Bahaghari: The Life History of Elderly Filipino Drag Queens from the Home of the Golden Gays

Abstract

Elderly individuals are often overlooked in the discussions and studies on LGBTQ experiences and issues. While aging in itself comes with challenges, aging as a part of the sexual minority presents a unique set of difficulties. There is a lack of literature focusing in the lives and experiences of queer elderly, especially in the Philippines. The study aims to document the life story of the senior drag queens from the Home for the Golden Gays, to understand what being a drag queen means to them, and to identify the challenges and benefits they face. Using a life history approach, data was collected through in depth-interviews. Two (2) informants who were elderly Filipino drag queens from the Home for the Golden Gays were interviewed for the study. Informants’ narratives were recorded with consent, transcribed, and then analyzed thematically. The Feminism and Age Relations theory, as well as the Life Course Theory were used as the theoretical framework for analysis. The results of the study showed that the informants had both experienced hiding their sexuality during their childhood. The data also showed that their adolescent years were a period of self exploration and expression. The narratives also showed their experiences before becoming a member of the Home for the Golden Gays. Challenges such as the lack of a source of regular income as well as a permanent and spacious house also emerged from the data. Analysis of the data also showed the benefits of being part of the Golden Gays such as having a support system, a home, and the positive emotions brought by performing in drag.