The talented musician and advocate seamlessly combines her passion for music with her commitment to LGBTQIA+ visibility and equality. She uses her platform to promote acceptance and authenticity while inspiring others to embrace their true selves.

PHOTOGRAPHY Cru Camara
Leanne Mamonong is not like any typical musician. She effortlessly combines her passion for music with her commitment to LGBTQIA+ visibility and equality. Known as one half of the acclaimed musical duo Leanne &amp; Naara, she is making waves in the music industry and using her platform to promote acceptance.
For Leanne, authenticity is key. "The main thing about the content on my platforms [is that] I try to do is simply try to be myself," she explains. "It&rsquo;s just simply being me, showing that I am comfortable in the skin that I am in." Alongside her performances and songwriting, she also dabbles in content creation on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where she shares snippets of her life.&nbsp;
But her journey as a queer individual in the Philippines hasn't been without challenges. "I think there's still a lot of judgment towards people like us in this country." she reflects. "It really pains me when I see comments online that question why we fight for our rights. We just want the same rights as everyone else." For Leanne, kindness and empathy are crucial in bridging these divides and advocating for equal rights.

Navigating the music industry as a queer artist has had its hurdles, but she finds inspiration in the evolving landscape. "It&rsquo;s so refreshing to see a lot of musicians now that are fluid, that are able to express themselves. I actually get inspiration from the new artists kasi compared to our generation. There were a few of us who are queer &ndash; may apprehensions pa to express themselves. But I love that this is the landscape I am in now."&nbsp;
In this exclusive interview with L'Officiel Philippines, Leanne shares her journey of establishing her voice in the music industry as she also explores more of her gender identity.&nbsp;

Hi Leanne! Can you share your journey as an LGBTQIA+ individual and how it has influenced your path in music?
I guess for the longest time I was uncomfortable with showing who I am. Especially in a more public setup, but then through the years that I&rsquo;ve experienced &ndash; meeting my girlfriend, coming out to my loved ones, my parents, to my family &ndash; I&rsquo;ve become more confident to share myself with the world. I think I also want that to come out in my music. People may not know this but a lot, most of our songs, are about women loving women, me loving another woman. Sometimes, it could be hidden in the words. I kind of want to be able to write more songs to express it more &ndash; that I don&rsquo;t have to hide it anymore.

Can you share a personal story or experience that has significantly shaped your music and advocacy work?
I think it was the moment when I came out to my family. It was such a pivotal point. It was just recent. Like two to three years ago. I guess it was just a pivotal point [because] after that, I felt there needed to be a change in the way I write. There should be some form of representation for people like me &ndash; especially in the working industry. It would be nice to listen to a song that tells your story. I think it&rsquo;s when I came out.
What do you think are the main hurdles/challenges/problems members of the LGBTQIA community face? How do you think it should be resolved?
There is still a lot of judgment towards people like us in this country. It for sure has [been] a little easier over the years compared to before. But there is still this line between just tolerating or accepting. It really pains me when I see comments online that says &ldquo;like you already what you want and show yourselves on public, why do you want to fight for those rights?&rdquo;&nbsp;
I hope there is a way for people to understand our struggles &ndash; we just want to have the same rights as everyone else. The way to resolve is just people to be kinder, for people to have empathy.

What role do you believe music plays in social change and in promoting acceptance and understanding of LGBTQIA+ communities?
Music is so universal. For me, it is one of the most beautiful ways to tell a story and I&rsquo;m so glad my tool in telling my story. My aim is for it to be normal, to normalize sharing stories about queer love in music. Hopefully, make it a part of our everyday listening, it&rsquo;s not just a niche anymore &ndash; it&rsquo;s not just a genre &ndash; it would be just a love song.

CREATIVE DIRECTION Maura Rodriguez
PRODUCERS Loris Pe&ntilde;a and Maura Rodriguez
MAKEUP Ria Aquino
HAIR Johnglen Aquino
PHOTOGRAPHER'S ASSISTANT Lucille Raterta
VIDEO DIRECTOR Kevin Redder
INTERNS Red Binay, Andrei Santos, and Hannah Teng

Leanne Mamonong: Finding Her Voice and the Pursuit of Equality

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