In Eva Le Queen’s world, angel numbers appeared like clockwork in her dreams and on random nights.

Everywhere she turned, signs playfully nudged her to move to new heights, often pointing towards towering buildings as if they held the key to her destined path. These skyscrapers never failed to capture her attention every time she strolled through a city with an upscale building she longingly admired.

One random day, she finally stepped into that building that had always intrigued her like a magnet. As soon as she entered, the number 32 still kept on appearing—it had caught her eye five times since she left home. Coincidentally, the 32nd floor turned out to be an open garden, a serene oasis as described on the lobby placard. Curious, she dared to go up, and the rest is history.

First Floor

As Eva strutted through the building in her eye-catching outfit and otherwordly makeup, she couldn’t help but feel the weight of anticipation. She was always on the lookout for those angel numbers and signs that seemed to pop up everywhere.

Eva approaches the elevator, eyeing the panel of buttons with a mix of uncertainty.

The elevator was high-tech, unlike the usual button panels, fitting for such an upscale place. The stares of the tenants seemed to scrutinize her from head to toe, silently questioning her presence and whether she belonged there.

Inside the elevator, Eva gazes at her reflection in the mirrored walls, contemplating.

She mulled over the decision in her head. Should she continue going up, driven solely by angel numbers and signs, with no guarantees but pure intuition? Or should she take the leap, embracing the possibility of finally enjoying the place she had yearned for, now with a newfound purpose?

Eva ponders on her next move, she presses the 32nd floor.

32nd Floor

The elevator doors open on the 32nd floor, revealing a serene garden oasis bathed in sunlight.

The garden of the oasis buzzed with a mix of diverse individuals, each almost surreal, like characters from a fever dream. Eva felt a sense of ease and camaraderie, realizing she was among many who shared the same spirit. It was like finding a community, a place where she felt truly at home.

Suddenly, two individuals with an ethereal presence stroll the garden of the oasis, engaging in lively conversation with the community. 

Eva eagerly joins them, wanting to listen and connect.

*tongue pops* M1ss Jade So enters the scene. MRS TAN instantly shook Eva’s hands. They sat together, and interestingly, the trio shared that they had all been drawn to this place by what felt like a calling—it seemed to appear wherever they went.

As they talked, the conversation flowed smoothly, showing that they all shared similar struggles in their lives, each familiar with feelings of dreariness and monotony.

Eva strongly shared, “Nakakawala ng ganang mabuhay sa totoo lang.”

M1ss Jade and MRS TAN, their eyes wide with shock at what they had just heard.

At that moment Eva stated with conviction, “We are seen as a lesser member of the community. It’s painful. It’s really, really painful.” 

The two individuals Eva met seemed to echo her sentiment. M1ss Jade had tears in her eyes, and MRS TAN’s face visibly softened, as if lost in memories.

Angel Number 32

They all exchanged glances, their eyes alight with a shared determination to speak out. M1ss Jade recounted the discrimination she faced, deliberately being called ‘Sir’. MRS TAN shared her frustration with discriminatory remarks, and being insulted with the term ‘bakla’ while simply trying to express herself. 

Eva chimed in, pointing out the irony of how they were painted as different or odd, as if it were a negative thing, when in reality, they were just simply being themselves. She airs out her frustration, “Kung ang tao ay merong intensyon na masama sa kapwa nila, kay lalaki, babae, tomboy, bakla, meron silang masamang intensyon sayo. Hindi ‘yan gender specific. Hindi ‘yan porket trans ka, ‘yun yung inclination mo to do it.” Clearly frustrated, she also points out the obvious, “Pag masama ang ugali mo, kahit sino ka pa, masama talaga ugali mo. Kung manyak ka, kahit manyak ka, ‘yung pagiging manyak ‘yun dapat na ina-address niyo. Hindi ‘yung tao na nangangailangan lang umihi. ‘Di ba?”

At that moment, their eyes were wet as if they had been heard, their hearts feeling a rush of something they would treasure for a long time. It was a much-needed release of sentiments, more than a realization, something they held dearly because who else would protect and stand up for each other if not them? 

