Podcasting offers the LGBTQIA+ community something increasingly rare on the internet: room for the kind of nuanced conversations that build depth and meaningful audience connections. Listeners in the Philippines are tuning in; consumption of locally created LGBTQIA+ podcast shows on Spotify grew by more than 20%.
Spotify’s year-long support enables LGBTQIA+ creators to find new ways to connect with their audience and grow their shows—from video episodes that deepen audience connection to polls that spark conversations with every episode.
Baus Rufo and Macoy Dubs of Dogshow Divas have built a loyal following through their unfiltered conversations, undeniable chemistry, and candid takes on everyday topics—earning them a spot among Spotify Wrapped 2025’s Top New Group Podcast and the country’s leading comedy podcasts. For the duo, podcasting offers a space to discuss stories and perspectives that are often overlooked by traditional media. “Because podcasting provides creators full power and control over their voice, this medium continues to be vital for us queer people who aren’t always recognized by traditional institutions,” Baus shared.
Sophie Prime of DAGOK TIME! bounces effortlessly between Gen Z internet culture, listeners’ honest confessions, and landing a spot in Spotify’s RADAR Creators Philippines program and Wrapped 2025’s Top New Solo Podcast. For Sophie, audience growth is rooted in making listeners feel heard. “Marami pa ring mga tao ang naghahanap ng representation at ng mga kwentong makaka-relate sila. Kung may kahit isang tao na makaramdam ng ‘hindi pala ako nag-iisa’ dahil sa mga kwentong ibinabahagi natin, then that’s already a meaningful impact.”
“What we’re seeing from creators like Baus, Macoy, and Sophie reflects a broader shift in how people want to connect. These are conversations that matter, and podcasting gives them the room to have them. At Spotify, we’re committed to giving creators the platform to build communities, reach more people, and continue growing,” says Carl Zuzarte, Spotify’s Head of Podcast for Southeast Asia.
Beyond podcasting, Filipino LGBTQIA+ artists are also taking center stage. Spotify’s flagship playlist, Bahaghari, spotlights Marina Summers, Sassa Gurl, SHNTI, and geiko—four LGBTQIA+ artists at the forefront of music culture in the Philippines. The playlist’s Editorial Watch Feed provides listeners with editorial commentary on artists’ creativity, sound, and impact on the local music landscape.
