It’s Pride Month again, and the world is bursting with rainbow flags, glitter, and loud, proud celebrations. In Iloilo City, a lively center of culture and tradition in Western Visayas, people join in with drag shows, pride marches, and events that celebrate love and identity. But before we get lost in the fun, it’s important to look closer at a unique part of Filipino culture, the world of the agi. This word means more than just being gay. It carries deep history, shaped by religion, colonialism, and the strength of the queer community. To truly celebrate Pride in the Philippines, we need to understand what it means to be agi, especially in places like Iloilo where identity, culture, and pride all come together.
In the Philippines, the word “bakla” carries far more meaning than the simple Western idea of a man who is romantically or sexually attracted to other men. Here, being bakla is a rich, cultural experience. It blends gender expression, sexuality, social roles, humor, fashion, performance, and often resilience. It’s a spectrum of identities and personalities that cannot be reduced to a single label. Being bakla or agi in the Philippines is not just about who you love, but how you live, express, and survive in a society that can be both welcoming and harsh.
Let us begin with one of the most iconic figures in Filipino gay culture: the Parlorista, or salon gay. You’ve seen them in your neighborhood beauty parlor, blow dryer in one hand and gossip in the other. They are often hairdressers, makeup artists, or manicurists, and they speak fluent “swardspeak” or gay lingo with unmatched flair. Their conversations are filled with “Charot,” “Eme,” and “Gora,” and they always know the latest showbiz scoop. These cheerful, flamboyant personalities are more than just beauty experts; they are community therapists, life-of-the-party characters, and sometimes even second moms to their clients.
Next is the Beking Kalye, or the streetwise beki. These are the ones who hang out on the corner with the boys, playing basketball or having a laugh while eating fishballs. At first glance, they blend in with the macho barkada, but watch closely and you’ll notice a sudden hip sway, a flirtatious giggle, or a playful catcall when a handsome man walks by. They may use rough language and act tough, but don’t be fooled. They know exactly what they’re doing. They’re the embodiment of Filipino street smarts, unfiltered humor, and effortless charm.
Then we have the Discreet or DL type, which stands for “down low.” These are the bakla who keep things hidden. At work, they appear straight-laced and serious. They may even have girlfriends or wives, and are careful not to reveal anything that might give away their true identity. On social media, they’re ghost-like, never posting anything too personal. But at night, they quietly come alive in dating apps, where usernames are vague and photos are optional. They avoid flamboyant displays and would never be caught at a Pride March. But beneath the clean-cut appearance lies someone longing for expression, acceptance, and possibly love.
Opposite them are the Out and Proud bakla. These individuals live their truth boldly and without apology. They proudly declare their identity in public, support LGBTQIA+ causes, and are often involved in activism. They may be feminists, organizers of Pride events, or educators pushing for inclusivity. They are the ones who raise the rainbow flag high, whether through speeches, social media posts, or simply by showing up as their authentic selves. Their courage inspires others, and their presence challenges norms in workplaces, families, and communities.
In contrast, the Closeta remains hidden. These are the closeted gay men who have not yet come out to the world, and sometimes, not even to themselves. They are often quiet, seemingly straight, and keep their personal lives very private. When asked about relationships, they say they’re too focused on their studies or career. But deep inside, they may be struggling with fear of rejection from family, friends, or society. They might cry secretly while watching a coming-out scene in a movie, or feel a pang of envy seeing others live freely. Their silence speaks volumes, and their journey is deeply personal and often filled with quiet bravery.
There is also the Pa-Mhin, or masculine-acting bakla. These men often appear tough and rugged. They may be into sports, have a deep voice, and keep up a masculine image. But beneath the exterior, they are attracted to men and often have a soft, sensitive side. Some might never openly express their sexuality, but you’ll catch glimpses of it in how they talk, who they smile at, or what music they secretly love. They’re the ones who play basketball by day and watch K-dramas by night. They are often wrapped in mystery, which only adds to their charm.
We must also recognize the Transpinay, or transgender woman. These individuals were assigned male at birth but live and identify as women. While not all trans women consider themselves bakla, society often places them under the same umbrella. Transpinays may undergo hormone therapy, legally change their name, or begin a full transition. Regardless of how far along they are, what matters is that they live according to their truth. They often face discrimination in employment, healthcare, and daily life, yet they continue to fight for dignity and recognition. Their strength, grace, and beauty shine through in every space they enter.
Equally dazzling are the Drag Queens. These bakla perform exaggerated, glamorous, and powerful personas on stage. They are not necessarily trans women, nor do all of them want to be women. Drag is their art form, a celebration of self-expression and theatrical creativity. Their wigs are high, their makeup is bold, and their performances are electric. To them, the stage is sacred and fabulousness is a weapon. They challenge beauty standards, gender expectations, and make people laugh, cry, and sometimes dance along.
Among the more intellectual side of the spectrum is the Academic or Artista Bakla. These are the gay men immersed in the arts, literature, academia, or film. They might quote Judith Butler at a drinking session or write essays about queer representation in Philippine cinema. They tend to have deep conversations about identity and society, and they often carry themselves with elegance and sophistication. You’ll spot them at art exhibits or poetry readings, wearing long scarves and wide-rimmed glasses, offering critiques of everything from capitalism to the color scheme of your outfit.
And finally, we meet the Beki Queen, also known as the Social Media Influencer bakla. These bakla are always online, creating content that entertains, educates, and inspires. They dance on TikTok, spill tea on YouTube, and serve looks on Instagram. They are the face of modern Filipino LGBTQ+ culture—funny, relatable, and unapologetically visible. Their videos often go viral not just for humor, but for showcasing the everyday lives, joys, and struggles of bakla in the digital age. They are trendsetters, entertainers, and cultural commentators rolled into one.
As we celebrate Pride, let us remember that being agi in the Philippines is not one thing, it is many things. It is performance and protest, humor and heartbreak, celebration and survival. Each type of agi, from the flamboyant parlorista to the quietly struggling closeta, plays an important role in our society’s rich cultural landscape. Together, they form a spectrum as vibrant as the rainbow flag itself.
This Pride Month, may we go beyond tolerance and embrace understanding. Whether you are still in the closet or out on the streets waving a flag, you are valid, you are loved, and you are worthy of living your truth with joy and pride. Mabuhay ang mga bakla. Mabuhay ang Pride!
Noel Galon de Leon is a writer and educator at University of the Philippines Visayas, where he teaches in both the Division of Professional Education and U.P. High School in Iloilo. He serves as an Executive Council Member of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts-National Committee on Literary Arts.
