Back in 1985, American advocates Frank Wager and Jorge Suarez organized the very first White Party event in Miami as a fundraiser to support efforts against HIV and AIDS, which at the time, was fueling discrimination against the gay community.
From there, White Party became a significant part of queer history and a platform for other marginalized groups seeking to push back against stigma and discrimination, guided by the theme that “everyone is equal in white.”
Eventually, White Parties were held worldwide, including in Manila, where it was once among the most notable gatherings in Malate during the early 2000s, with attendees dressing in white as a symbol of solidarity, visibility, and collective action in raising awareness about the struggles faced by the queer community.
Mentorque Productions, the local organizer, followed this same concept, integrating music, dance, and live performances to create a space where the LGBTQIA+ community can socialize, connect, and celebrate freely.
The event eventually became known as one of the biggest highlights of the queer nightlife scene, running for more than a decade before halting production in 2014 due to logistical challenges.
