We can call them bakla, bading, shokla, antey, tita and even SIR, or tomboy with respect, confidence and acceptance. There had been no problems no matter how we call the LBTQs in the Cordillera. It’s because they never demanded respect from the community, instead they feel already well-privileged to be accepted in a conservative Cordilleran environment. They gained our natural respect.
LBTQs, most especially the bakla or gay, are not a discriminated or disadvantaged fraction of the society in the Cordillera. They live normal lives and in fact a lot of them have become a valuable member of a family, organisation or a community. A lot of LBTQs have good education and have successful careers in various industries or economic sectors.
LBTQs in the Cordillera do not behave nor feel entitled because they understand how to deal with normal or straight people, same as how others treat them as a member of the community. They also recognise the fact that there are other people who they need to offer respect, those people who believe that there are only 2 genders created by God, male and female. They understand that respect goes both ways. Respect is never demanded, but gained.
Photo credits: Jude Bacalso, Pepita and IgorotHost
THE CORDILLERA CONNECTION 