Aleksa Manila has been a staple of entertainment and joy at Lifelong’s events and the Seattle LGBTQ+ community over the years, and for good reason. Not only is she an award-winning and talented entertainer, she’s also a fierce advocate for social justice work. We recently sat down with Aleksa to learn more about what fuels her passion, how Aleksa came to be, and how she’s been able to use her drag platform for the causes she cares about.
How did you first get involved with Lifelong?
Way back when it was the Northwest AIDS Foundation, I was involved with a local HIV prevention program for youth. People from Lifelong are really part of the LGBTQ+ community and I’ve gotten to know many of them over the years.
Why do you continue to be involved?
I’ll be here until there’s a cure for HIV. I think it’s critical that we in the LGBTQ+ community are part of the solution. It speaks volumes when we advocate for ourselves. Being part of the community, something bigger than just me – it feels like a calling.
I was a kid during the ‘80s, growing up in Manila in the Philippines, so AIDS really went over my head. I glanced over it because it didn’t affect me. But when I moved to Seattle and came out and became more involved in the LGBTQ+ community, I realized my identity as an activist and that made me become more aware of the charities and organizations I wanted to work with. Lifelong provides a much-needed service in the community, clearly, and it’s still a need, especially around education and addressing stigma for people living with or at risk of HIV.
Which Lifelong program is most impactful to you?
As a therapist/social worker by day, case management is near and dear to my heart. Providing medical support, but also social, psychological, and emotional support to clients is such an important part of making sure they receive proper medical care and that their basic needs are met.
How do you see yourself as a Lifelong Helper?
I’m naturally a caretaker – my first love was in the medical field and now in my work as a social worker. That’s how I like to use my drag – helping others to find joy in adversity. Whether it’s making people stand up during Lifelong’s Gay Bingo (“O-69 anyone?”), or making people laugh while they’re Dining Out For Life – it’s about helping others find their love and joy in life – in whatever form that may look like.
How did you first get involved in drag?
Drag came later in my life. I understand now that I was closeted – I always knew I was different, I just didn’t understand it at the time. I overcame some of that when I moved from the Philippines to Seattle, which is pretty open minded when it comes to diversity and inclusion – that’s why I made it my home. So, that was my first aha moment – “Oh, I’m gay!”
That was in my early 20s. A few years later, I began recognizing my gender identity was separate from my sexual identity. I started out doing drag at Halloween, but it was when I started an Asian LGBTQ group, that’s where Aleksa was born – out of activism. I went on to perform at a gay Filipino pageant, with the encouragement of my friends who offered to be my backup dancers – long story short, I won every category except Miss Congeniality, and that was back in 2001.
Has drag changed at all for you over the years?
My drag has always been around charity work – performances where tips were donated to families impacted by 9/11, a version of Madonna’s Vogue where instead of fireworks, we threw condoms into the audience for HIV awareness, and those sorts of things. At the core, it’s still the same to me, but it continues to grow and expand, and I try to adapt to the changes in the culture.
I’ve taken a step back from performance because I see so many people itching to be on stage and in the spotlight. I enjoy watching people smile in the audience and on stage – I like to see them find their joy. That’s why I have my own drag house with about 40 children – I help them find their vision, their voice, their joy. Even if it’s just lip syncing, or verbal advocacy – I enjoy seeing young people coming in with such diverse and creative performances – we’re starting to see the range of what drag can be now, and I really like that.
What is something you wished more people knew about health disparities and health equity?
We can all make a difference. People often think all they need to do is donate, which we do need, but we need people too. Volunteering your time and being willing to speak and advocate about why Lifelong’s services are critical at this year’s Dining Out For Life event is so important. Tell your friends, tell your family, tell your coworkers that just by dining out or ordering takeout on September 30, they can support our community. It feels like common sense, but if you don’t talk about it, they won’t know about it.
What do you like most about Lifelong’s annual fundraiser Dining Out For Life?
It’s a great way, especially post-pandemic, to reconnect with the community and recognizing how these restaurants are part of the solution and part of the difference. It’s not just dollars into their pockets – they’re passing those funds along to help those who need it the most.
Businesses are still impacted by the pandemic, and they’re still struggling, but they’re still stepping up and able to do this. If we can be part of it, even a drink or two, or an app or two, it’s making a difference. Every bit counts.
FEED YOUR HOOD FOR GOOD ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
Lifelong needs support from people like you at this year’s Dining Out For Life event, presented by BECU! More than ever before, our neighbors living with serious and life-challenging illnesses are fighting for their health, but they shouldn’t have to do it alone.
Join us for Dining Out For Life and feed your hood for good on Thursday, September 30 at a restaurant near you, and you’ll be helping us reach our goal of $150,000 to support our services!