No one draws attention quite like a celeb--that's why they're famous in the first place--so it's a big deal when they use their platform to promote a worthy cause like LGBTQIA+ rights.
While it may not always be easy to stand up for one's beliefs, these icons knew that it's more important to take a stand against hate and help love win.
From Dingdong Dantes to Catriona Gray, these celebrities didn't let their privilege, preference, and religion stop them from fighting for inclusivity, love, and equality for our sisters and brothers from the LGBTQIA+ community.
Dingdong Dantes expressed the importance of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression “SOGIE” Equality bill following comedienne KaladKaren Davila's denied entry to a bar in Makati.
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray has been very vocal about her support for the LGBTQ+ community. Amid criticisms, the beauty queen stands firm in inviting a deeper discourse about this marginalized members of our society, and in fighting for equal rights.
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach has also been known to champion LGBTQ+ rights as she advocates spreading HIV/AIDS awareness.
Megan Young says no to discrimination as she hopes to change the negative mindset toward members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Iza Calzado made a statement when she joined the Pride March in 2018 in solidarity with members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Though she's not fond of the "call out culture," Saab Magalona took to social media her desires for equal rights and benefits for the LGBTQ+ community as a response to a rapper who maligned same-sex marriage.
Michael V did a parody of JK Labajo's “Buwan” to pay tribute to the LGBTQ+ community this Pride month.
Addy Raj is a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community as he also uses his social media and his influence to change the mindset toward the other members of our society.
Cai Cortez identifies herself as an LGBTQ+ ally, waving the rainbow flag for them with pride.
Professional basketball player Arnold van Opstal called to address homophobia among athletes as he boldly spoke about equality.
Divine Lee wrote an open letter calling for a world full of love, freedom, and equality where “people are free to love, be loved and be happy for being themselves.
Iconic rapper Gloc 9 bravely tackled gay issues when he wrote “Sirena.”
Heart Evangelista has always been vocal of her support for the SOGIE Bill. She also received the Equality Champion Award because of her staunch support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Award-winning actress Cherie Gil showed her support for the LGBTQ+ community by starring in the recent Manila run of the play 'Angels in America.' The play tackles homosexuality and AIDS in 1980s America.
Janine Gutierrez is an avid supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. She even attended the Pride March in 2018 and 2019.
Filmmaker Samatha Lee is an advocate of the LGBTQ+ community and better representation of women through local cinema. Her film, 'Baka Bukas,' which won multiple awards, is about two best friends who fall in love with each other.
Aside from advocating on mental issues, Nadine Lustre also champions the LGBTQ+ rights. She showed her support by attending the Metro Manila Pride last June.
Kapuso host and 'Love You Two' actress Michelle Dee is also a supporter of our rainbow-filled brothers and sisters.
Radio DJs Sam YG, Tony Toni, and Slick Rick carried the rainbow flag with confidence during the Metro Manila Pride March.
Bb. Pilipinas International Bea Patricia Magtanong showed her support for the LGBTQ+ community together with Ateneo topnotcher Sean Borja during the Pride March.
Bb. Pilipinas Supranational Resham Saeed has been an advocate of equal rights ever since she joined the competition. She has been vocal about LGBTQ+ rights as well as women's equal rights.
Geneva Cruz opened the topic of homosexuality on her Instagram account after a netizen condemned her for supporting the engagement of 'Mean Girls' star Jonathan Bennett to his boyfriend. According to Geneva, “We don't choose who we are or who we love… If my children were gay, I would fully support them because real love has no labels.”
Filipina-Australian actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith once said in an interview that there are “no restrictions to fall in love with anyone.” Jasmine even portrayed a woman who fell in love with her female childhood friend in the movie 'Baka Bukas.'
PPP 2019 Best Actor Martin del Rosario showed his support for the LGBTQIA+ community after he told reporters that people “have the right to love another person, regardless of whatever sexual orientation we prefer.”
In a Twitter post, singer-songwriter Paolo Guico of Ben&Ben said that he wants Filipinos to remove their outdated thinking regarding gender identity. He said, “Sana'y maka--move-on na tayo bilang bansa sa paggamit ng 'bakla' bilang insulto. As a heterosexual male, I may not be in the place to speak for them, but I will fiercely fight for our LGBT friends and listeners. You are valid, accepted, and loved. Pilipinas, let's grow up!”
After appearing in the movie, 'My 2 Mommies,' actor Joem Bascon hoped that viewers become more liberal when it comes to accepting the LGBTQIA+ community. He said in a press interview, “Happy ako na syempre na-o-open na siya sa society na very religious and conservative. Nakikita natin na, 'Uy, puwede pala 'yung ganitong sitwasyon, pwede 'yung ganitong setup ng pamilya. Na ang pagmamahal hindi naman yan tinatanong kung lalaki-babae o lalaki-lalake o babae-babae.”
Asked if Michelle Dee's coming out would affect her stint in the Miss Universe 2023, Rabiya Mateo answered, “They're very inclusive, mas open-minded sila." In fact, the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 thinks that Michelle's story is an advantage for her, "Inclusivity-wise, her back story, malakas yung laban ni Michelle Dee."