Diwata

The element of transformation is abundant in many Greek mythology stories. In the first glance, it is usually a way to escape oppressors or to allow gods to interact with mortals. Nevertheless, these stories of transformation are also interpreted as template for queer narratives.

Diwata is a book that incorporates these ideas into photos. What I love about this is that it also includes narratives from Philippine's history and description of various deities in Philippine mythology. It is a visual feast and I admire all the photographers and models for a job well done in presenting the stories well.

ASEAN Queer Imaginings: Collection of Writings by LGBTIQ Thinkers

LGBTIQ people face harassment and discrimination for a very long time. Unfortunately, it is very prevalent especially in ASEAN countries who usually observe conservative religious views and/or having a suffocating patriarchal culture. In the present, people are starting to be more accepting but there is no doubt that there is still a long way to go.

This book is a collection of essays that talks about various struggles of the LGBTIQ activists especially in this current time wherein our movements are limited because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. I don't want to tell my favorite narrative to avoid spoilers but as a queer person myself, it certainly inspired me to find creative ways and make this country a better place especially for the futute generation.

Be Me

During the early days, ASEAN countries like the Philippines treated LGBTIQ as ordinary people. But when the Spaniards arrived, they enforced their colonial thinking and treated them as demons who deserve to be punished.

The writers imagine various scenarios using fantasy elements in order to make the readers somehow experience how LGBTIQ people live on a daily basis. There are many stories which I can personally relate to. Not all of them may have a happy ending but I'm hopeful that at least things can happen differently in real life.