Tovic Salvador

Article (news)

Entrepreneur Chit Reyes

Josh Mercado

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762385339034image1.jpeg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Entrepreneur Chit Reyes talks about life as a lesbian and efforts to uplift community. Photo by Josh Mercado </div>Unlike the gay community, which is well-represented and celebrated in the mainstream, with superstar Vice Ganda breaking the ceiling and taking the lead, the lesbian community remains underrepresented and continues to confront stereotypes and strong online hatred. Lesbians, like their gay counterparts, come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities — each one deserving of the same opportunities and representation. Across industries, many are finding success and proving that authenticity can be their greatest strength.Meet Chit Reyes, a proud lesbian and entrepreneur who came out later in life after having four children with her ex-husband. Additionally, she is the passionate producer of Tomboy Philippines, a lesbian pageant with the goal of ending stereotypes.Recalling the time she told her children she was a lesbian, Reyes shared, “‘Yung panganay (eldest) ko, galit sa akin ‘yan before. Kamakailan na lang kami nagkabati.”“Hanggang sa tinanggap na lang nila kaysa magtago pa ako,” she added.Reyes, who recently launched LesQuest Studios in Quezon City with spaces for photography, recording, and podcasting, told ABS-CBN News that being true to her self has allowed her to find freedom and peace.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762385387577image0 (1).jpeg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Chit Reyes and Cowee Santos open LesQuest Studios in Quezon City. Photo by Josh Mercado </div>“Kahit naman noon, uma-attend na ako ng mga lesbian party at underground lesbian pageant. Nakikita rin nila before na ang mga kaibigan ko talaga ay lesbians. Nung nakapag-out na ako, masarap sa pakiramdam. Isang malaking desisyon na hindi ko pinagsisisihan. Ang hirap naman kung hanggang ngayon ay nagtatago pa rin ako sa mga anak ko,” she opened up.“May mga lipstick lesbian na hindi pa nag-a-out na takot pa sa pamilya. While we should not pressure anyone to come out, we should always be truthful about who we are. And you can accomplish more in life if you set yourself free. Ignore the noise. Pay attention to your inner voice,” she added. To this day, Reyes continues to work not just for herself but for the wider lesbian community she hopes to uplift and empower. Through Tomboy Philippines, which recently held its coronation night and sparked both praise and debate online, she aims to give lesbians the visibility and representation they deserve.“Sa katunayan, 2011 pa lang, nag-o-organize na ako ng events. At ibinigay nga sa akin itong pageant. Makikita mo ‘yung confidence ng candidates after the pageant. Naramdaman nilang nakita sila at pinahalagahan sila,” she pointed out.As she prepares for the next season of the pageant with her partner Cowee Santos, Reyes remains focused on her advocacy. “Maraming talented na members ng LGBTQIA+,” she said. “By emphasizing authenticity and talents beyond mere physical appearance, Tomboy Philippines is committed to challenging stereotypes and promoting societal acceptance.”<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762385450378image2.jpeg" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Chit Reyes and Cowee Santos want stronger mainstream representation of the lesbian community. Handout</div>Admitting that there are still haters, Reyes shared her prayers for the lesbian community, telling ABS-CBN News, “Sana mabago ang pagtingin nila na kami raw ay salot, tambay lang, walang pinag-aralan. ‘Yung mga stereotype na ganoon. Masakit ‘yun. Kaso may mga taong mapanghusga talaga. Gusto kong makilala rin ang lesbian community katulad ng gay community.”“Hindi pa rin tanggap ang lesbian community sa Pilipinas. Siguro ay nasa 60 percent pa lang ang acceptance rate ng lesbian community sa atin,” she added.Reyes also had a message “for the haters in the back.” “Ang konsepto ng ibang tao — kapag sinabing tomboy — ay naka-motor, may angkas na babae, walang pinag-aralan, walwal,&quot; she said. &quot;May kotse ang mga ‘yan. Mayroong teacher, mayroong doctor. ‘Yung iba ay nasa BPO. Mayroong professionals.”“Why should we just do well and let each other do what they want? I also hope that more lesbians will come out to prove the doubters,” Reyes ended. Reyes, who is blessed with a successful career, is overjoyed to have a voice that benefits others, particularly the lesbian community. She believes that by sharing her story, others may be inspired to pursue a career grounded in authenticity.

Entrepreneur and Tomboy Philippines producer Chit Reyes opens up about coming out later in life, breaking lesbian stereotypes, and using her platform to champion authenticity and visibility within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Entrepreneur and Tomboy Philippines producer Chit Reyes opens up about coming out later in life, breaking lesbian stereotypes, and using her platform to champion authenticity and visibility within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Tomboy Philippines producer Chit Reyes calls to end lesbian stereotypes

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

People, Culture, and Events

Tomboy Philippines producer Chit Reyes calls to end lesbian stereotypes

Josh Mercado

Published November 06, 2025 12:00 PM PHT

Read More:

lesbian

Chit Reyes

lesbian community

LGBT

Tomboy Philippines

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.