The stage is set, the spotlight's on, and Tomboy Philippines 2024 is about to serve all the pageant realness!
The Philippines, especially the LGBTQIA+ community, has long been obsessed with pageantry. From Miss Universe to local drag shows, we love watching fierce competitors slay the stage, and now, it's finally the lesbians' turn. Tomboy Philippines is here to break stereotypes, serve visibility, and show the world that tomboys can rock a crown and strut with pride.
Founded by Chit Reyes and along with Cowee Santos, this pageant is more than just a show. It is a powerful movement for inclusivity, equality, and representation, marking a milestone for the lesbian community in the Philippines.
Visibility is the first step
In an exclusive chat with Cowee Santos, we dug into what inspired the creation of Tomboy Philippines and what sets it apart from the sea of traditional pageants.
According to Cowee, to have a pageant with lesbian contestants sprang from the diverse personalities and communities each candidate represents. While the format follows the usual pageant structure, the twist lies in the curiosity from the general public about how this will all play out. "Ang difference lang namin, curious ang general public pa how are we going to execute since mas sanay na sila with women, men, and gays. Example ung swimwear. Hello, hnd pa ba kayo naka kita ng tomboy na nagsswimming?” Cowee joked, alluding to the intrigue this pageant is stirring.
More than a beauty contest, Tomboy Philippines shines a light on three core values—Commitment, Accountability, and Responsibility—summed up as CAR. "These are the values we want to highlight, especially within the LGBTQIA+ community. We're not just about putting on a show; we're about driving these characteristics into everything we do," Cowee explained. The pageant isn't just an opportunity for visibility, but a celebration of personal integrity and leadership in action.
Santos also made it clear that Tomboy Philippines aims to challenge the long-standing stereotypes and misconceptions that exist around tomboys in the Philippines. “Ang common misconception kasi sa mga Tomboy, puro kaldag lang daw ang alam, o taga salo ng single mom o trying hard maging pogi lang. Not that it's bad, but we also have superior talents din kasi, yun ang makikita nila on this upcoming pageant.," Cowee said, speaking passionately about showcasing the true depth of the contestants.
Empowering Voices
Beyond appearances, Tomboy Philippines is also designed to give contestants a platform for advocacy and social change. The top 15 candidates will have the opportunity to share their personal advocacies with the audience. Each brings their own story, and each story comes with its own set of challenges and adversities.
@tomboyph2024 Basta tomboy matik dancer na singer pa. 🤣 #tomboyphilippines2024 #tomboyphilippines #lesquestproduction #THEONE690BAR #musicmuseum ♬ original sound - Tomboy Philippines
While Tomboy Philippines is a groundbreaking event, Cowee doesn't want people to set their expectations too high—at least not just yet. "For now, huwag muna tayo mag expect ng kahit ano. The visibility is one step. Paying it forward is another. We want to make the general public aware muna na we exist. And we’re here and ready to give value as a human. Karamihan sa mga LGBTQIA+ matatalino. Yung creativity combined with action." Cowee emphasized. According to Santos, the LGBTQIA+ community has long been bursting with talent and intelligence, and it's just a matter of time before this creativity is paired with real action. "Just wait and see."
Inspiring the Next Generation of Lesbians
Lastly, Cowee had a powerful message for young lesbians across the Philippines: "Sa mga bagets, para sainyo to. Our mission and vision is for you to enjoy the equal rights so that you can shine with confidence on the next generation. Tama na ung ginagawa nila tayo clown for the longest time. It’s time to inspire, and do as much as we can to empower other members."
Tomboy Philippines 2024 isn’t just a pageant; it’s a revolution with 30 fierce contestants ready to break boundaries. The preliminary competition kicks off at One 690 Entertainment Bar, leading up to the grand coronation on October 19 at the Music Museum.