Elevating the Drag Scene

While the three seemed to get along well with each other, conversations about watching out for one another might be the reason why Angel Number 32 kept appearing. It symbolizes encouragement to embrace unique gifts and talents to reach their highest potential.

While Eva hints at needing more work to do, she discovers something that ushers in a new era for them. She knows that they wield such power their presence holds significant influence within the community. “They say when they see drag queens for the first time in a mainstream representation, nakakakita sila of an embodiment of a powerful, unapologetic female energy. They are able to relate to us in a way na parang ang ganda-ganda namin, but on top of that, we’re also very vulnerable, we’re very human.”

In a way, who wouldn’t want to safeguard what their community does? She then exclaims,  “What I’m working on is to create an agency and have that institution na talagang mag-stabilize ng opportunities and platforms for drag queens and drag talents in general.”

While she’s also eager to elevate the community in the right direction she adds, “Lagay mo lahat in a service agreement put it on pen and paper, and, it becomes a system on its own. Whether lumipas man siya or hindi, at least we know that we did it at the right time that we’re supposed to do it.” 

Preparing for elevating as needed is like riding an elevator, moving up and down. You never know when emergencies like power outages may happen, but being prepared will help you and those around you stand strong.

Going Up, Going Down

Lost in thought, emotions ran high as hopes were planted like seeds, each eagerly awaiting their growth. Their aspirations weren’t just for themselves, but for the community that held a special place in their hearts.

Eva quips, “You do it not because you want to stay relevant, you do it because it’s the right thing to do”.

Going up and down in the elevator, at least it’s moving—much better than being trapped in the dark with no action, no way to move to the next level, the next floor.

Every ride in the elevator presents a new opportunity to decide where you’re headed. With heads held up high Eva said, “Sa sobrang pagmamahal ko sa drag, malaki yung sahod niyan o hindi, I give my best. Kasi, it’s who I am. But if you’re always honest, you always give 100%, there will always be someone who will root for you.”

M1ss Jade So, MRS TAN, and Eva Le Queen, who had recently become friends at the garden of the oasis, decided to leave the area.

Driven by a deep-seated desire to elevate their journey ahead, they pressed the down button. As they stepped into the elevator once again, they carried with them a sense of aspiration for a brighter future, each with newfound purposes to elevate their community.

She stood confidently, genuinely, and wisely. Her self-assurance came from a desire to serve a greater purpose. Her contributions aimed for a broader impact. “I am a universe within a universe at marami akong magagawa pa”, she says as the elevator closes its door.

Eva Le Queen, with her vision of safeguarding the queens through Drag PlayHouse and even just by speaking out, stands as someone elevated. The upshot, everyone emulates her and rides the elevator, aspiring to reach different heights.

To be more updated with Zeen and their Pride Cover Issue featuring Eva Le Queen, M1ss Jade So, and Mrs. Tan, follow our social media accounts @zeenmagazineph. You can also listen to The Zeen Zone on Spotify and YouTube for their slayful alien, out-of-this-world interview. 

Credits: 

The Zeen Team

Creative Head and Editor-in-Chief | Mark Ghosn
Photography | Ennuh Tiu
Graphic Artist | Ricardow
Asst. Creative Director | Earl Taruc
Videography | ProdAxia, Zarah Majam
Digital Content Producer | Thea Salvador
Editorial Assistant | Earl Taruc, Ristichen
Sales Executive | Anne Magtoto
Social Media Manager | Mhan Gabriel Ramos

Wardrobe and Styling

Hair | Margaux and Wigs by Le Queen
Outfit | Jan Garcia
Crown | Kinala Wang

Location | Studio Simula

IN SUPPORT OF LOVEYOURSELFPH – a community of volunteers that aim to reach out to others to propagate ideas, attitudes, and practices that encourage loving oneself — to DARE to be oneself, to CARE for oneself, and to SHARE oneself as a way to multiply joy.