5 Viewing Ideas to Get Your Pride On

The COVID-19 pandemic may have canceled this year’s Pride March in Metro Manila but that doesn’t mean the global expression of gender equality will not be celebrated this year. Much like how physical gatherings have moved virtually, hosting an online viewing party is a safe alternative to celebrate with the rest of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“Love still wins this year because even if we cannot physically march as we normally do, the celebration of Pride will continue online,” said Bogs Orial, Co-chair of Spectrum Philippines, the LGBTQIA+ employee support group of TELUS International Philippines.

Having supported the company’s employees for the last six years on various gender inclusivity-related discussions and activities, the enthusiasm of Spectrum Philippines members are not dampened by the cancellation of this year’s Pride March. Instead, they have come up with viewing lists to recommend to those looking to take the celebration online.

Still not sure what to watch to celebrate Pride via an online viewing party? Check out these recommendations from Spectrum Philippines to suit various personality types. Then, set-up a viewing party and have a sweet-tastic time with your friends.

For the: Netflix Binge-watchers
Watch: RuPaul’s Drag Race

With 12 seasons of the show readily available for viewing, the competition to crown America’s “Next Drag Superstar” is a surefire way of keeping the party going. Hosted by the mother of all drag mothers, RuPaul, it’s full of funny quips, and self-discovery moments from contestants. “The contestants have colorful personalities and the outfits you’ll see will also give you that Pride March feel even though there’s no parade,” said Shey Cruz, Spectrum PH co-chair.

For the: Videoke Lovers
Watch: Lady Gaga’s Joanne World Tour

“You can’t gather your friends and do videoke, so watching this via a viewing party is sure to give you that sing-along, celebratory feeling,” said Arnon Almonina of Spectrum PH. With her birit-worthy ballads and her heart pumping dance moves, watching this live Lady Gaga concert is sure to get you out of your bed–especially when you don’t feel like doing anything.

For the: Asian Cinema Fanatics
Watch: The Grey Rainbow

This Thai film captures the love story and struggles of Porsche and Nuer, university dormmates who soon discover who they truly are and want to fully express themselves. “It’s a struggle that the LGBTQIA+ community knows very well. The film also helps share a better understanding of how it is for most of us,” said Bernard Tacuban of Spectrum PH.

For the: Documentary Buffs
Watch: A Secret Love

“This documentary truly proves that love wins! It’s really a must watch,” said Arian Corpuz of Spectrum PH. The Netflix Original documentary centers on the story of Pat and Terry, who for over sixty-five years kept their same sex relationship a secret due to the norms of the time. Having started as a couple in the 1940s, they also share their experience as the decades changed, along with the evolution of the perception of relationships like theirs.

For the: LGBTQI+ Allies
Watch: The Half of It

A not-so typical teenage movie, The Half of it examines the complexities of teenage love, including discovering same sex attractions and the emergence of deep friendships that transcend gender stereotypes from the lens of its main character, Ellie Chiu. “The plot really drives home a lot of points that many of us, regardless of gender, can relate to. It’s a refreshing take on the subject without going for shock factor,” said Trizta Singh of Spectrum PH.