Five Filipino works of literature for the LGBTQIA+ community

Books have always been our guide for knowing new stories and lessons since we were children. 

These five Filipino books may help you or a friend take that step in upholding the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community through education.

Busilak edited by Dr. J. Neil C. Garcia

This collection of English poems is written by poets who participated in the first Global Grace LGBTQ National Writers Workshop last July 2018. The poems tell the experience of the writers on sexual and gendered self-disclosure and the struggles they face, one of which is being queer and Catholic. 

Philippine Gay Culture by J. Neil Garcia

A known book about gay culture, this descriptive survey of popular and academic writings on and by Filipino male homosexuals provides a history of gay culture in the Philippines and criticizes homosexuality using different social theories. 

Riverrun by Danton Remoto

This novel walks through the life of Danilo Cruz, a young gay man raised on an American army base during a military dictatorship in the Philippines. It tells his story and experiences from childhood to young adulthood.

Bagay Tayo by Jerry Gracio

This book tells the story of the author Jerry Gracio and his partner whom he refers to as “Pitbull” which makes readers cry, laugh, and love. The book is accompanied by “Hindi Bagay,” a collection of poems about love and betrayal, and the things that come in between and after. Gracio also tweeted the links to a free pdf copy of the books.

Wildfire from Gantala Press

Already available, this book from Gantala Press features Filipina lesbian writings focused on “love, courage, and resistance.”