The Philippines has been fairly open to the idea and understanding and acceptance of the existence of “Straight” and “Gay” ideals for some time now. In most cases there is even a drastic cultural separation between the two entitlements. There is a very defined difference in style of clothing and personality and lifestyle. There is even a Gay language, “Baklese.”
On the other hand, a sexual preference many may not be familiar with is that of the Bisexual.
There is a rising category that is starting to build strength and pride in the Philippine culture that is not as common. “Bisexuals” blend in to the Straight culture seamlessly. But when discovered, they can find that they are not always believed or accepted as a real culture of their own right away. Bisexuals cause a ripple in the “REAL GIRL”, REAL MAN”, “GAY, “LADYBOY”, and “LESBIAN/TOMBOY” accepted categories. The real question is, “What category do they fit in??”
Just recently, thanks to the mass availability and liberation of information, a.k.a the internet, have Filipinos been exposed to that fact that being bisexual is normal. That there are many others like themselves all over the world and even in their local community. And more recently, thanks to celebrities like Katy Perry, Angelina Jolie, Megan Fox and Miley Cyrus who celebrate their right to love anyone they desire, girl or boy, has bisexuality become more of a rising trend in the Philippine culture.
This inspired local Philippine stars like Donnalyn Bartolome to be openly bisexual and express her sexuality through her music and films and other art forms. In 2013, Donnalyn Bartolome, who was only 18 at the time, a “REAL GIRL” co-wrote a film called “ATE aka BIG SISTER” based on her real life that portrayed her love affairs with multiple other “REAL GIRLS”. She showed the world that there don’t have to be stereotypes and that love has no boundaries.
DONNALYN BARTOLOME’S “ATE aka BIG SISTER” OFFICIAL FULL MOVIE
Even more recently she released an original song called “Huwag Siya” that has millions of views on youtube where she sings to a girl about the benefits of dating a bisexual girl over dating a boy.
Huwag Siya – Donnalyn Bartolome ft. Shehyee (Official Music Video with Lyrics)
Researchers have found that a majority of the population has had some kind of bisexual experience or thoughts. And it is widely known that attraction has nothing to do with sex designation. REAL GIRLS admire other REAL GIRLS all the time, straight or bisexual. Attraction is attraction.
Other possible reasons for the rise in bisexual relationships is the lack of male partners and fear of premarital sex and pregnancy. No one wants to be alone and that leaves only a short list of options, find a foreigner, find a lesbian, find a girl or be alone. Also, many REAL GIRLS who have bisexual relationships while in college, eventually they will end up with a REAL MAN and never look back. This leads to evident that bisexual relationships could be a safe way to date and experience sex without the risk of pregnancy before they are ready.
In conclusion, the existance of “Bisexuality” is beginning to insert itself into being a part of the Philippine culture. And is one of the first real steps for Filipinos to accept the real emotional and sexual connections outside of the traditionally accepted stereotypes.
I don’t have anything against bisexuals. But I do have something against late bloomers – meaning people who realize later on that they are bisexuals.
I adore people who are confident enough to stand for themselves of who they are, especially if they’re still young. Acceptance comes easy if you are sure of yourself. However, if you are unsure of yourself of which preference you adore (sexually or physically), then acceptance does not come easy.
Let me take my story for example.
I am married to this guy, whom I’ve been dating with for four years. For four years, he has consistently insulted and criticized people of the LGBT community. He emphasized that he doesn’t understand why they end up loving their own, when God has given them the Vs and the Ps, compatible to the Ps and the Vs (respectively). He criticizes through sharing these opinions with me, but not being disrespectful of them if confronted.
Then, a few months after marriage, he goes to reveal that he’s bisexual. He liked that some gay is into him, that he tried to accompany him every lunch time. No sexual contact happened, but what transpired was almost like a date. He tried, but he didn’t continue because the girl friends (BFFs) of the gay were angry/annoyed to my husband because of this situation. My husband confronted them, saying it wasn’t his fault; the gay person was the one who started it. He just allowed him, regardless of letting him know that there will never be anything more than accompanying each other every lunch time.
He goes on to tell that he was gay during gradeschool and highschool (because he was studying in an exclusive male school). Never had a boyfriend, but definitely had interests so close to gayness. Then college, he was “transformed” as a straight male because females start liking him — massaging his ego, which resulted to wanting to pursue females.
He admits that he is fond of staying and observing males in the male bathroom. He admits that he winks at other handsome straight guys and gays.
This is so hard to understand, and it was really painful to take it in.
I used to be so proud of being open-minded, but I guess, when emotions are in line, when marriage is in line, and the image of being with a “knight in a shining armor” fades away — I found out that I’m not open-minded at all.
I’m so disappointed to myself when I find myself disgusted by him. I shouldn’t be like this. I should be accepting him. But I feel that he has been unfair to me. I don’t even know him. I don’t even know myself because of that, that challenge to my beliefs.
I know a lot of you might hate me because of this. But I hope that with this comment, I get to know other Filipina wives who experienced the same, exactly the same thing with their husbands. I also hope that you could sympathize with me and let me know that this is the first phase of acceptance that I’ve been going through — that there is still hope for me to change my mind, to completely accept.
If you would notice, I am blaming myself for this. I may have been too blind.
*to When in Manila*: this Facebook account is not my real name. It will not reveal my husband’s surname. It’s coincidental if there is a bisexual Mr. Bautista. Kindly post this, so that it would provide another perspective of the LGBT topic. Thank you.
I don’t agree sa sinabi mong “it’s a trend”. Parang sinabi mo na kahit sino pwede maging “bisexual” kasi “uso”. Yung tipong “uy trending ang pagiging bisexual, magpapakabisexual na din ako para in din ako”. It’s an insult kasi hindi naman ito “fashion” na kahit sino pwede “makiuso”. Hindi ito dapat maging dahilan ng pagpapanggap. Kaya nga may kasabihang “magpakatotoo ka”. Hindi kusang pinipili ang gender preference, kundi kusa itong nararamdaman.
Please, bago ka magsulat ng ganitong article, research ka mabuti. Kung mag pluplugg or advertise ka lang ng kung sinu sino, mag advertise ka na lang hindi yung gagawa ka ng article na wala naman sapat na batayan.
SEVEN women for every man? There are 100 females for every 97 males, check your facts first.
when l was 18 years old, l was bit confused, liking beautiful girls was normal, my first encountered of girls in the University, two girls which l never realized they can be physically, emotionally attrracted to each other,l never know the word ‘lesbian’ ‘gay’ is the word on that time, same sex relationship, so liking a girls l thought l am ‘lesbian’ too. but l knew in my heart l am heterosexual thru and thru question; am l ‘lesbian’ because l ONLY like woman?
Seven females for one male? That is so absurd. Please check the data. Thanks!!!!