In a landmark moment for Philippine culture and LGBTQIA+ representation, drag performer Marina Summers made history as the first Filipina drag queen to walk the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. Against a backdrop of global cinemaâs biggest names, Marina stepped onto the prestigious carpet not just as a performer, but as a proud representative of the Filipino drag and queer community.
Wearing an elegant, sparkly black gown by Filipino designer Mark Bumgarner, Marina exuded poise and power on Day 1 of Cannes. The moment, she shared, was not just personalâit was deeply symbolic. âSuch a big moment to be repping for the Filipino drag and queer community in the sea of people on the red carpet,â she wrote on Instagram, thanking her creative team for helping bring this historic moment to life.
Itâs the latest in a series of groundbreaking milestones for Marina, who has emerged as one of the Philippines’ most influential queer icons. In 2024 alone, she became the first drag queen to perform on the Miss Universe Philippines stage, captivating the audience with âAmafilipina,â her empowering reinterpretation of Maymay Entrataâs hit âAmakabogera.â Just months earlier, she finished in the Top 4 of RuPaulâs Drag Race: UK vs the Worldâa strong international showing that elevated her profile and brought Filipino drag artistry into global conversation.
With each stepâonstage, online, or on the red carpetâMarina Summers carries a message of pride, excellence, and fearless authenticity. Her presence at Cannes is more than a personal achievement; it is a testament to how Filipino queer talent continues to break barriers and expand representation on the world stage.
As she quipped on social media, âOh yes, she Cannesââa playful but powerful affirmation that in spaces long reserved for the few, Filipinos and queer artists not only belongâthey lead.
