ARTICLE | The Rise and Fall of Gay Malate - Manila's Queer Mecca

When we talk about PRIDE in the Philippines, we cannot ignore Malate - the cradle of gay safe space in Manila until its eventual demise in the early 2000s. The younger generation will never know how cool it was to spend Friday nights in this small alley of the Orosa-Nakpil intersection, where the entire gay population of Manila flocked.

Read more about my encounters in Che'Lu 
https://www.pinoyinthecity.com/2009/10/last-night-i-lost-my-cellphone-at-chelu.html

As a gay guy from the province, the charm of Malate was like a dream. And when I think about it now that I am older, I realize Malate was not just a place for me. It allowed me to embrace who I really was, even though I was still figuring out what I wanted in life at that time. Malate made me feel comfortable with being gay, something I never felt in any other place back in the 90s. I believe many people would also relate to this sentiment.

From the 1970s until the early 2000s, the Malate district of Manila held a special place in the hearts of the LGBTQ community. It was the gay capital of the Philippines, where Adriatico and Nakpil streets became the center of a lively LGBTQ nightlife that welcomed both gay and straight crowds.

During the 1970s, gay bars like Coco Banana were hotspots in Malate, offering a safe space for the community. The scene flourished even more in the 1980s and 90s, with numerous LGBTQ venues opening along Orosa and Nakpil streets. Places like Blue Café, known for its pioneering drag shows, and popular hangouts like O-Bar and Red Banana, became the go-to spots. Malate was not just about the nightlife; it was also the venue for vibrant LGBTQ parties and Manila's iconic Pride marches, providing a haven for queer individuals to express themselves openly.

However, by the early 2010s, the once-thriving "Gay Malate" had faded. Several factors contributed to its decline:

1. Rise of Gay Dating Apps/Websites

The emergence of online platforms like Grindr, Tinder, and other dating apps revolutionized how people in the LGBTQ community met and interacted. Before these apps, physical spaces like bars and clubs were essential for socializing and meeting potential partners. However, as these digital platforms gained popularity, the need for physical cruising spots diminished. People could now connect from the comfort of their homes, leading to a decrease in foot traffic and patronage of traditional gay bars and clubs in Malate.

2. Changing Urban Demographics and Work Cultures

The demographics of Manila's workforce have significantly changed, particularly with the rise of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry. Many young professionals work in call centers with erratic and late-night hours, making it difficult for them to engage in traditional nightlife activities. This shift affected the regularity with which people could visit Malate's nightlife spots. Additionally, as new residential and commercial developments arose in other parts of Metro Manila, the focus of the city's nightlife gradually shifted away from Malate.

3. Loss of LGBTQ Activism and Political Solidarity

In its prime, Malate was more than just a party district; it was a center for LGBTQ activism and solidarity. Over time, as the commercialization of gay nightlife increased, there was a noticeable shift away from political and community-focused activities. The venues that once hosted rallies, discussions, and Pride events began to prioritize profit over activism. This shift contributed to a loss of the strong sense of community that had once defined Malate. Without this unifying element, the district's appeal began to wane.

4. Competition from Newer Entertainment Districts

As Metro Manila expanded, new entertainment districts emerged in areas like Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Makati, and Quezon City. These new districts offered modern amenities, better infrastructure, and a wider variety of entertainment options. They began to attract both the LGBTQ crowd and the general population, leading to a diversification of nightlife venues. As a result, many patrons who once frequented Malate started exploring these new areas, causing a decline in Malate's popularity.

5. General Decline of Malate as a Commercial Hub

Over the years, Malate experienced a general decline in its status as a commercial and cultural hub. Factors such as urban decay, inadequate infrastructure maintenance, and increasing crime rates contributed to this downturn. As businesses closed or relocated to more prosperous areas, the once-thriving district began to lose its luster. This decline affected all aspects of Malate, including its vibrant LGBTQ scene, leading to a reduced appeal for both locals and tourists.

Despite the dispersion of its LGBTQ scene, Malate's queer legacy remains. Heritage tours now revisit the intersections and spaces that once empowered the Filipino LGBTQ community. Gay Malate was more than just a nightlife district; it was a symbol of the ongoing need for safe and affirmative spaces where queer individuals could celebrate their identities openly and safely.

The story of Gay Malate reminds us of the importance of such spaces in fostering a sense of community and pride. Although its heyday has passed, its impact on Manila's LGBTQ history continues to inspire and resonate with many.