More Tomboy, More Bakla Than We Admit: Insights into Sexual and Gender Diversity in Philippine Culture, History and Politics

In the Philippines, those who do not fall neatly within the dictated norms of gender and sexuality have often been rendered invisible if not condemned outright by mainstream society heavily steeped in westernized gender roles and Catholic notions of sexual propriety. And yet such individuals have existed throughout our history, from the androgynous bayog and asog shamans of precolonial times to members of the Chinese community persecuted for sodomy in Spanish Manila, to lesbian activists of the last few decades striving for recognition within a greater feminist movement, to transpinay (transgender) movements and multiple local, regional, and national organizations, to contemporary gay and “bi” men representing themselves on Planet Romeo.

Through the essays in More Tomboy, More Bakla Than We Admit, acclaimed writers and scholars explore the unique identities, behaviors, and nuances that distinguish Filipino lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender persons from other Filipinos and those elsewhere in the world. The essays delve into how LGBTI identities are manifested within history, culture, race, religion, family, technology, psychology, for example, in ways that are more complex and multifaceted than we admit.

Published in 2021 by Vibal Foundation, Inc.

480 pages / Paperback