Bakla

Key Features

• Bakla individuals are typically assigned male at birth but present themselves with feminine traits, which may include dressing in women’s clothing, using makeup, and adopting a more feminine demeanor.

• While "bakla" is sometimes equated with the Western concept of a transgender woman or a gay man, it is more accurately understood as a gender identity unique to Filipino culture. The term has broader cultural connotations and can refer to a person’s gender expression and sexual orientation.

• Bakla individuals may be attracted to men (making them gay) or may have a more fluid attraction to others, including women. Some may also identify as transgender women, though not all bakla people would describe themselves as such.

Context

The term bakla has significant cultural and social meaning in the Philippines, where it has been recognized for centuries, and it exists within a context that blends gender identity and sexual orientation. The term encompasses a wide spectrum of gender and sexual expressions, often including a blending of masculine and feminine elements, and it can be seen as a way to navigate both Filipino society and broader ideas of gender diversity.

Gender Expression

Individuals who identify as bakla often embody a blend of masculine and feminine traits, with many leaning towards feminine presentation. This can include dressing in traditionally feminine attire, adopting feminine mannerisms, or using feminine pronouns in certain contexts. The expression of bakla often challenges traditional binary notions of gender, creating space for fluidity and individuality within Filipino society.

Example: A bakla individual might wear makeup and dresses while still identifying with aspects of their male upbringing, blending these characteristics in a way unique to their cultural identity.

Sexual Orientation

Bakla individuals are often romantically or sexually attracted to men, though this is not universally the case. The term is primarily rooted in gender expression rather than strictly sexual orientation. In Filipino society, the term is sometimes colloquially used to describe effeminate gay men, though this usage can oversimplify the identity.

Example: A bakla person might be attracted to men, but their identity also includes a deeply cultural and gendered dimension that goes beyond sexual orientation.

Cultural Context

The bakla identity exists within the context of Filipino culture, where it holds unique social and cultural significance. It is not simply a sexual or gender identity but also a cultural role that involves navigating societal expectations, family dynamics, and communal relationships. The bakla identity is deeply tied to the Philippines’ history, influenced by pre-colonial gender roles and later shaped by colonialism and Western influences.

Example: Pre-colonial Filipino societies recognized gender diversity, with babaylan (shaman-like figures) often being gender-nonconforming individuals, which some scholars link to the modern bakla identity.

Cultural Relevance

Bakla plays an important role in Filipino LGBTQIA+ culture and history, representing a gender identity that is neither exclusively male nor female. It challenges rigid gender norms and provides space for individuals to express their gender identity in more fluid and diverse ways. The recognition of bakla also reflects the diverse ways that different cultures understand and interpret gender identity and sexuality, offering an alternative to Western gender categories.

Historical Roots

The concept of bakla can be traced back to pre-colonial times when Filipino societies recognized gender diversity. Babaylan, who were often male-bodied individuals with feminine characteristics, held spiritual and social authority, performing roles as healers, mediators, and community leaders. During the Spanish colonial period, Western gender binaries and Christian morality were imposed, which marginalized and stigmatized gender-diverse identities like bakla. Despite this, the identity persisted and evolved within Filipino society.

Example: The bakla identity reflects resilience and adaptability, maintaining its place in Filipino culture despite centuries of colonial influence.

Modern Representation

Today, bakla individuals are a visible part of Filipino culture, especially in entertainment, fashion, and beauty industries. Prominent figures like comedians and beauty queens who identify as bakla have helped bring visibility to the community. Despite increased representation, bakla individuals still face stigma and discrimination in conservative or religiously influenced sectors of society.

Example: Popular Filipino media often portrays bakla characters in comedic roles, which can both increase visibility and perpetuate stereotypes about effeminacy and flamboyance.

Intersection of Gender and Sexuality

The bakla identity does not fit neatly into Western LGBTQ+ categorizations. It overlaps aspects of gay, transgender, and non-binary experiences but remains distinct as a culturally specific identity. It underscores the importance of understanding gender and sexuality within cultural contexts, highlighting how Western frameworks may not fully capture the complexity of non-Western identities.

Example: A bakla individual might identify as gay or transgender if living abroad but may prefer to retain the culturally specific term bakla within Filipino contexts.

Challenges Faced by Bakla Individuals

• Stigma and Discrimination: Despite cultural visibility, bakla individuals often face stigma and prejudice, particularly in conservative or religious communities where traditional gender roles are strongly enforced. Discrimination can manifest in family rejection, workplace inequality, and limited access to legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.

  • Example: A bakla individual might struggle with acceptance from their family, who may expect adherence to traditional male roles, such as being the breadwinner or continuing the family lineage.

• Stereotyping in Media: While bakla individuals are frequently represented in Filipino media, these portrayals often reinforce stereotypes, such as portraying them as comedic relief or as excessively flamboyant. These stereotypes can overshadow the diversity and complexity of bakla experiences, reducing them to one-dimensional caricatures.

  • Example: A bakla character in a Filipino sitcom might be portrayed as overly dramatic or fashion-obsessed, perpetuating a narrow understanding of the identity.

• Legal and Social Barriers: The Philippines does not yet have comprehensive anti-discrimination laws to protect LGBTQ+ individuals, leaving bakla people vulnerable to harassment and exclusion in various sectors, including education, employment, and healthcare. The lack of legal recognition for gender diversity further marginalizes bakla individuals, particularly those who wish to transition or seek acknowledgment of their gender identity.

  • Example: A bakla individual may face difficulties updating their legal documents to reflect their gender expression, as Philippine laws currently only recognize male and female categories.