Of being a boy, girl, ‘bakla’ and tomboy

In this politically charged, correct and progressive times, the terms “male” and “female” is now a major global issue after US President Donald Trump declared that these are the only two that he recognizes, which are assigned at birth genitals.

He does not care nor give credit to the 72 other scientifically acknowledged, identified gender identities besides being male and female. Also, all funded programs and projects the previous administration that addressed and supported the other gender identifications are not placed “on-hold” or for “further review” status but come to an end.

This proclamation of US President Trump was welcomed with glee and jubilation by the conservative, the religious and their cousins, the bigots and homophobes, as they chanted together that America will be great again because of this “moral” announcement.

It is a known fact that the possession of one genitals at birth equals an individual’s gender identity. It is a personal choice and it doesn’t need to be fixed. It is also not connected to a specific sexual orientation or preference.

Thus, I cannot help but wonder, with the political leaders that we have, and the many concerned and pious citizens that make it a point to be heard, will this first-world declaration from the most powerful man in the planet, have its Philippine version as well?

Boy, girl, bakla and tomboy

As someone who belongs to the Generation X demographics, we all grew up knowing that there are clear groupings of boys, girls, baklas and tomboys. The silahis (bisexual) only came into the grouping post-puberty and after personal experiences, research and observations.

These groupings peacefully co-existed, majority of them following the society script of courting, getting married, raising kids and families. Friendships were forged amongst the groups, lasting and real, going beyond the preferences and orientations.

Then the progressives came, making use of the rainbow as a symbol of diversity and the many beautiful characters and hues of a person are given recognition and space. They added more alphabets to be more embracing and welcoming to those who cannot identify and relate to the originals. And then, the trans women and men, queer and more came into light.

Despite these politically correct and inclusive labels, the “rainbow community” is not all that cohesive. It is more “divided” and more “makalat.” The progressives have not only become more assertive, they are arrogant with their sense of entitlement and projection that the world owes them understanding and respect.

And on the many issues that greatly affects the community, there is no one voice or united front. The SOGIE Bill remains a bill that will never become a law. There are no openly gay groups that has become a political force. Those with long-term relationships such as king of talk Boy Abunda and film master Joel Lamangan, their being mum about gay marriage scream in volumes. Vice Ganda and Paolo Ballesteros, who give more weight to superficial beauty and outside appearances and branding, send confusing signals especially to those who do not see themselves as femme with screaming feminine energies. All the men who has sex with other men but do not want to ne boxed or labeled add more layers of intrigue and mystery. Trans men who choose to be pregnant and lady boys having wives, siring and raising kids.

So what happens now and next and where do we go after all the enumeration of the twist and turn that are prevalent in the sangkabaklaan and katomboyan flock?

Happily, ever after

Thailand gets major news after the proclamation of a law that allows same sex couples to have the same legal and financial rights as others. Other countries in Asia where same sex marriages are allowed by law are Taiwan and Nepal.

Of course, the bigots, homophobes and religious are having a field day in cursing, cussing, lambasting and ridiculing this LGBT movement. All their hatred show that, compassion and understanding are not part of their vocabulary and DNA. And that for all the goodness and kindness that majority of the gay people have created, done and continue to do, they are always immoral and a malediction.

It is my ardent wish that I get to see in this lifetime, more happily ever after, love wins and new forevers, in the pink community.

As the late great Dolphy as Coring once declared in Ang Tatay Kong Nanay: “Marunong din akong tumawa. Marunong din akong umiyak. ‘Yun ngang pusa diyan, kung natatapakan, umiiyak rin. Hanggang ngayon I’m trying hard to do something about myself. Ewan ko nga ba. Kaya bakit? Bakit ako mahihiya?”

May more people look at my people with their hearts and not through their judgmental eyes.