ECQ Stories: Drag queen Turing Quinto brings her show to social media
Entertainment bars have suffered great losses during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), and just like when the music is cut during a party and people are told to leave, everyone was in complete disbelief at how abruptly the COVID-19 pandemic has changed people's lives, especially performers like Turing Quinto, one of the drag queens of O Bar, who suddenly found herself without regular income for months.
GMANetwork.com checked in on Turing to find out how drag queens like herself are holding up during the quarantine period, and she courageously detailed the rollercoaster ride she's been on.
From the limelight to the dark side
Turing has been performing professionally as a drag queen for three years at O Bar, one of the most popular bars in Metro Manila patronized by members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
And just like everyone else, she was caught off guard by the implementation of the ECQ back in March 16.
“Well, I was shocked honestly. Because never in my life have I experienced this kind of situation where businesses have to close, including big ones, like malls and hotels. And not just here in the Philippines, but also around the world.
“We were still actually reluctant to close O Bar because we still cannot believe everything that was happening.
“When we were told about the lockdown, I was only able to gather my makeup kit and some wigs and costumes that I intended to wash.
“I also haven't thought of doing business during this lockdown because I never really thought that this will last for a very long time.”
Moreover, Turing admitted that the quarantine period has drained her savings.
“The money I receive from doing live streaming is not at par with what I normally make.
“I solely rely on my savings to pay for rent and utilities and other expenses here at home.
“I am the breadwinner of the family and I am basically feeding nine mouths.
“I honestly don't even know how are we going to survive after September, since my savings will only save us 'til that month.”
On top of that, Turing also revealed that the pandemic and the ECQ have immensely affected her mental health, since there were some unfortunate events that transpired in her life.
“My grandmother died during the lockdown, so we weren't able to see her at all.
“And I lost a lot of friends too; not because of COVID-19, but more of depression and stress, which led to stroke.
“So, I got depressed. I went into a very, very dark place that I almost ended my life.
“Thank God though that my friends, my mom, and my passion for arts saved me. I am thankful too that I haven't lost a family member to COVID-19.”
Turing performing during one of her livestream sessions/ Source: @turing.quinto (FB)
From O Bar to online
Being the true entertainer that Turing is, despite all the trials she's been going through, she found a way for her drag show to go on and for her to somehow generate income.
She decided to take her show from the stage of O Bar to another platform: social media!
Turing is no stranger to livestreaming on Facebook, as she does this regularly when she's getting ready before a show. However, its format and purpose evolved during the ECQ.
At first, Turing only wanted to stay connected to her followers during the start of the lockdown. But now, livestreaming has already become a way for her to produce income.
Plus, she also started her own YouTube channel a few weeks ago, where she posts performances and talks about becoming a better drag performer.
“I started doing YouTube partially to eventually generate income in the future, but more so because I need an outlet to do the things I love.
Turing also emphasized that as of now it's only through her livestream performances on Facebook that she gets to produce income.
“So far, I am just a newbie in the game and not monetized yet on YouTube, so I don't get any money from it.
She was also blatantly honest about how frustrating it has been to do performances online at times, because there's no guarantee that you'll be earning enough from the tips.
“Livestreaming has helped me in a way to gain more friends and followers but money-wise, it is waaaaaaaaaaayyyyy far from what I normally make at the bar.
“It is very difficult, degrading and depressing at times. Because with livesteaming, regardless of the effort you did putting on makeup, setting up, and performing your butt off, there is no assurance that you will get tips from people who are watching you.”
Nevertheless, Turing plans to carry on with livestreaming and vlogging until bars are finally allowed to open, as this is her only way to earn money during the quarantine period.
Seeing the bright side
Turing has had many realizations during this pandemic and she chooses to look at the bright side despite all the uncertainties.
“I've learned that life is short! That we should value the people that we love and should always tell them or let them know how much we love them.
“There is no assurance of tomorrow to every one of us. So, we must cherish every moment of our lives, doing the things we love and with the people we value.
“We are not sure how long this situation we are living in right now will last, but just hold on! We will get through this!
“Just do not forget to call on Him and to be optimistic. We, humans, are naturally capable of looking for the good things out of a bad one. Kaya natin ito! Malalagpasan din natin ito!
“And to those aspiring Drag Queens, my message is to just do it! We all start from zero. If you don't start now, you will remain zero. So, just do it and work your way up!”
On true optimism
Drag queen Turing is proof that being optimistic doesn't mean being eternally happy and confident, nor putting on a happy face and sugarcoating reality.
She is proof that you can have bad days and still be optimistic, because true optimism is all about never losing hope and being brave enough to carry on, despite being aware of the difficulties and uncertainties.
Real optimism is when you do what you can and you put your full trust in God, that He will get you through no matter what.
For more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.
If you wish to help out Turing, you may do so through these channels: GCash (09195031873); Paypal (turingquinto@gmail.com), BDO (005080215853), or visit her FB/IG/YouTube (Turing Quinto).
And for updates on the Coronavirus Disease pandemic and the enhanced community quarantine, visit GMA's COVID-19 page and ECQ page.
Or, perhaps you'd like to read about trans actress Mela Habijan's ECQ Story.