Pen and paper certainly have the power to be the voice of
the LGBTQIA+ community. The prevalence of Boys Love (BL), increase in the
visibility and depiction of transwomen and transmen, and the growing
representation of women loving women (WLW) in Filipino literature has empowered
Filipinos with a chance to take steps towards acceptance. With the beginning of
this year's Pride Month, let us recognize some of the works that have
contributed to queer literature in the Philippines.
Get your bookmarks ready! Here is the list of the most
realistic, heart-wrenching, and astonishing stories written by Filipino authors
that center on queer representation.
Riverrun by Danton Remoto
In essence, Riverrun is a coming-of-age story of a gay
Filipino during the 1960s or 1970s, when Martial Law was in effect. It reads
like a collection of memories — those of a young gay man growing up in the
Philippines, full of intelligence, wanting a better political system, and the
desire for a relationship that seems unattainable.
Dauntless by Elisa A. Bonnin
Dauntless is an epic fantasy that combines thrilling action
with a touch of romance to captivate readers to the end of the book. In the
settings, people live in the trees and build settlements of all sizes, from
small villages to large metropolis. The woodlands are home to big, ferocious
beasts, and as humans move farther afield and establish new communities,
valiants accompany them to protect them from deadly predators. Additionally,
there is a sapphic relationship between the perspectives of the two main
characters—Seri and Tsana. Despite being a subplot, the romance plays a role
and has given depth to the story; it is warm, sincere, and endearing to read
about.
Bagay Tayo by Jerry Gracio
Similar to what is seen on the book cover, this book is full
of color and delight. It depicts the realities of gay life in a culture where
same-sex unions and relationships are still frowned upon, along with what
occurs when a couple, particularly if the other person identifies as
"straight," chooses to live together openly. The story is based on
the author's life and relationship, making the events more personal and
emotionally experienced.
Wing of the Locust by Joel Donato Ching Jacob
The novel takes its time and builds a captivating universe
that is both familiar and unknown to a Filipino reader, having been set in the
Pre-colonial Philippines. Wings of Locust is a coming-of-age story about Tuan,
a young boy chosen to become a mambabarang, the Filipino equivalent of a
sorcerer and one of the most respected members of their community. Joel Donato
Ching Jacob was successful in subjecting fantasy elements to depict a past that
is different from our own—one that is full of magic and mystery but not without
corruption and fear.
References:
https://yourtitakate.com/more-queer-filipino-books/
https://yourtitakate.com/8-queer-books-by-filipino-authors/
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