FILIPINO DRAG HERSTORY TIMELINE
900-1521
Our Filipino ancestors practiced gender crossing and transitioning. Spiritual leaders like the babaylan practiced drag, gaining “social and symbolic recognition as ‘somewhat women’” during the early years of our nation.
1521-1898
Spaniards found this culture of ours “threatening” and “primitive” during their Investigation of this part of Filipino culture stopped in 1625.
1898–1912
ris ul ul n una was known to be a “gender crosser” during the American occupation. Victoria Studios was where he had his portraits all dressed in female baro’t saya to Japanese geisha robes.
1942-1945
Walterina Markova (aka Walter Dempster Jr.) is a drag burlesque performer during the Japanese occupation. He is one among the many gay entertainers who were turned into comfort gays by the soldiers.
1960-1975
The concept of drag was brought to mainstream consciousness with Ang Tatay Kong Nanay Ko by comedy king Dolphy Quizon. National gay pageants like Miss Gay Philippines were established around this time as well.
2000s
Drag was known more in the mainstream as a form of comedy. Allan K and other comedians performed drag in variety shows. This gave drag a one- sided perception of being a form of comedy alone.
Present day
their Drag Disco Thursdays served as homes for drag performers and their patrons. More young the help of shows like Rupaul’s Drag Race hitting mainstream success.