Maria Virginia Sy

Gen Z drag artists foster a safe space for self-expression and creativity

Article (news)

Drag artists Popovy Automata and Aurora BLVD prepare a few minutes before the PrideChella opening act at a private venue in Katipunan, Quezon City on Jun 06, 2026.

PUP drag performers Kyrari and Shack Daidana prepare for their PrideChella performance at a private venue in Katipunan, Quezon City on Jun 06, 2026.

Members of the House of Exxia transform into their drag personas for their PrideChella performance at a private venue in Katipunan, Quezon City on Jun 06, 2026

Luna Eclipse, Saphfire, Lunar Luxx, and Fae Shervivah prepare for the PrideChella opening act at a private venue in Katipunan, Quezon City on Jun 06, 2026.

PrideChella production volunteers get ready for the show.

Beverly BLVD, the drag daughter of Aurora BLVD, is introduced during the opening of PrideChella.

Fae Shervivah performs at Drag Avenue’s PrideChella on June 06, 2026.

Performers share a light moment as they are introduced for PrideChella on June 6, 2026

Popovy Automata from the House of Xion performs during Drag Avenue’s PrideChella on June 06, 2026.

Popovy Automata from the House of Xion interacts with Aurora BLVD during Drag Avenue’s PrideChella on June 06, 2026.

Drag Avenue artists Saphfire, Larynx, Selang Bagsik, Elodie Laurent, Lunar Luxx, Din Delish, Beverly BLVD, Luna Eclipse, and Aurora BLVD during PrideChella on June 06, 2026.

Selang Bagsik performs during Drag Avenue’s PrideChella on June 06, 2026.

Khen Thot performs during Drag Avenue’s PrideChella on June 06, 2026.

Fae Shervivah shares a light moment with Aurora BLVD during Drag Avenue’s PrideChella on June 06, 2026

The audience enjoys a performance by the House of Balagtas during Drag Avenue’s PrideChella on June 06, 2026.

House of Balagtas members Shack Daidana, Diesel Hailey Deluxion, Sugar Kola, and Mona Hillary during Drag Avenue’s PrideChella on June 06, 2026.

Shack Daidana from the House of Balagtas interacts with the audience during Drag Avenue’s PrideChella on June 06, 2026.

Members of the House of Exxia—Aether, Fuel, Zephre, Dane, and Kyrari—perform during Drag Avenue’s PrideChella on June 06, 2026.

Aurora BLVD and drag daughter Beverly BLVD thank the mostly Gen Z crowd for supporting Drag Avenue’s PrideChella on June 06, 2026.

PrideChella performers and volunteers pose for photos after the show on June 06, 2026. Aurora BLVD credits the volunteers for what she considers a successful show.

