4 queer-friendly spots to check out this Pride Month
As we continue to call for the passage of the SOGIE bill—“an act prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression”—it’s a good idea to make sure that our dear LGBTQIA+ friends have safe places where they can just be.
This Pride Month, we at PhilSTAR L!fe are putting the spotlight on queer-friendly spots in the metro. Each one has not only good food and good vibes, but also—and probably the most important of all—love. Read on.
Food For The Gays Café
FFTG Café is an unassuming queer-friendly food spot that lies in bustling Cubao.
You’d be in awe of its PRIDE flag that welcomes you at the entrance, and even more so when you’re inside as it showcases each flag in the LGBTQIA+ spectrum.
Included in the menu are bread, pizza, and pasta as well as hot and cold coffee beverages. For first-timers, we suggest that you go for its best-selling (and IG-worthy) rainbow grilled cheese sandwich (P80)—simple, yet gooey and surprisingly filling.
Open from Tuesday to Sunday - 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM
58 13th Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City
Futur:st
“Tiny home, big heart.” That’s what Futur:st—a space for all—is about. This community-driven hangout may be painted black, but inside, it’s full of color for its people and the art. What makes this stand out is it also doubles as an art gallery, with exhibits by local artists like Nicole Aprid.
Munch on the Bourdain’s Balls (meatballs with mango-habanero sauce) and the tofu sisig. Pair them with your go-to booze as you add more lovely people to your circle.
Open from Wednesday to Saturday from 7:00 PM
5062 Guerrero, Makati
O Bar
O Bar serves the common pulutans that go well with booze, including kropek, cheese sticks, spam fries, and pizza. Its vibrant shows and people, however, are its biggest come-ons.
Known as the “Home of Asia’s finest Dancing-Drag Queens,” it holds huge events—from costume contests to PRIDE parties that even famous members and allies go to, such as Pia Wurtzbach, Regine Velasquez, Jaya, Jolina Magdangal, and more.
For this year’s affair—in partnership with Love Yourself Inc., the Department of Health, and the City of Pasig—there will be guest appearances by Bituin Escalante and KaladKaren, among others.
Open from Friday to Sunday - 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Ortigas Techpoint, Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas
XX XX
XX XX hosts Elephant that’s been known for its weekly raves, creating “a safe space created by queer people for queer people.”
It’s been a go-to place for various people for its techno vibe and welcoming setting. Adding oomph to it are its themed events—from Madonna to drag, gay icons, and so much more that you can amp up with some booze.
While they opted for a digital visual party last year, they teased that they are excited “to celebrate Pinoy trans and queerness in the safe space we all built very soon.”
2241 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati