Pride Month Feature: Queer Actor, Host and Fitness Instructor Hans Braga
Hans Braga
I’m an actor, host, and fitness instructor based in Los Angeles. I started out in Manila as an instructor for studios such as Ride Revolution, Rise Nation, and The Movement Studio. Currently, I’m a coach on Rebel, a fitness app with on-demand workouts and live sessions.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE GROWING UP QUEER?
Growing up queer in a Catholic country was quite difficult. But I think I was lucky to be surrounded by people who accepted and loved me for me. Though coming out was easy because of the support system I had, it took years for me to come to terms with my sexuality.
Movement Studio Campaign to Stay Active from Home
HOW ABOUT WORKING IN THE FITNESS COMMUNITY AS AN OPEN MEMBER OF THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY?
Growing up queer in a Catholic country was quite difficult. But I think I was lucky to be surrounded by people who accepted and loved me for me. Though coming out was easy because of the support system I had, it took years for me to come to terms with my sexuality.
Movement Studio Campaign to Stay Active from Home
HOW ABOUT WORKING IN THE FITNESS COMMUNITY AS AN OPEN MEMBER OF THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY?
Working in fitness definitely helped though. Though the fitness industry in general is dominated by heterosexual men, the group fitness scene in Manila is diverse and inclusive. Our studios are spaces that not only accept its LGBT instructors and students, but celebrate us as well.
IN TERMS OF THE TREATMENT OF THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY, WHAT ARE SOME DIFFERENCES YOU'VE NOTICED BETWEEN LA AND MANILA?
At first, LA definitely feels more progressive. And it is! People here are generally much more open and accepting towards LGBT people but it has its trade offs. There’s still a lot of bias towards masc4masc white men within the gay community. This is something I’m still learning to deal with as I get used to life in the US.
"Kissing Shame Goodbye" with Team Mag in 2018
"Kissing Shame Goodbye" with Team Mag in 2018
HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR FELLOW FILIPINOS CAN BE BETTER ALLIES?
Advocate for and support the SOGIE Bill! Though Filipinos are generally accepting towards LGBT people, there’s still a lot of work to be done in terms of protecting our community within the legal system.
Celebrating Pride in 2019
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE OR WANT PEOPLE TO BE MORE AWARE OF IN REGARDS TO THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY?
We have to be our own heroes, especially during pride. We should be the first to defend our community in the face of discrimination and the first to cheer each other on during our wins. Let’s stick together this pride!
Stay up to date with Hans by following his Instagram!
Stay up to date with Hans by following his Instagram!