Reclaiming the word "Bakla" and Celebrating the Filipinx LGBTQ+ Community
WRITTEN BY FRANCESA JANA SANTIAGO
More often that not, Filipinos avoid any discussion about sexual orientation and gender identity, which is ironic since queerness has always played a vital role in pre-colonial “Philippine” culture. From transgender women serving as Babaylans to openly-gay celebrities acting in beloved comedies, the Philippines, despite being the conservative and religious country it identifies as, hosts a massive community of LGBTQ+ Filipinx— more of which are found in every diaspora across the globe.
The month of June is popularly known as Pride Month and as a way to take part in this, One Down alongside Kumu USA teamed up to organize So BakLA: a celebration of the Filipinx LGBTQ+ community. The term “Bakla” is the Taglog translation for “gay,” however for many Filipinos growing up, it was often used as an insult or something to be ashamed of. With this event, the goal was to reclaim “Bakla'' as something to be proud of and to amplify the narratives of every Filipino who identifies as LGBTQ+. A number of 100 queer individuals were invited including academic scholars, entertainment professionals, celebrity artists, authors, business owners and community leaders from the Kumunity.
The show, which was hosted by Tessa Albea and Hans Braga, was livestreamed on the Kumu app, featuring performances from VJ Rosales as well as drag artists Aiana Shaw, Lea Dela Orienté and Skirt Cocaine. The celebration was able to raise nearly $2,500 and 100% of it went to a non-profit known as APAIT (Access to Prevention Advocacy Intervention and Treatment). Established in 1987, the organization’s work serves the diverse multi-ethnic communities of LA and Orange counties who identify as LGBTQ+, immigrants and refugees, at-risk for HIV/STI’s, and housing insecure. But for both One Down and Kumu USA, pride doesn’t end after the event nor does it after June. By taking advantage of today’s digital platforms, queer stories and queer individuals continue to be given a voice.
For more LGBTQ+-centered content, make sure to check out One Down’s official YouTube channel to find videos like this!