COMMUNITY SESSIONS
Angelli Angara
I’m an LGBTQIA+ advocate, storyteller, and community leader dedicated to amplifying queer voices through advocacy, volunteerism, and authentic storytelling.
I’m an LGBTQIA+ advocate, storyteller, and community leader dedicated to amplifying queer voices through advocacy, volunteerism, and authentic storytelling. I previously served on the advisory board supporting LGBTQIA+ initiatives in SATX and as Vice President of Just Us Lesbians San Antonio, where I helped create affirming spaces rooted in connection, visibility, and belonging. I’m also the host of The Taco Stand Podcast, a platform where authentic lesbian stories and conversations take center stage. While beginning a new chapter in Tampa, my passion for building inclusive and empowering queer communities continues to guide my work.
she/her
FAMILY ORIGIN
My Mom is from Gumaca, Quezon while my Dad is from Baler, Aurora (up north).
EDUCATION
My Mom is from Gumaca, Quezon while my Dad is from Baler, Aurora (up north).
AWARDS, HONORS, AND ACCOLADES
2024 SA Current Best Podcast in San Antonio
2023 Women's Night of Inspiration, Awardee
Pride means exactly what the word represents to me — taking pride in who we are, taking up space, celebrating ourselves, and living authentically and unapologetically. Pride is also about freedom: the freedom to love, exist, and be seen. But for the LGBTQIA+ community, that freedom has never simply been handed to us. We’ve had to fight for it, claim it, and continue protecting it for ourselves and future generations.
Have you found support within Filipinotown or Filipino spaces? What has that experience been like?
I’ve found support and connection through organizations like Lead Filipino and through the incredible Filipino pickleball community. Those spaces have given me opportunities to build meaningful relationships, stay connected to my culture, and engage in community and civic involvement alongside people who genuinely support and uplift one another. As I begin this new chapter in Florida, I’m excited to continue building community, meeting more people, and creating connections through both civic engagement and shared passions like pickleball. I’m incredibly grateful for the sense of belonging and encouragement these spaces have brought into my life.
What brings you pride and joy lately?
What’s been bringing me pride and joy lately is seeing that even after my move from San Antonio, the volunteer and community work we started through Just Us Lesbians continues to grow and thrive. It means so much to know that the group remains visible, engaged, and committed to supporting the community. That’s a reminder that when people come together with genuine purpose and care, the impact continues far beyond one person.
As I begin adjusting to this new chapter and environment, I’m hopeful about building meaningful connections and continuing to serve others in ways that feel authentic to me. I look forward to providing support, resources, and community for Filipinos, the LGBTQIA+ community, and even the pickleball community — all spaces that have brought so much connection, joy, and belonging into my life
Who are some Filipino figures or role models who inspire you?
Lately, I’ve been incredibly inspired by seeing so many Filipinos making waves in different spaces — from athletes like Alex Eala and Dylan Harper, to community organizers like UBE 210, to the many Filipino-owned small businesses that are thriving right now. I’m especially inspired by FilipinoTown Magazine for taking the time to spotlight and celebrate Filipinos and our stories. It’s empowering to witness our community showing up, succeeding, and creating meaningful impact in so many ways. More than anything, I feel grateful to be alive during a time when Filipinos are being seen more fully — and hopeful that, even in my own small way, I can contribute something positive and meaningful too.
What role does your cultural background play in your life?
My cultural background plays a role in every aspect of my life — it’s truly a part of who I am. I could never separate myself from it because it has shaped the way I connect with people, show up in my community, and move through both my personal and professional life. Being Filipino feels deeply innate to me; it influences my values, my sense of service, my resilience, and the way I care for others. It’s not just something I identify with — it’s woven into everything I do.
What keeps me motivated is knowing that even small acts of visibility, service, and connection can genuinely change someone’s life. I know what it feels like to struggle with identity, belonging, and finding community, so being able to help create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and celebrated gives my work real purpose.
I’m also deeply motivated by the communities that continue to inspire me — the LGBTQIA+ community, the Filipino community, and the people who show up every day to support one another despite challenges. Seeing others live authentically, build community, and create opportunities for the next generation reminds me that the work we do matters.
At the end of the day, I think I’m most motivated by growth: the idea that we can always strive for something better, not just for ourselves, but for the people around us. If I can leave even a small positive impact through advocacy, storytelling, volunteerism, or simply helping someone feel less alone, then I know I’m moving in the right direction.
