Church is the New Queer Party Hitting the Nightlife Scene

Paulo Castro & Xtina Superstar shared insights about their newest venture and the queer party scene

Over the past decade, Paulo & Xtina have been instrumental in shaping the queer party scene. By creating these sanctuaries where LGBTQIA+ people can have a gay old time, discover support among one another, and foster an environment that embodies their authentic selves boldly, they fulfill the historical and cultural significance of the queer nightlife scene. There’s more to it than fun; these are called havens because they nurture a sense of belonging and pride, learn more about themselves and others, and open gilded gates of opportunities for self-expression that are safe from prejudice.

Xtina Superstar and Paulo Castro at Church

Why host another queer party? Do you think there’s a distinct draw to Church that sets it apart from the others?

Paulo: We started doing queer parties as the Panty Monsters over 10 years ago. We did it as a sign of protest against establishments that wouldn’t let queer people in. Specifically drag queens, club kids, and transwomen like Xtina, who were all considered cross-dressers and were barred entry. Church is just a continuation of that.

Xtina: Because why not? Let’s keep it real; queer parties are just more fun! We bring in the flavor, the taste, and the excitement. Never a dull moment.

Why attach the party’s name to possible controversy? Is it deliberate, coincidental, or unintentional? How would you answer to potential backlash?

Xtina: I never even thought of that. I just wanted a fun Sunday dance party, and it seems fitting to call it Church. How would I answer to potential backlash? Sing Kumbaya and call it a day.

Paulo: We didn’t really think of controversy with the name. It’s a Sunday party, and as Filipinos, we often grew up going to church on Sundays. The word church itself isn’t even boxed in a religious sense anymore; bands such as Parokya Ni Edgar and fan bases such as Iglesia Ni Carly (Rae Jepsen). The word church for us means community, a congregation of rainbow children convening under one roof, where queer anthems are worship songs and queer empowerment is the gospel.

BJ Pascual and Xtina Superstar at Church

How has the scene changed since you started?

Paulo: Ever since drag has become more mainstream, a lot of curious people have been coming to queer events. It’s an opportunity to make allies out of curious attendees.

Xtina: A lot! I’m happy to see so many new queer and trans DJs doing their thing. I remember it was just me, and I’ve always struggled to be represented as a trans DJ in the scene because it’s a primarily hetero-dominated job. Now, establishments are more open to booking trans and queer DJs.

Having been in the nightlife scene for many years, how do you see it evolving in the next few years?

Xtina: I see it pushing forward. I mean, that’s the only way to go, right? More trans and queer representation in the nightlife scene. My only wish is that I hope you just don’t book us during pride month; book us all the time! < laugh > Give us the coins! I think that’s also one of the reasons why I wanted to do Church; to give trans and queer talents a space to showcase their talents.

Paulo: It’s exciting to see the queer scene thriving and more queer artists being highlighted. We’ve seen our parties birth so many beautiful ganaps, unapologetically playing music we want to hear and highlighting drag performers. For the future, we’d like queer ganaps to feature all sorts of queer talents, not just drag. We have singers, dancers, actors, and poets. We hope and will work for a queer nightlife scene where all our children are given time in the spotlight.