Cover 10 queer books by Filipino authors to read this month
10 queer books by Filipino authors to read this month
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Literature has always been an opportunity for queer resistance. This Pride Month, add these LGBTQIA+ stories from Filipino writers to your reading list
The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia’s most conservative countries, with a long way to go in achieving equality for all. Still, the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community has carved out a space to thrive and celebrate.
Parties have been going on all month. But after the bold and bright gatherings, it might be time to wind down with a good book.
Some of these stories are humorous. Others dive right into heartbreak. But all of them embrace the vibrant experiences that come with being queer. These stories deepen our connection to the people around us. At the same time, they remind us that we can all find a home right where we are.
Read more: In a legislative limbo: Status of the SOGIE Bill in the Philippines
1. ‘Ang Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Zsazsa Zaturnnah’ by Carlo Vergara
Above ‘Ang Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Zsazsa Zaturnnah’ by Carlo Vergara
‘Ang Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Zsazsa Zaturnnah’ by Carlo Vergara
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Superheroes have always been an important part of Filipino culture. Their colourful personalities and unique strengths have made them beloved to the cultural experience. One LGBT superhero is Zsazsa Zaturnnah.
When gay beautician Ada swallows a magical stone and shouts, “Zaturnnah!” he immediately transforms into a curvy, red-haired superheroine. Zsazsa has super strength, agility, and indestructibility. Over the series, Zsazsa fights off giant frogs, zombies, and the Amazonistas of Planet Xxx.
The character may be modelled after the iconic Darna, but Zsazsa deals with issues faced by the LGBT community. Ada’s father never approved of his sexual orientation, and Ada struggled to accept this aspect of his identity and his desire to be loved and accepted.
Many academic essays and journal articles have examined this riveting comic series. It has also been included in the gender studies curriculums of different Filipino universities. Since then, it has been adapted into theatre and film and recently had its sequel, Zsazsa Zaturnnah sa Kalakhang Maynila.
2. ‘Tingle: Anthology of Pinay Lesbian Writing’ by Jhoanna Lynn B. Cruz
Above ‘Tingle: Anthology of Pinay Lesbian Writing’ by Jhoanna Lynn B. Cruz
‘Tingle: Anthology of Pinay Lesbian Writing’ by Jhoanna Lynn B. Cruz
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Filipino lesbians are often underrepresented in the cultural discussion. But with Cruz’s anthology, composed of works from 49 lesbian writers, things have changed.
She asked each writer, “What makes you tingle as a lesbian?” She asked them to discuss how being a lesbian enriched and informed their experiences. The stories, poems, and opinion pieces celebrated the depths of their answers.
Here, you will find stories of accepting one’s sexual orientation and finding ways to love other women. Some stories delve into our profoundly religious and patriarchal society. Others grapple with the disappointment of one’s family, meeting this grief with gentle compassion. Above all, this collection highlights the depth and breadth of sapphic experiences in a tender and nuanced way.
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3. ‘Ladlad: An Anthology of Philippine Gay Writing’ by J. Neil Garcia and Danton Remoto
Above ‘Ladlad: An Anthology of Philippine Gay Writing’ by J. Neil Garcia and Danton Remoto
‘Ladlad: An Anthology of Philippine Gay Writing’ by J. Neil Garcia and Danton Remoto
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This collection has various short stories, poems, plays, and essays. Here, the writers deconstruct ‘macho’ conservative culture. It often undermines queer men’s agency and capacity for living fulfilling, creative lives. These writers have paved a new way forward, creating a space for their experiences.
The stories delve into the intricacy of relationships. They don’t flinch from portraying deeply human behaviours like possessiveness, jealousy, and the neverending search for belonging.
Ladlad was among the first to explore the experiences of gay men in the Philippines. Instead of treating them like a punchline or sweeping their stories under the rug, this puts them into focus.
4. ‘Talong/Tahong: Mga Kwentong Homoerotiko’ edited by Rolando B. Tolentino, Romulo Baquiran, Jr., Joi Barrios, and Mykel Andrada
Above ‘Talong/Tahong: Mga Kwentong Homoerotiko’ edited by Rolando B. Tolentino, Romulo Baquiran, Jr., Joi Barrios, and Mykel Andrada
‘Talong/Tahong: Mga Kwentong Homoerotiko’ edited by Rolando B. Tolentino, Romulo Baquiran, Jr., Joi Barrios, and Mykel Andrada
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In a deeply conservative society, desire is a taboo topic. This is especially true for desires that defy expectations.
But this collection of vivid, deeply human stories subverts all expectations. The alluring details expose the readers to the desires and experiences of the LGBT community. Talong/Tahong guides readers through tales of ordinary Filipinos at different life stages. As they love some people and lose others, they get closer to a deepened understanding of themselves.
By making the human body the protagonist, desires become sprawling and multifaceted. It expands the spaces we take up, the desires we can feel, and the ways we move through the world.
