Maria Katrina Paras

Article (news)

LGBTQ Icons Impact on Local Beauty Scene

<p>A lot of us might only know these icons from their massive influence in supporting <strong>LGBTQ </strong>causes. However, there is a deeper layer than fighting for their rights. Their impact has also been distinguished within the creative industry, noticeable through entertainment, performances, and the local beauty scene.</p><p>These icons understand that influence doesn’t always need to revolve around the rainbow, and that it could also be in the fields of beauty and style. And in celebration of Pride Month, it’s time to look back and reflect on those who made a big impact and completely reshaped how we view the beauty landscape today.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption  fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="false" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGImVQSSTKN/?img_index=3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1750574904561SnapInsta.to_479177826_18486996805021595_5252849891129626702_n.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner" contenteditable="true">Paolo Ballesteros</span></a></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Scroll ahead to see LGBTQ icons that made a huge contribution to the way we approach the world of beauty today:</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Bretman Rock</strong></div><p>All of us have witnessed Bretman’s growth throughout his career. As someone who started as a beauty guru on YouTube, he has now evolved to become a lifestyle influencer. His huge impact on the new generation during the early years of his limelight was evident, and continues to shine up to this day. That smokey eyeshadow and perfectly sculpted brow tutorial he made was a moment to remember! </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1750575069982Bretman Rock.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">@bretmanrock</span></span></span><strong>Vice Ganda</strong></div><p>As an all-around entertainer who evolves like a beauty chameleon, Vice Ganda has penetrated the hearts of the Filipino masses and beauty enthusiasts around the world. Her creation of Vice Cosmetics set a buzz in the beauty cosmetics industry in the country a few years back. With the sheer amount of looks she serves on a daily basis, it&#x27;s no surprise Vice Ganda is a top-tier beauty influencer in the country today!</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1750575249860Vice Ganda.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">@praybeytbenjamin</span></span></span></div><div><strong>Paolo Ballesteros</strong></div><p>Paolo Ballasteros, aka Mama Pao of Drag Race Philippines, is a true-blue beauty icon. We’re not only amazed by her objective critics when it comes to the challenges inside the competition, but skill to work her own hair and makeup as well. Not to mention, some of her couture getups on stage were designed and styled by her. An icon, indeed! </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1750575510881Paolo Ballesteros.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGulpfeyEoT/?img_index=4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@pochoy_29</a></span></span></span><strong>Michelle Dee</strong></div><p>Who would forget the beauty queen who captured the hearts of many during her pasarela and long gown segment in Miss Universe 2023? Michelle not only delivered her iconic short hair throughout her pageant journey but also made it her signature look, styling it differently with colors, layers, and gels.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1750575724782Michelle Dee.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKZmXWfyBvM/?img_index=5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@michelledee</a></span></span></span><strong>Marina Summers</strong></div><p>Being the first Filipina drag queen to step onto the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival means she has made it big on the global stage. Marina’s influence through her drag makeup artistry is already a triumph, let alone her creativity in entertaining audiences and bringing the name of local Filipina drag queens to the international competition. Surely, she inspired many young gay kids to keep dreaming big!</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1750575870923Marina Summers.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">@marinaxsummers</span></span></span><strong></strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/metro-style/beauty/2025/5/22/marina-summers-skin-prep-for-cannes-film-festival-2025-1746" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">READ: EXCLUSIVE: What Marina Summers Did To Achieve This Snatched Face for the Cannes Film Festival</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Keylyn Trajano</strong></div><p>Keylyn has supported the transgender community since she began her career. Her grace as the first transgender woman to make it into Century Tuna Superbods competition in 2024 broke boundaries and created opportunities for transgender women in the field of pageantry. She’s now competing also as the first Universal Woman 2025 representing Arabia, another achievement to be limitless as a transgender woman!</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1750576054638Keylyn Trajano.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">@keytrajano</span></span></span><strong>KaladKaren</strong></div><p>Truly an inspiration to many, Kaladkaren broke down the walls for transgender people dreaming of becoming an inspiration. Her lifestyle, showcased in her socials, makes us want to live her lovely life. Regardless, Kaladkaren never forgets to remind her community that we are appreciated. And love always finds its way to us, just like her–happily married!</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1750576170425KaladKaren.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">@kaladkaren</span></span></span></div>

<p>Paolo Ballesteros, Marina Summers, and Vice Ganda are just some of the influential personalities who paved the way!</p>

Paolo Ballesteros, Marina Summers, and Vice Ganda are just some of the influential personalities who paved the way!

Pride Icons and Their Impact in The Philippine Beauty Scene

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Pride Icons and Their Impact in The Philippine Beauty Scene

Arci Claveria

Published June 22, 2025 10:30 AM PHT

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Updated June 24, 2025 04:35 PM PHT

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