Beyond Influence: Queerness As A Creative Force In Beauty

The LGBTQIAP+ community has always known how to make magic happen. Behind the scenes, in the chair, and under pressure. It’s no secret that they have been foundational to the worlds of beauty and entertainment in the Philippines (and perhaps the world). For all the glamour and applause they’ve helped create, one would think the spotlight had always shone brightly on the talents making it happen. But the recognition and celebration didn’t come overnight–it took time for the wheels of progress to start turning.

It wasn’t always this way. Many of today’s most recognizable queer creatives—now celebrated, followed, and booked months in advance—first entered the industry when queerness was tolerated, not celebrated. Their rise signals not just personal success, but a shift in culture.

This series is a tribute to the artists and creatives brave enough to bring their now-iconic visions to life and add bold, beautiful color to our world. Their hands have shaped the brightest stars across generations, while their identities have shaped entire industries.

Think of the moment you walk into a salon or sit on a makeup chair, and the influence hair artists, like Lourd Ramos, Paul Nebres, or Renz Pangilinan have on the final cut, color, and style of your hair. In their hands, one’s idea becomes a vision of confidence and beauty. Think of the most beautiful faces and how makeup artists, like Jelly Eugenio or Jigs Mayuga have played a role in transforming them into today’s most iconic stars.

While speaking with some of the some of the most talented and respected creative professionals in the country, we’re reminded that queerness isn’t just an influence—it’s a force. It’s beauty, boldness, passion, resilience, and vision, all at once.

Jigs Mayuga on Owning Space, Telling Stories, and Painting with Pride

Courtesy of subject

Paul Nebres on Stillness, Strength, and the Quiet Power of Queer Beauty

Courtesy of subject

Lourd Ramos on Queer Power, Precision, and Reinventing the Cut

Courtesy of subject

Renz Pangilinan on Friendship, Fantasy, and the Freedom to Create

Courtesy of subject

Jelly Eugenio on Confidence, Culture, and the Art of Going All Out

Courtesy of subject

The LGBTQIAP+ community has always been at the pulse of beauty, entertainment, and so many other industries. Those who have come before us have worked hard to ensure we–and the next generation–receive the recognition and flowers we deserve.

The message? Live out your pride. Be your most authentic self all 365 days of the year. Be fearless in expressing your feminine, masculine, or non-binary self because real progress isn’t just about visibility, it’s about freedom.

Freedom from needing labels or permission to access respect.

Freedom to live and lead with talent, passion, and humanity.