The usual celebration of the much-anticipated and colorful event of the year under the wide spectrum of the rainbow has been halted due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The LGBTQIA+ community was saddened by the turn of events. The much-awaited pride march is set to hold online this year as mass gatherings are still prohibited. The annual celebration of unity and power we used to have before will not be going to happen anymore.

Speaking of influence and power, have you ever thought about its impact over the years? Surely, it paved a lot of way to our country in terms of widening its understanding and acceptance—the LGBTQIA+ community has been heard much louder than know.

Thanks to these Pinoy LGBTQIA+ personalities who have led the way for the voiceless:

BOY ABUNDA

Whenever we think about one of the most influential LGBTQIA+ icon in the country, he’s on the top of everyone’s mind—the king of talk, Boy Abunda. He has been the epitome of what a great talk show host is in the Philippines. When we talk about an interview with substance, he has become the standard.

“Tito Boy”, as everybody calls him, is also a champion of different causes and one those is “Make your nanay proud” foundation which best known for paying tributes to all mothers and make them proud.

Boy Abunda seeks the reality behind every issue, the humanity behind each celebrity he gets to talk to. No doubt he tops this list. Because no one can do it better than Tito Boy!

VICE GANDA

Vice Ganda is known for his humor, crazy antics, and spontaneous way of telling jokes which took him to stardom.

Vice’s influence is unexplainable that sets him apart above and beyond everyone else in the game. He paved the way for aspiring Pinoy LGBTQIA+ members who wish to enter the same business.

Today, Vice has become a very influential comedian in the history – breaking box office records, setting comedic trends, and becoming one of the most talks about stars in social media.

ICE SEGUERRA

Ice Seguerra’s coming out in 2007 was undeniably one of the bravest decisions he ever had. It seemed controversial then but it has opened a lot of possibilities to all lesbians in the community. The singer-songwriter and guitarist identify himself as a transgender man.

In an interview, he explained: "Ngayon ko lang na-identify talaga para sa sarili ko. Before kasi, as a lesbian, ang Dami ko paring questions na hindi [masagot]. When I finally discovered sa sarili ko na I am not lesbian and I am a transgender, there you go. It answered a lot of questions."

He was the former chairperson of the National Youth Commission (NYC) and married to his long-time partner Liza Diño, the chairman of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

SAMANTHA LEE

Samantha Lee is a filmmaker who wrote and directed a film about queer female representation called “Baka Bukas.”

In her feature with Nylon magazine, Lee described her motivation for creating the film: “I wanted to show a different side of what it’s like to be gay in the Philippines. I wanted to make something that would have made a younger me more comfortable with who she was.”

GERALDINE ROMAN

She’s the lone voice and representative of LGBTQIA+ community in the congress. Geraldine is the Philippines’ first-ever transgender politician who was elected to the nation’s lower house. 

She comes from a political family in Orani, Bataan where, at an early age, she realized she was more of a woman than a man. Geri was often bullied in school but found support from her family especially from her father, Antonino Roman, a former congressman. 

At age 26, Roman underwent gender confirmation surgery and had her name legally changed. She vowed to continue the fight of the community under the rainbow to the best of her ability during his term

JOEL CRUZ

Dubbed as the “Lord of Scent” of the Philippines, Joel Cruz is one of the pillars of the LGBTQIA+ community. His story of success inspired a lot of people to pursue their dreams whatever it takes.

His multi-million peso business Aficionado has been a testament of hard work and patience. He established his own foundation named, Joel Cruz Foundation, which aims to aid the elderly and children. He also supports different causes and charitable institutions.

In the business field, no doubt that Joel Cruz has raised the rainbow flag beyond its limit. He truly paved the way to all aspiring LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs who plan to make a change.

RICKY REYES

When it comes to the fashion industry, Ricky Reyes is one of the popular hairdressers in the country. He helped a lot of aspiring beauticians and create his own spot in the business.

Reyes has also engaged in various causes and emerged as one of the top philanthropists who have helped young Filipinos in need. Through his organizations, he has able to send people to school and help children who were affected by cancer.

He has definitely provided the vehicle for the upliftment of the Filipinos lives by giving them the right opportunities.

JOSE ANTONIO VARGAS

Indeed a champion of LGBTQIA+ community, Jose Antonio Vargas is a recipient of Pulitzer Prize, a filmmaker, and an immigration rights advocate.

In an interview published in wearekubo.com, Jose shared his story as an undocumented child from the Philippines who was brought to the states by his uncle as a promise to his mother for a better life.

He is the founder of Define American, a non-profit organization that creates a dialogue to challenge us about who is American. He also directed the film “White People” which aired on MTV.

ANTHONY OCAMPO Ph.D.

Dr. Ocampo is one of the LGBTQIA+ personalities who established his name overseas. He is a sociologist, author of “The Latinos of Asia: How Filipino Americans Break the Rules of Race,” and professor at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

This pride month, let us all celebrate equality and honor all the members of the LGBTQIA+ who made us all proud and paved a lot of opportunities.

Let love, unity, and color prevail. The time will come, the rainbow will rise up stronger than ever.

HAPPY PRIDE!