ABS-CBN News

<div>[[PHOTO ALBUM]]<br/><br/><br/>MANILA — A certain euphoria fills the air as the expectant crowd gathers in a shared parking space, refashioned into a stage for a night of talent and creativity to celebrate Pride Month. This bicycle shop—devoid of vanity mirrors and wardrobe racks—provides an unlikely sanctuary where artists meticulously style their ensembles and transform into their drag personas.</div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/4/12/study-lgbtqi-filipinos-twice-more-likely-to-be-underemployed-1722">Study: LGBTQI+ Filipinos twice more likely to be underemployed</a></div><p>The event, dubbed “PrideChella” (a play on words combining Pride and the Coachella music festival), showcases the talent of nearly 20 performers who have been in the drag scene for less than five years. </p><p>For 20-year-old event organizer Aki Lopez, who goes by the stage name Aurora BLVD, producing the show through their collective Drag Avenue stems from a genuine desire to uplift other drag queens. Fueled by members determined to showcase their art, the group made it their mission to find and support up-and-coming queens, particularly those who are new to the craft.</p><p>This includes a commitment to organizing shows where performers are provided with everything they need—from fair, mutually agreed-upon compensation to meals and ample space for costume changes and preparation.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/6/12/drag-show-performed-in-manila-street-as-form-of-protest-2213">Drag show performed in Manila street as form of protest</a></div><p>“Pag mag-throw kami ng show, aalagaan namin ang lahat. Tapos habang inaalagaan namin ang lahat, we&#x27;re also going to uplift everyone around us,” Aurora BLVD explained. “Sabay-sabay tayong may platform, hindi lang kami. Sama kayo sa amin, ganoon.”</p><p>“Drag is essentially a safe space for us,” Aki said, explaining how discovering drag at the age of 16 after watching RuPaul&#x27;s Drag Race changed his life. It made him realize that it is entirely possible to express one’s femininity despite being assigned male at birth.</p><p>“Nung nag-come out na ako, that&#x27;s when parang lumabas &#x27;yung butterfly wings ko. Parang nag-evolve ako from being in a cocoon to metamorphosizing into a butterfly,” he added, a transformation that ultimately gave birth to his drag persona, Aurora BLVD.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/video/news/12/27/23/marcos-urged-to-certify-as-urgent-sogie-equality-bill">LGBT group urges Marcos to certify as urgent SOGIE Equality Bill</a></div><p>“Mas naging comfortable na ako sa sarili ko,” Aki shared. “Si Aki, doon ako quirky sa style ko, and then si Aurora BLVD, doon siya mas woman—the glamorous and camp side.” In drag culture, glamour is defined by hyper feminism, while camp is viewed as something highly theatrical and exaggerated. </p><p>In organizing PrideChella, Aki explained that they had to be completely transparent with the invited queens about their budget limitations, but most expressed a willingness to perform &quot;voluntarily.&quot; The organizers made sure that food and drinks were readily available to the participating performers and volunteers, promising they would have fun celebrating Pride Month together.</p><p>He also gave immense credit to all the volunteers who helped run the event. “Grabe, &#x27;yung mga volunteers namin sobrang thankful na natulungan nila kami sa event na &#x27;to kasi without them, this is nothing,” Aki shared.</p><p>Ultimately, Aki emphasized how drag is built entirely on the support of a community—and the packed space, filled with passionate fans, was an affirmation of that support.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>DRAG AS A PASSION PROJECT</strong><strong><br/></strong></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178121289335520260606-pride-chella-drag-avenue-GCS-4798.jpg" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">House of Balagtas members Shack Daidana, Diesel Hailey Deluxion, Sugar Kola, and Mona Hillary during Drag Avenue’s PrideChella on June 06, 2026. <em>Gigie Cruz, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><p>Drag queen Shack Daidana, 22, known offstage as Harley Palubon, sees PrideChella as the perfect venue to flaunt their talent. Named after Bulwagang Balagtas at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), the &quot;House of Balagtas&quot; pioneered the drag house scene at the university, where a massive, vibrant community of drag artists flourishes.  Promoting the campus drag scene to a wider audience is deeply important to them.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/09/04/19/its-dangerous-groups-say-sogie-equality-bill-discriminatory">&#x27;It’s dangerous&#x27;: Groups say SOGIE equality bill discriminatory</a></div><p>The members initially met while competing in Let&#x27;s Get Drag, a university-based drag competition at PUP. Each member, according to Shack Daidana, brings a unique strength to the table: Sugar Kola acts as the group’s choreographer; Hailey Deluxion serves as the house costume designer; Mona focuses on body positivity; and Diesel, the most experienced performer in the group, teaches the younger members the ins and outs of the performance arts.