The Queer Pridecast

Evan Tan

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SOCIETY & CULTURE

Unfiltered thoughts and ideas from the queer community and our allies, from the Philippines and the world

MAR 12

How Do We Learn to Love Our Bodies?, With Certified Strength Training Coach Maksims Visnakovs

For many in the queer community, navigating the fitness world can feel like walking a tightrope between the desire to genuinely feel good and the immense pressure to look a very specific way. In this episode of "The Queer Pridecast", we had a chat with New York City-based certified personal trainer and nutrition coach Maksims Vishnakovs to untangle the complexities of gay body image, inclusive fitness, and sustainable health. Transitioning from a stressful corporate job to the fitness industry during the pandemic, Maksims brings a refreshingly grounded, science-based perspective to a space often clouded by polarized and unhelpful influencer advice. Eschewing the traditional "drill sergeant" mentality, he focuses instead on client education, dismantling toxic aesthetic standards, and fostering a genuinely safe, non-objectifying environment. Episode Chapters: 00:03:01 – The Reality of "Goal Bodies" 00:08:02 – Navigating Body Dysmorphia 00:10:32 – Cultivating a Safe Space 00:16:42 – The Art of Aging Well 00:19:10 – Thriving as a Vegan Lifter

24 min
JAN 17

COP30 & The Fight for Queer Visibility in Climate Action, with Jefferson Estela

In this episode of The Queer Pridecast, we are joined by Jefferson Estela, a climate activist and member of the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition. Jep takes us inside COP30 in Belém, Brazil, sharing his firsthand experience as a queer delegate fighting for representation on the global stage. We discuss the historic formation of the Queer Intersectionalities working group and the fierce negotiations to keep "gender" and diverse identities in official climate texts, despite pushback from conservative nations. Jep also highlights why specific language matters—sharing powerful examples from Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) where vague terms like "family" excluded queer couples from vital aid. Join us as we explore why climate justice must be intersectional and how the queer community is taking up space to ensure no one is left behind. Follow The Queer Pridecast on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thequeerpridecast

28 min
09/08/2025

Invisible Refugees: The Struggles of Queer Migrants in France, with Igor Chervinsky

In this The Queer Pridecast episode, Igor Chervinsky, an LGBTQ activist, sociologist, and PhD student, discusses the challenges faced by queer migrants and refugees, particularly those who are often rendered invisible by their legal status. He shares his personal experiences as an invisible refugee in France, the barriers to social integration, and the disconnect between government policies and the realities faced by asylum seekers. Igor emphasizes the importance of community support and the need for more effective integration programs to assist queer refugees in navigating their new environments. 00:00 Understanding the Invisible Refugee Experience 03:19 The Challenges of Social Integration for Queer Migrants 07:58 Barriers to Asylum and Housing Rights 12:18 The Disconnect Between Policy and Reality 19:30 The Role of Community in Integration 27:22 Building Connections and Support Networks Keywords: LGBTQ, refugees, social integration, queer migrants, asylum seekers, France, discrimination, community support, housing rights, human dignity

28 min
07/02/2025

The Rising HIV Cases in the Philippines: What’s the Real Score?

