Eva Le Queen: Inked in HERstory
Tattoos, for some, may be a skippable topic to talk about because they still carry layers of cultural and social stigma. Especially for older generations, a person with a tattoo was often associated with rebellion or irresponsibility, or someone being unprofessional or improper.
But that perception is slowly changing now, especially with the presence of younger generations and public figures who help shift the narrative by positioning tattoos as fine art, self-expression, and storytelling rather than a taboo.
Today, tattoos represent a broader cultural shift. You’re not hiding who you are anymore. Simply put, you’re wearing your story proudly, leaving a mark on your skin that you carry forever.
The idea of leaving a mark feels like a concept and more like the very essence of Eva Le Queen herself. Being the glamorous, fearless queen that she is, Eva is a visionary quietly reshaping what Filipino drag can become: once a dreamer, now becoming a true Queen.
Truly, her story evolved far beyond entertainment. And today, Pride means more to her than visibility alone. It’s about legacy, authenticity, and opportunities for the next generation.
PRIDE BEYOND PERFORMANCE
Today, Eva Le Queen stands as one of the most influential figures in Filipino drag. From her journey as a Top 3 finalist on Drag Race Philippines, she became more than a fan favorite in no time. Indeed, she became a symbol of what modern Filipino drag could achieve.
Her impact has since extended far beyond local stages, especially as a competitor on RuPaul’s Drag Race: Global All Stars. Eva did not just carry the Philippine flag onto one of the world’s biggest drag platforms, she also introduced Filipino drag artistry to global audiences.
Yet despite the international recognition, her focus remains firmly rooted in creating opportunities at home.
For many, Pride is often associated with visibility, the freedom to be seen and celebrated. For Eva, Pride has evolved into something much deeper. It’s about what you build, the lives you touch, and the person you become, regardless of your identity.
“The real pride is in the success and the kind of person that you become regardless of your SOGIESC,” Eva shares.
Pride is no longer confined to identity alone. It actually lives in ambition, integrity, leadership, and the courage to exist authentically in spaces that once felt inaccessible. It is found in queer people having successful professions, not despite who they are, but while fully embracing who they really are.
BUILDING THE FUTURE OF DRAG
While many know Eva Le Queen as a performer, some of her most important work happens beyond the stage.
Beyond the glam, Eva is a producer, founder, and CEO of The Playhouse, carrying the weight of an industry still fighting to be fully recognized and protected. Eva has immersed herself in the demanding reality of building drag spaces from the ground up.
“To be a producer is to hold so many hats in one go,” she says.
Indeed, it is an exhausting work but deeply necessary as Eva built the core of The Playhouse, one of the leading drag production and talent management companies in the Philippines, where fantasy, artistry, and self-expression thrive freely.
Not only does it give joy and spectacle, The Playhouse also created a community and opportunities not only for queens, but for creatives, workers, and audiences who find belonging through drag culture.
Today, The Playhouse stands as a key force in shaping modern Filipino drag, bridging club culture, mainstream entertainment, and large-scale live productions that spotlight Filipino drag artistry on a national stage.
Despite drag’s growing popularity, Eva remains honest about the realities of many drag artists: working without benefits, insurance, or proper protection. With Eva’s determination to push drag forward, she herself made sure to let it be out there.
“I make it my personal challenge to knock on any door where I can put drag. Not because I feel entitled to do it, but it's because there's just so much joy that drag can share with the world,” Eva says.
She also shared that it’s her way of fighting for advocacy and her cry for equality.
THE MARKS WE CHOOSE TO KEEP
Pride Month is more than a celebration. For this issue, the collaboration with Inkvictus Tattoo becomes more than just a visual concept for Eva. It becomes a reflection of everything she stands for.
For some, a tattoo may just be a mark on the skin. But to Eva, it is a permanent reminder of stories worth keeping.
“Each and every tattoo that I have represents a story or a milestone in my life na ayokong kalimutan. And what I love about it is that it's permanent. It's that one thing in the world that hindi siya makukuha [sa iyo] ng kahit na sino,” Eva shares.
Similar to drag, tattoos become acts of self-expression and reclamation. They allow people to wear their truths openly and without apology.
And from knowing Eva’s story, she hopes that people will be reminded that queer lives and stories deserve to be seen, remembered, and celebrated.
For the LGBTQIA+ community, Eva leaves a simple yet powerful message:
“‘You are enough.’I know it's a cliche, but I really think that it's not being said enough.”
EVA’S TEAM
PHOTO by STUDIO SEGUI
Photography: Alan Segui
Assisted by: Juan Carlos Javier
Gabriel Turro
Josh Castro
STYLED by Team Ryujishiomitsu
Dale Chan
Ryuji Shiomitsu
Assisted by Jeanne Edillon
Aldrin Hinugin
Studio: Inkvictus Tattoo
Studio Manager: Adriane Earl Conception
Harley-Davidson Team
Franz Hontucan
THE PIPOL TEAM
COVER STORY BY: Bea Ulibarri
Publisher: Richard de Quina & John Luke Chica
Managing Director: Inyi Yruma
Editor-in-Chief: John Luke Chica
Creative Director: Devon May Seron
Communications & Partnership Manager: Kyra Custodio- Alberto
Senior Writer: Beatrice Ulibarri
Multimedia & Digital Head: Sachii Del Mundo
Sales and Marketing Manager: Regino Rubi
Executive Assistant: Dreamboy Dubria, JC Bolante
Finance Head: Mylene Dela Reyna
AUTHORS
Bea Ulibarri
Bea is a creative writer who starts her mornings with the news and ends most of her days with music. Beyond deadlines and drafts, she creates content that connects and sometimes makes people laugh when they need it most.
COLLABORATORS