</p><p>Winning &quot;Can’t Drag Me Down&quot; at La Salle is a validation of their talent, according to Shack Daidana. Getting paid gigs in drag bars is another testament. “May talent talaga yung house namin. We can really compete. It&#x27;s just that wala lang kaming exposure, wala lang kaming connections, and also we&#x27;re young.” </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2026/1/26/teatro-lasalliana-makes-history-with-dlsu-d-s-first-drag-showcase-1252">Teatro Lasalliana makes history with DLSU-D’s first drag showcase</a></div><p>For Shack Daidana, who works professionally as a drag performer, the art demands a huge amount of confidence and a unique perspective. He explains how creative makeup is just a fraction of it, and emphasizes how attitude in delivering one’s art defines what a drag queen is.</p><p>Fae Shervivah, 25, known offstage as Jae Ryan Testor, recalls how drag events in PUP were just small functions three years ago, right as Drag Race Philippines peaked in popularity. This paved the way for more girls to try out the art form, giving &quot;bedroom queens&quot;—who typically do drag in private—the courage to finally come out and perform. </p><div><br/></div><div><span style="background-color:transparent"><strong>THE DRAG COMMUNITY AND THE CHOSEN FAMILY</strong></span><br/><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178121402681720260606-pride-chella-drag-avenue-GCS-4562.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Fae Shervivah performs during Drag Avenue’s PrideChella on June 06, 2026. <em>Gigie Cruz, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><p>Fae Shervivah’s initial interaction with established drag queens started with a college documentary project. Veering away from typical topics, her group explored the differences and similarities between drag families and biological families. This resulted in a meaningful collaboration with Myx Chanel, who eventually adopted her as a daughter while Fae worked as her personal assistant. For Fae, it was her grit and desire to pursue drag that ultimately got her into the circle.</p><p>Graduating from college with Latin honors provided her with an empowering feeling, proving to others that gender does not define one’s achievements. Fae explains that working with Myx Chanel showed her how to live authentically, adding that the genuineness and acceptance made her deeply appreciate the presence of a drag mother—a chosen mother.  </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/06/03/23/groups-kick-off-pride-month-with-protest-plea-to-pass-sogie-bill">Groups kick off Pride month with protest, plea to pass SOGIE bill</a></div><p>“Sa lahat ng shows ko, Chanel was one of the proudest people every time na lalabas si Fae Shervivah. And I&#x27;m very happy to have her kasi, those are the wins that I can&#x27;t celebrate with my biological family,” she shared.</p><p>The fear of rejection kept Jae from introducing his drag persona, Fae Shervivah, to his family. This persona, according to Jae, was born out of his independent life—built entirely on his own, without the benefits of what he considers a privileged upbringing. He fears that others may try to take away his identity as Fae Shervivah once she is revealed. “I hope my parents would carry the same pride that I am feeling in embracing myself and my drag identity,” Fae added.</p><div><br/><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178121436256320260606-pride-chella-drag-avenue-GCS-4812.jpg" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Sugar Kola joins the audience as they watch a performance by members of the House of Exxia as part of PrideChella on June 6, 2026. <em>Gigie Cruz, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><p>“Drag communities function as a &#x27;chosen family,&#x27; since not all performers have accepting biological families,” Aurora BLVD explains.</p><p>“Chosen families are not built by blood,” Fae added. Having gone through similar struggles in life helps them fully empathize with one another.</p><p>Supported by their chosen family, these artists find in drag a venue for self-expression and the freedom to be their authentic selves, away from the judging eyes of those who refuse to understand.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/6/3/marcos-on-pride-month-inclusion-must-be-reflected-on-our-policies-1616">Marcos on Pride Month: &#x27;Inclusion must be reflected in our policies&#x27;</a></div><p>The acknowledgement from heterosexual men and cisgender women for their art speaks volumes about what drag performers can contribute to society, according to Shack Daidana. This leaves her hopeful for strengthened support toward the passage of the SOGIE Bill, addressing one of the structural challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS</strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_w6E6Sh6TRI?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7a_IbbZwxng?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5RVWF-v4Teg?&amp;t=192s&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EwDoy7JBQv8?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Gen Z drag performers gathered on June 6, 2026 to showcase their art and support up-and-coming queens through PrideChella to mark Pride month.</p>

Gen Z drag performers gathered on June 6, 2026 to showcase their art and support up-and-coming queens through PrideChella to mark Pride month.

IN PHOTOS: Gen Z drag artists foster safe space for self-expression and creativity

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IN PHOTOS: Gen Z drag artists foster safe space for self-expression and creativity

Gigie Cruz,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 13, 2026 02:44 PM PHT

Read More:

Pride month

PrideChella

drag

drag performace

LGBTQIA+

Drag Avenue

Aurora BLVD

House of Balagtas

Shack Daidana

Fae Shervivah

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