A Digital Platform for the Documentation and Exploration of Drag Culture and Artistry in the Philippines

Abstract

Makulay: A Digital Platform Prototype for the Documentation and Exploration of Drag Culture and Artistry in the Philippines is a project addressing the need for structured, inclusive, and accessible digital spaces for Filipino drag. Filipino drag remains underdocumented even though drag has gained visibility through popular culture and media. To address this gap, Makulay is designed as a digital platform that functions as a cultural archive, educational resource, and community hub dedicated to preserving and amplifying drag artistry in the Philippines.

As informed by Queer Theory, Performance Theory, and the Queer Speculative Design for Cultural Empowerment (QSDCE) framework, this study employs a User-Centered Design (UCD) methodology. These perspectives guide both the conceptual grounding and design process, hence it ensures that the platform is inclusive, responsive, and culturally empowering. With that, the prototype integrates features such as drag artist profiles, an interactive historical timeline, a drag culture dictionary, a multimedia repository, and virtual interactive community hub.

The data collection involved in this study were interviews, surveys, and user evaluations, which were analyzed thematically to identify user needs and challenges. Findings highlight four recurring themes: the urgency of archiving drag culture, the demand for representation and visibility, structural challenges faced by drag communities, and the potential of digital platforms to provide spaces of preservation, education, and empowerment.

By situating Filipino drag within a digital framework, Makulay contributes to cultural preservation, queer representation, and multimedia design practices. The project demonstrates the role of digital platforms in legitimizing drag artistry and sustaining community engagement.