Content creators Macoy Dubs and Baus Rufo of the popular online show Dogshow Divas did not hold back as they called out queerbaiting content creators, urging accountability and respect for the queer community.
During their recent episode on March 18, the hosts were reading comments and questions sent by fans across social media platforms. Before ending the episode, Baus read a comment sent by a netizen asking them about their 'coming out’ story. Instead of sharing their own experiences, the two used the moment to address what they described as a growing trend of straight individuals producing content that mimics queer identity for clout.
“’Yung mga straight na nagba-bakla baklaan na content, tigil niyo ‘yan,” Macoy emphasized.
“Queerbaiting. Tigil niyo ‘yan ha,” Baus added.
While the pair did not name specific content creators, they made it clear that the issue extends beyond individual personalities, pointing instead to a broader culture of performative representation online.
Baus explained that some straight content creators may assume that appealing to queer audiences guarantees popularity, a notion he firmly rejected.
“The queer people, anong tingin niyo sa amin — mga gatekeepers of culture kaya ‘yung mga straight people feeling niyo na lang ‘ay let’s pander to the gays because they are going to make us famous’? No,” said Baus.
Macoy echoed the sentiment, calling out accounts that, according to him, misrepresent identity for engagement.
“No, tigil niyo ‘yan. I-delete niyo ‘yang mga account na ‘yan. Ang daming dumadaan sa feed ko hindi naman talaga bakla pero nagba-bakla baklaan. I know your names [but] I’m not going to mention,” Macoy said.
The hosts clarified that their stance is not about gatekeeping content, but about promoting responsible and respectful participation in queer spaces. For them, allyship should come first before the attempt to engage with LGBTQIA+ narratives.
“I mean, nakakaloka ‘yung queerbaiting kasi tayong mga medyo matandang bading, we spent like a good chunk of our lives trying to seek approval na ayaw ibigay sa atin...earn it naman. We are not saying na we’re not going to give it to you pero like allyship naman muna bago clout,” Baus maintained.
Beyond online behavior, the conversation also turned toward systemic issues, particularly the long-delayed approval as a law of the SOGIE Equality Bill (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics Equality Bill). According to Amnesty International, the SOGIE Equality Bill “recognizes the fundamental rights of every person regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. At its core, it aims to provide fair and equal opportunities for everyone in accessing basic social services, opportunities, healthcare, protection, and justice while acknowledging and breaking down the barriers that exist for people with diverse SOGIESC.”
The duo underscored its importance to ensure protection against discrimination and harassment.
“Ipasa niyo muna ‘yung SOGIE bill, diba?” Macoy said.
“Correct. Tuwang-tuwa kayo sa amin sa kabadingan tapos ‘yung mga karapatan hindi tayo pantay-pantay? Papaano na, dear?” Baus added.
Macoy called for concrete action, saying: “Ayusin niyo ang mga plataporma at ipasa niyo ang SOGIE bill.”
“Tuwang-tuwa lang kayo sa amin ‘pag clown kami eh, pero puro pa rin homophobia,” Baus said, highlighting the frustration of the community as they are commonly embraced only for entertainment value.
“Ginagalit niyo kami...galit [pa rin kami],” Macoy maintained.
Despite the serious exchange, the hosts maintained their signature humor, joking about rebranding their show.
“At this point, let’s just change the title of the show to ‘Ragebait divas’,” Baus suggested, as both of them laugh.
They also mentioned that if such a concept pushes through, one of their potential guests could be Alvin Aragon, who recently drew attention for controversial remarks about the queer community.
Following the episode, viewers took to the comment section to express support, with fans describing the callout as a “valid crash out”, affirming the need to challenge content that exploits queer identity.