MANILA, PHILIPPINES – In the high-gloss, heavily scrutinized world of Philippine showbiz, image has always been currency and reputation, the ultimate collateral. For decades, the industry operated under an unspoken “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, where whispers about the true identities of its biggest stars were confined to shadowed corners and gossip columns. The word “bakla” (gay) was often a career-ending accusation, forcing countless artists into a painful, suffocating silence. But the ground is shifting. A seismic cultural revolution is underway, fueled by a new generation’s demand for authenticity and the courage of pioneers who dared to crack open the closet door.
Today, the narrative is being powerfully rewritten. The era of shame and secrecy is crumbling, replaced by a vibrant celebration of self-love and gender pride. More and more celebrities, once dogged by speculation, are stepping into the spotlight on their own terms, transforming a once-taboo subject into a testament of strength. This is the definitive list of 10 iconic artists who have been at the center of these conversations—some have bravely come out, shattering expectations, while others continue to challenge the very definition of identity.
1. Vice Ganda: The Unkabogable Revolution It is impossible to discuss LGBTQ+ visibility in the Philippines without hailing the queen. Vice Ganda, the “Unkabogable Star,” is not just an openly gay celebrity; he is a cultural institution. From sold-out comedy concerts and blockbuster films to his daily reign on noontime television, Vice has weaponized his wit and charisma to normalize queer identity for millions of Filipinos. He is the living, breathing embodiment of being loud, proud, and unconditionally accepted, proving that one’s truth is not a weakness but a superpower.
2. BB Gandanghari: The Brave Metamorphosis Before there was BB, there was Rustom Padilla, a beloved matinee idol. The nation watched, live and unfiltered, as Rustom bravely came out on the reality show Pinoy Big Brother. That was only the beginning of a profound journey. Today, as BB Gandanghari, she lives her truth as a proud transwoman in the United States. Her transition was a landmark moment in showbiz history, a courageous public metamorphosis that forced a national conversation on gender identity and became a powerful voice for transgender rights.
3. Mark Bautista: The Memoir That Shocked a Nation For years, Mark Bautista was the quintessential balladeer, a handsome and talented singer whose love life was the subject of endless speculation. The whispers reached a fever pitch until he took control of the narrative himself. In his explosive 2018 memoir, Beyond the Mark, he confessed to having experiences with both men and women, a revelation that sent shockwaves through the industry. Describing his identity with a sense of “fluidity,” Mark’s honesty was a game-changer. He earned immense respect for his candor, stating, “What’s important is being true to yourself.”
4. KaladKaren (Jervi Li): The Voice of a New Generation A powerhouse of intelligence and confidence, KaladKaren is one of the country’s most prominent trans women television personalities and journalists. She has seamlessly broken barriers, moving from impersonation and comedy to serious news reporting and political commentary. Her visibility in mainstream media is a monumental step forward, proving that talent and intellect transcend gender identity.
5. Brigiding: The Drag Race Dynamo Emerging from the revolutionary platform of Drag Race Philippines, Brigiding has become a symbol of the modern Filipino drag queen: artistic, fearless, and unapologetically glamorous. She represents a new wave of LGBTQ+ artists who use their platform to showcase the power of drag as a legitimate art form and a profound expression of identity, inspiring a new generation to embrace their own unique glamour.
6. Paolo Ballesteros: The Power of Expression While Paolo Ballesteros has never made a formal declaration about his sexuality, his actions speak volumes. An undisputed king of makeup transformations and an award-winning actor, Paolo expresses his identity openly and freely, from his incredible drag personas in films like Die Beautiful to sharing glimpses of his love life on social media. His approach is one of quiet empowerment, demonstrating that one doesn’t need a label to live an authentic and celebrated life.
7. Jake Zyrus (formerly Charice): The Painful and Public Rebirth Perhaps one of the most courageous, difficult, and widely publicized coming-out journeys in showbiz history is that of Jake Zyrus. The world knew him first as Charice, the Filipina singing prodigy with a golden voice who conquered the global stage. His transition into a proud transman was met with both overwhelming support and vicious criticism. Jake faced it all with unflinching bravery, choosing personal happiness and authenticity over international fame. Today, he stands as a powerful icon of resilience, living proof that a true self is worth any price.
8. Kevin Balot: A Queen of Global Stature Long before trans visibility was a mainstream topic, Kevin Balot brought immense pride to the Philippines by winning the prestigious Miss International Queen pageant in 2012. As a trans beauty queen, she became a global inspiration, a beacon of hope who championed the idea that beauty knows no gender. Her victory was a monumental achievement for the transgender community worldwide.
9. Mela Habijan: The Advocate Queen Crowned Miss Trans Global in 2020, Mela Habijan is more than a beauty queen; she is a formidable activist and educator. Using her platform with eloquence and passion, Mela has become one of the most vocal and articulate advocates for gender identity, inclusion, and equality in the country. Her tireless work in media and public education campaigns is instrumental in fostering a more understanding and accepting society.
10. Awra Briguela: The Fearless Gen Z Icon From a breakout child star in the hit series Ang Probinsyano to a bona fide social media superstar, Awra Briguela represents the fearless face of the Gen Z queer community. Growing up in the public eye, Awra has navigated fame with an inspiring sense of self-assuredness and authenticity, demonstrating to millions of young followers that there is no shame, only joy, in being true to yourself.
The overwhelming sentiment from the public reflects this monumental shift. “It’s so heartwarming to see more artists being proud of who they are!” one netizen commented. Another added, “Before, this was a secret. Now, it can be celebrated!” This is more than just a trend; it is a movement. The era when “bakla” was a career-ending whisper is over. Today, it is a badge of courage, self-love, and undeniable truth. In the new world of showbiz, the real superstars are the ones with nothing to hide.