5. ‘Riverrun’ by Danton Remoto
Above ‘Riverrun’ by Danton Remoto
‘Riverrun’ by Danton Remoto
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This story balances the complexities of history on a personal and societal level.
Growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, Danilo Cruz felt different from the other boys. But he didn’t know what it was. Still, from a young age, his neighbours and family members discouraged his queerness.
As Danilo grapples with his identity, Ferdinand Marcos comes into power. At first, the violence feels far removed from Danilo. But eventually, he and his family have to face the impacts of Marcos’s regime on their community.
A coming-of-age novel with a historical edge, this novel is acclaimed both locally and abroad. Its fragmented structure heightens Danilo’s struggles to understand and accept his experiences.
Read more: 11 cult classic queer movies to watch this Pride Month and beyond
6. ‘Orosa Nakpil, Malate’ by Louie Mar A. Gangcuangco
Above ‘Orosa Nakpil, Malate’ by Louie Mar A. Gangcuangco
‘Orosa Nakpil, Malate’ by Louie Mar A. Gangcuangco
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The HIV/AIDS crisis was a devastating moment in LGBTQIA+ history with far-reaching consequences. At the time, there were many misconceptions about the disease and how it could be passed among people.
With Orosa Nakpil, Malate, Gangcuangco debunks those myths. At the same time, he invites the reader into the complex, colourful lives of the queer characters who are navigating the virus themselves.
A vibrant and daring novel, Gangcuangco does not shy away from the struggles and triumphs of the gay experience. This story will stay with readers long after they’ve put the book down.
7. ‘Busilak: New LGBTQ Poetry from the Philippines’ by J. Neil Garcia
Above ‘Busilak: New LGBTQ Poetry from the Philippines’ by J. Neil Garcia
‘Busilak: New LGBTQ Poetry from the Philippines’ by J. Neil Garcia
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Busilak is an engaging poetry collection that explores the wide range of LGBT experiences in the Philippines. It explores the different facets of each writer’s gender and sexuality, how that influences their writings, and the vulnerability of displaying such experiences.
The goal of this collection is not to showcase such experiences for the shock value. Instead, it is an exploration of the limitations and capacities of queer experiences. It situates the personal struggles of each writer in a wider social context, pulling in elements of popular culture, history, mythology, and more.
More from Tatler: How Asian trans artists BB Sway, SuperKnova and Jake Zyrus are reclaiming narratives and tackling transphobia through music
8. ‘Plus/+, At Iba Plus, Maramihan: New Philippine Fiction on Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities’ edited by Rolando B. Tolentino and Chuckberry J. Pascual
Above ‘Plus/+, At Iba Plus, Maramihan: New Philippine Fiction on Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities’ edited by Rolando B. Tolentino and Chuckberry J. Pascual
‘Plus/+, At Iba Plus, Maramihan: New Philippine Fiction on Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities’ edited by Rolando B. Tolentino and Chuckberry J. Pascual
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This collection of short stories pushes for a brighter and more hopeful future for all people whether they identify as queer or not. Pushing for unity among people of different backgrounds, the writers carve out a common ground to stand on together.
They challenge the limitations of readers’ beliefs, helping them appreciate the uniqueness of queer people’s experiences. There are coming-of-age stories, stories about polyamorous relationships, and learning how to navigate heartbreak. These stories even weave in Filipino mythology and history to help readers navigate the current social situation.
9. ‘Kembang Kertas: Mga Binalaybay/Mga Tula’ by John Iremil Teodoro
Above ‘Kembang Kertas: Mga Binalaybay/Mga Tula’ by John Iremil Teodoro
‘Kembang Kertas: Mga Binalaybay/Mga Tula’ by John Iremil Teodoro
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This unique collection of travelogues explores Teodoro’s experiences in Mindanao and other Southeast Asian countries. By writing in both Kinaray-a and Filipino, he showcases his distinctive worldview, which allows him to explore the world around him with curiosity and grace.
Teodoro knows that bridging the gap between people can be difficult. But he leads by example, embracing the fluid nature of physical and linguistic borders. This book leaves the reader feeling enriched and deeply connected to all people.
10. ‘Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata’ by Ricky Lee
Above ‘Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata’ by Ricky Lee
‘Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata’ by Ricky Lee
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In this novel, a gay stage performer named Amapola is prophesied to save the Philippines. The message is passed onto him from his great-grandmother Sepa, who lived in the Spanish era and harboured an unrequited love for Andres Bonifacio. Amapola also has multiple personality disorder, which makes him believe he is a manananggal.
Lee used his background in writing for TV shows and movies to put the characters in colourful situations. In the book, he navigated the tensions of deliberately creating an alter ego while having multiple personality disorders. This book will make you feel suspenseful sometimes and sad at other points. But Lee injects humour into each moment, making this read unforgettable.
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About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
