Tgirls in the Philipines ~ Bakla

**Koanbred** · 09-06-2010, 01:43 PM

In the Philippines, the LGBT community is gradually gaining acceptance. However, there is much resistance to gays, lesbians, and the transgendered community due to the strong influence of the Roman Catholic church. Since before the arrival of the Catholic Missionaries, the term Bakla was used to describe members of the gay community.

Therefore, employment and housing in the larger cities remain a major task for members of the LGBT population and many prefer to remain anonymous. In most cases, their anonymity will safeguard them from social stigma and years of unemployment. Housing discrimination has also been an ongoing problem for LGBT members living in the Philippines. Most gays appear to be accepted socially if they play stereotypical roles expected by the majority. They therefore, should be expected to work in hair salons, interior design, clothing, and entertainment. Since employment discrimination is rampant in the Philippines, Bakla sometimes resort to prostitution. Of course, prostitution is illegal in the philippines and the laws against it are strictly enforced!

While Philippine society has been aware of the prevalence of homosexuality. It has deliberately ignored its presence in preference to the acknowledgement of machismo and biblical stereotypes. Of course, most members of Philippine
society are aware of the Bakla. A term used to describe all male members of the gay community. They are considered to be members of the Third Sex.

The term Bakla is used in the Philippines to describe gay, bisexual, and all transgendered men. This of course would include all MTF transsexuals. Some transsexuals prefer to distinguish themselves from the term Bakla, by simply refering to themselves as transgender or transsexual.

Most people are willing to admit that the Philippines is no place for the Bakla to live!