In early 2025, media headlines reported a “youth epidemic” as HIV cases in the Philippines surged, averaging 57 new cases a day. Some coverage blamed dating apps, young people, and queer communities, stoking public fear. But is this the full story? In this episode of The Queer Pridecast, we go beyond the numbers to unpack what’s really happening with two experts on the frontlines of HIV prevention. We explore how expanded testing is behind the surge, how media framing can fuel stigma, and what structural and community-level responses are underway to build a more humane, person-centered HIV system in the Philippines. About the Guests: Mark Angelo C. De Castro is a Filipino development worker with experience in HIV program implementation, community-based service delivery, and organizational capacity building. He is currently completing his Master of Arts in Development Studies at Batangas State University–The National Engineering University, while serving as Strategy Manager at Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines at SHIP. Mark has led and supported multi-level initiatives focused on differentiated service delivery (DSD), key population outreach, and community-led HIV interventions. In his role, he provides technical oversight on strategy, monitoring and evaluation, training coordination, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring programs are responsive to community needs and grounded in real-time data. His work bridges implementation realities with systems thinking, particularly in partnership with local government units, health facilities, and community-based organizations. Rod Olete, MSc, RN, is a Filipino public health practitioner, registered nurse, and implementation researcher specializing in HIV prevention, behavioral science, and person-centered care. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Public Health at National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan and works as a Technical Writer for Grants and Research at SHIP. Rod leads several national and regional projects advancing equitable and person-centered HIV services. He is the Principal Researcher of ⁠#telePrEPph⁠, a nationwide program expanding access to PrEP for Filipino LGBTQ+ communities through differentiated service delivery. He also leads PsySE-HCPN, a pilot program that strengthens the capacity of HIV care providers and builds intersectoral networks to deliver integrated psychosocial and socioeconomic (PsySE) support for people living with HIV. Discover more: SHIP: Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines⁠ https://www.ship.ph⁠ #telePrEPph Program Info & Booking⁠ https://linktr.ee/sailteleprep⁠ Find HIV Testing Centers in the Philippines⁠ https://www.theredwhistle.com/hivtesting

38 min
06/03/2025

How does an Intimacy Professional Navigate Power, Boundaries, Consent, and Harm?, with intimacy coordinator Missy Maramara

In this episode of The Queer Pridecast, intimacy coordinator, actor, and director Missy Maramara shares how consent and safety are being reimagined in Philippine performance spaces. She describes how intimacy direction empowers actors to set clear boundaries and work collaboratively when staging intimate scenes. Missy talks about adapting this practice for Filipino culture, using metaphors and local language to build understanding and trust. She reflects on queer identity, coming out, and how representation onstage can affirm people who are still discovering themselves). Throughout the episode, she reminds us that authentically existing is already political and that care, communication, and creativity are important in the entertainment industry. Follow The Queer Pridecast on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thequeerpridecast #TheQueerPridecast #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtqia #lgbtpodcast #queerpodcast

36 min
04/27/2025

Escaping Danger, Finding Discrimination: Journalist Sadiya Ansari on Queer Migrants in Kenya

In this episode, we speak with journalist and author Sadiya Ansari about her recent reporting on the experiences of queer migrants in Kenya. Sadiya produced the short documentary “Why LGBTQ+ refugees no longer want to stay in Kenya” and wrote an in-depth report for Context News, examining the challenges LGBTQ+ refugees face after fleeing persecution in their home countries. In our conversation, Sadiya discusses the social, economic, and legal barriers that queer migrants encounter in Kenya — including discrimination in housing, employment, and access to protection. She also reflects on the broader patterns of migration and displacement, and how systemic factors contribute to ongoing insecurity for LGBTQ+ refugees. Sadiya Ansari’s work focuses on human rights, migration, and diaspora communities. You can learn more about her projects at ⁠sadiyaansari.com⁠. Read her full report for Context News here: ⁠context.news/socioeconomic-inclusion/long-read/weve-lost-so-many-lives-lgbtq-refugees-are-giving-up-on-kenya⁠ #TheQueerPridecast

27 min
03/15/2025

How to Avoid A Disaster like Emilia Perez: Dissecting Queer Representation in Films, with Jason Tan-Liwag

