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…
Category: Menagerie
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Finding a home in animal shelters
City sidewalks have long been a refuge for strays and abandoned animals alike. Left alone in the cold to fend for their survival, these furry little creatures have had to face harrowing ordeals, come rain or shine. Death is a fate that many have succumbed to—either due to hunger or the injuries and illnesses sustained…
Aside from a health crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic has also only brought about an economic one. The shutting down of businesses and subsequent employee lay-offs have greatly exacerbated the already-pervasive issues of hunger and unemployment in the country. As ayuda (relief aid) and other government support services remain insufficient for the needs of the people,…
For so long, queerness has been seen as the Other—shameful, aberrant behavior to be talked about in hushed whispers. For this reason, many queer figures’ sexualities have been erased from history—that is, if history remembers them at all. Today, we get to remember them. As more and more queer creators step into the spotlight with…
Filipinos are no strangers to the sight of congested streets filled with sprawling lines of bumper-to-bumper traffic. The unforgiving sight of long, busy queues at transport terminals, with trains and buses filled to the brim with disgruntled commuters no longer faze the most seasoned commuters—in fact, it would be stranger for cities to be devoid…
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…
Taking mythological icons of generations past is a fascination among many. In 2005, writer Budjette Tan and illustrator Kajo Baldisimo took this fantasy and applied it to the colorful world of Filipino folklore. Angst-filled comic book panels heavily featuring mythological icons and strong female lead Alexandra Trese quickly filled shelves in book stores nationwide. As…
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Rant and Rave: Live, werk, ‘Pose’
Ryan Murphy’s Pose shone a spotlight on New York’s shimmering underground ballroom scene, as it reclaimed the once-forgotten queer culture. With transgender women of color front and center, Pose reminded us that when love is lost from the houses we call home, some people get to choose their family in the oddest of places—in the…
Glue the lashes, pucker the lips, and bring home the tips. The moment their heels step out of their cramped dressing rooms and into the stage, drag queens give such sickening performances that leave audiences all over the metro gasping for air. To simply call them entertainers is to do injustice to drag’s long history…
Disney has built an empire on fond childhood memories. Through a colorful array of supernatural beings, princesses, and anthropomorphic toys and vehicles, the studio has imparted endearing life lessons to kids across generations. Now, Disney is expanding their fictional universe to a reimagined ancient Southeast Asia with Raya and The Last Dragon. The film arrived…