Trans Women Discover Solace at Black Nazarene Feast

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Finding Solace and Faith: Filipino Trans Women at the Black Nazarene Feast

Amidst the swirling sea of devotees at Quiapo during the Traslación, it seems improbable that there could be space for private, introspective moments of healing. Yet, for many Filipino trans women, the Feast of the Black Nazarene provides just that, a sacred haven within the chaos, where they can quietly question, “Lord, do You love me too?” and find a comforting affirmation in their hearts.

Every year on January 9, millions converge on Manila’s streets to partake in the procession of the storied image of Jesus Nazareno. This intense display of panata, a vow of devotion, and physical endurance is known as the Traslación.Learn more about the Feast here. Devotees, braving the heat, fatigue, and tightly packed crowds, strive to get as close as possible, barefoot, reaching for ropes, towels, or even a fleeting sight of the image atop its andas.

In recent times, the presence of queer devotees at these lines of faith has become more pronounced. Back in 2025, the Philippine Daily Inquirer highlighted a group of LGBTQIA+ friends who waited for 15 hours at Quirino Grandstand for the traditional Pahalik. Among them were several young trans women experiencing the feast for the first time.Read the full story here. Tired and trembling but resolute, they attended because they believed in a God who “does not discriminate” and “loves all genders.”

As Doc Raf, I often hear similar stories in therapy sessions. Trans women share experiences of familial rejection, derision in churches, or being told that their identities are sinful. However, in Quiapo, they encounter something profoundly different, a Jesus who bears wounds, who is dark and bruised, who understands the burden of a heavy cross borne in public.

As hundreds of thousands gather in prayer, nearly a million filling Quiapo Church by evening, according to Catholic reports in 2025Read more on the event here., trans women join the throng, each with silent prayers: for gender-affirming care, protection from violence, acceptance, and employment where they can be their true selves. Each exclamation of “Viva Jesús Nazareno!” becomes a courageous personal revelation to God.

Faith as a Form of Resistance and Devotion as Self-Care

For Filipino trans women, participating in the feast transcends mere tradition; it is an act of defiance. In a society where harassment is a daily reality, walking openly in a grand Catholic procession is a bold declaration: I am here. I am a child of God too. With millions returning to the Traslación post-pandemicFull article here., the space to voice this is greater than ever.

If you are a trans woman reading this, know that your faith is legitimate, your devotion sincere, and your presence in Quiapo, or even in your quiet prayers at home, is not an intrusion. It is a return to your spiritual home.

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