In this episode, we dive into the topic of queer representation in cinema with our guest, film critic, curator, actor, and multimedia lecturer Jason Tan Liwag. We talk about the controversial “Emilia Perez,” an Oscar-recognized film that has ignited debates about the portrayal of queer narratives in mainstream cinema. Jason uses his extensive background to discuss the significant challenges these stories face, from breaking away from restrictive stereotypes to achieving nuanced, authentic representation. We expand the conversation to examine how films like “Emilia Perez” are interpreted across different cultural and temporal contexts, highlighting the impact of societal norms and viewer perspectives. This discussion illuminates the evolving role of cinema in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and its influence on public perceptions of queer identities. For anyone interested in the intricacies of film criticism or committed to LGBTQ+ advocacy, this episode provides a critical examination of the points where cinema intersects with societal change. Tune in for an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of how films continue to challenge and reflect our views on queer representation. Follow The Queer Pridecast on Instagram: ⁠⁠instagram.com/thequeerpridecast⁠⁠ Follow Jason at Letterboxd: ⁠letterboxd.com/jasontanliwag⁠

39 min
11/14/2024

Sex, Stigma, & Substance Use in the Filipino Queer Community, with Dr. RJ Naguit

In August 2022, a study* came out and identified the prevalence of problematic drug use among transgender women and cis men having sex with men. A third of the survey participants were identified to have problematic drug use, with greater odds of substance abuse observed for those who engaged in sex work, had positive or unknown HIV status, had low HIV education, and displayed hazardous drinking. While we know anecdotally that recreational drug use among the queer community exists, this study is one of the rare research that explored the prevalence of drug abuse among Filipino LGBTs. Arguably, the drug war that former president Duterte launched may have caused more stigma against those who use drugs, and steered policies towards away from harm reduction. In this episode recorded June this year, I interviewed Dr. RJ Naguit, where we discussed the incidence of drug use in the Filipino LGBT+ community, the misconceptions around drug use, and how drug decriminalization might offer a better path to help people, including Filipino queers.

34 min
10/16/2024

Beautiful World, Will You Let the Queers In?, with Laura Verallo de Bertotto

We can't deny how beauty standards affect how we interact and are accepted in different social circles. But for the LGBTQ+ community, the relationship with these ideals can be even more complex. Many queer folks already feel pressure to conform to gender norms, and mainstream beauty standards often reinforce those expectations. We'll explore this topic with our guest, Laura Verallo de Bertotto, diving into how beauty standards impact society, especially the LGBTQ+ community. Laura is the CEO of VMV Hypoallergenics, an internationally awarded, family-owned skincare company from the Philippines distributed worldwide. VMV has published 75 clinical studies in peer-reviewed journals, making its approach to skincare research-based. Laura was awarded as a PLDT SME Bossing in 2015, and in 2006, she was recognized as one of Marie Claire Philippines’ 10 Women of the World. Laura previously worked in branding in Manhattan, attended the University of California at Berkeley’s Ph.D. program in Ethnic Studies, and has a B.A. and M.A. from Brown University, focusing on critical theory, race, gender, power, resistance, postcolonial studies, and postmodern culture.

50 min
07/02/2024

Mothering a Generation of Pinoy Queers, with writer Jessica Zafra

In this episode, I got to talk to my mentor and friend, Jessica Zafra. Jessica is an accomplished writer and arguably one of the defining voices in modern Philippine literature. Without a doubt, her sharp, witty essays have made her a popular name in the queer community. Here, we discussed how she has grown from the Jessica of her "Twisted" essays, what she thinks about cancel culture, and why it's been a privilege to have stayed mostly away from social media.

34 min
06/16/2024

The Queer Revolution will be Tiktoked, with queer journalist Enrique Anarte

Social media has significantly impacted the global queer community by providing platforms for advocacy, support, and visibility. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Threads, and X amplify activists' voices, help build supportive networks, and raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues. That matters, especially in areas where rights are under threat. However, they also bring challenges like online harassment and misinformation. Despite these challenges, social media remains a vital tool in advancing queer rights worldwide. Joining me for this episode is Enrique Anarte, a journalist and TikTok creator specializing in LGBTQ+ rights and European politics.

51 min

11 Episodes

Unfiltered thoughts and ideas from the queer community and our allies, from the Philippines and the world

Creator

Evan Tan
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

11
Rating

Explicit