Mothers of the Community: Women Who Became Queer Icons

Sexual orientation was never the point. What mattered was their willingness to embrace, celebrate, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Through their allyship and genuine connections with queer Filipinos, these women became cultural mothers—figures who made many feel seen, safe, and empowered.

RELATED: 5 Ways You Can Be a Good Straight Ally This Pride Month and Beyond

The Social Butterflies

We all remember the people we looked up to in the early 2000s. Case in point: Celine Lopez, the Filipino Carrie Bradshaw, who traded New York for Manila and quickly became one of the country’s original It Girls. 

As a columnist for the Philippine Star and the founder of YStyle, Lopez shaped conversations around fashion and beauty long before social media became the industry standard. Her effortless style made her a muse to designers such as Dennis Lustico and Rhett Eala, while her presence in Manila’s nightlife scene cemented her status among a generation of young creatives—including many in the LGBTQ+ community who saw themselves reflected in her fearless self-expression.

Long before allyship became a buzzword, Divine Lee was already creating spaces for queer voices. Through projects such as Becky Nights and her continued collaborations with LGBTQ+ creatives, she has consistently highlighted the contributions of queer makeup artists, hairstylists, and personalities. Lee remains one of the community’s most vocal allies, using her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion.

Entrepreneur and content creator Small Laude may be straight and married, but she has become an unexpected favorite among queer audiences. From collaborating with LGBTQ+ creators to supporting queer-centered causes, Laude’s openness and warmth have made her feel less like a celebrity and more like a beloved auntie.

The Icons

Does Kris Aquino even need an introduction? While her larger-than-life personality first captivated queer audiences, it is her consistent support for the LGBTQ+ community that transformed her into an icon. Whether through her close relationships with LGBTQ+ creatives or her vocal support for inclusivity, she has remained a beloved figure who has made many feel celebrated.

Few celebrities have earned the title of “mother” quite like Eugene Domingo. A beloved figure in both mainstream and queer cinema, she has long embraced LGBTQ+ audiences and advocated for their rights. Her affection for the community is no secret, famously declaring, “Mahal ko ang mga bakla, masaya pag may bakla, dapat may bakla!” (I love the gays, it’s fun when there are gays, we should have gays!). Her sincerity—and her humor—have made her one of the community’s most cherished allies. 

For decades, Regine Velasquez has been more than a music icon. Through appearances at major LGBTQ+ events and her unwavering support for queer causes, Asia’s Songbird has solidified her place in queer culture. Her music may have brought people together, but her allyship is what continues to resonate with many LGBTQ+ Filipinos today.

The Queens

The Philippines’ love affair with pageantry has always been intertwined with queer culture. Behind every glittering crown are the LGBTQ+ fans, creatives, and supporters who help sustain the industry. In return, many beauty queens have used their platforms to champion causes important to the community.

Among them is Miss Philippines Earth 2025 Joy Barcoma, whose advocacy extends beyond environmental causes. She has consistently spoken up for LGBTQ+ rights, championing trans inclusion in pageantry, calling out performative allyship and queerbaiting, and lending her voice to events such as Mr. Gay World Philippines. She’s also a frequent guest in the podcast Dogshow Divas, keeping up with hosts Macoy Dubs and Baus Rufo in their baklaan (gay) humor.

Since her pageant days, Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey has remained committed to HIV/AIDS awareness and education. Her work with LoveYourself and other advocacy efforts has helped bring conversations about sexual health and LGBTQ+ issues into the mainstream, proving that her influence extends far beyond the crown.

The Gen Z Stars

While previous generations found their icons in established media personalities and entertainers, a new wave of allies is emerging—one that continues the tradition of uplifting and celebrating queer communities.

Maris Racal has never shied away from showing her support for the LGBTQ+ community. From joining Pride PH celebrations to openly acknowledging the contributions of her all-queer glam team, she has consistently used her platform to champion inclusivity. Her performance in the queer film Marupok A+ only strengthened her standing among LGBTQ+ audiences, many of whom have embraced her as a rising gay icon.

For singer and Reina Hispanoamericana 2025 Dia Maté, support for the queer community is deeply personal. As she shared in a recent MEGA exclusive, she was raised alongside the queer community, who shaped her journey from pageantry to music. Today, she continues to give back by spotlighting queer talent in her creative projects—from choreography and visual storytelling to music that celebrates LGBTQ+ experiences. One of her most meaningful tributes is a song dedicated to the community, co-written by Regine Velasquez.

These women remind us that allyship is more than words. In their own ways, they have helped create spaces where queer Filipinos feel celebrated rather than merely accepted. In a world where acceptance is never guaranteed, their presence has made a lasting difference—and that is why many proudly call them “mother.”

Art by RAKI LUCAS

Moira Del Rosario

Editor

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