People often whisper in hushed tones the word “hermaphrodite” as an insult or a means to label something which they cannot fully comprehend. Now considered a pejorative slur, this misnomer has pervaded Philippine society, creating this barrier of ignorance that has stigmatized the intersex community. Replacing the misnomer, “intersex” is a more inclusive and appropriate…
Tag: Pulse
Today’s outside world is almost unrecognizable. The cacophony of noises that once signified a city’s hustle and bustle has been replaced with unnerving silence, leaving little to no trace of what everyday life used to be. The same can be observed in houses of worship, where walls that used to echo the lively voices of…
“‘Pag pupunta ka lang sa psychiatrist, sasabihin ng ibang tao na baliw ka na. ‘Baliw’ agad ‘yung term,” shares Dr. Reggie Pamugas, Vice Chair of Health Action for Human Rights. As someone who’s been in the field for more than 19 years as a community-based physician, Pamugas knows all too well the stigma associated with…
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Heavy is the head that wears the crown
Every year, Filipinos huddle around their television sets to watch the Miss Universe coronation night. Holding hands and sweating in anticipation, fans shriek in pure joy when the country’s representative struts down the runway, with “Philippines” written in bold font on the sash across her chest. However, this love and appreciation do not come for…
She’s part of every girl’s birthday and Christmas wishlist—a friend that comes in a mint condition plastic box with a beaming smile frozen on her face. She makes playtime all the more thrilling—through her, millions of girls across the world can be a princess, a model, a homemaker, and many more. With a seemingly-endless assortment…
In the Judeo-Christian context, God has always been painted as distinctly, explicitly, and exclusively a man. This idea of an omnipotent male has been the bedrock of our beliefs—it is then deemed only natural that men lead, that men control, and that men define. Women, on the other hand, are also labeled many things—wives, mothers,…
Most Filipinos become aware of our country’s history within the four walls of the classroom. In subjects such as Sibika (or HeKaSi), Social Studies, or Araling Panlipunan (AP), they grow familiar with Lapu-Lapu’s bravery and Dr. Jose Rizal’s sacrifice. With the help of colorful flashcards, students learn to recognize the symbols of their heritage and…
Amid the sudsy sachets of shampoo and tubes of toothpaste in a typical Filipino bathroom lies an infamous product—skin whiteners. Ranging from soaps to serums to creams, these products claim to give fairer skin in a matter of days or weeks. As such, they have earned a permanent place in every Filipino woman’s beauty routine.…
It’s gritty, loud, and foaming at the mouth. It’s short and direct—a chaotic whirlwind of sounds scraping against the surface. It screams what is usually withheld, echoing the resistance of people who are breaking their chains. It’s punk. “I was introduced to this music by a friend of mine who had a mixtape cassette with no…
For the longest time, women’s bodies have been a taboo topic. Coochie, flower, kitty—these are just some of the names we use to skirt around the word vagina. In our language—puki, tinggil, and puwerta are scientifically accurate parts of the vagina, yet there is a certain stigma when these words are said. As Eve Ensler…