In the sun-kissed archipelago of the Philippines, a linguistic phenomenon as vibrant as the nation's culture dances upon the lips of the LGBTQ+ community. Known as "Gay lingo" or affectionately as "Bekinese," this lexicon isn't just a way to communicate; it’s a way for them to feel connected and have fun together - a mesmerizing tapestry woven from threads of identity and camaraderie.
In the realm of language and culture, certain sparks ignite journeys of exploration. One such spark was ignited by the insightful words of Bernadine Racoma, a writer at Day Translations, through her piece titled 'Swardspeak.' This spark kindled a fascination, a desire to venture into the intriguing realm of the said vernacular, and illuminate its evolution over time.
From Whispers to Anthems: Evolution of Gay Lingo
Back in the 1970s, especially in places like Manila, people from the LGBTQ+ community started to play with words to create another word that only they understood to isolate themselves from the people who’d judge and to talk to each other and feel like they belonged to a group. They used these “words” to invent gay lingo at that time, being different was tough, and this discreet way of speaking made them feel safe when they faced discrimination. As the years went by, Gay lingo grew and became more than just secret words. It became a way for LGBTQ+ people to feel accepted and understood, like having a special code that only they know.
Gay lingo is not just about words; it reflects the strength and bravery of the LGBTQ+ community. It also helps build connections between LGBTQ+ people and others in Filipino society by making people understand each other better and break down barriers. Even today, Gay lingo keeps changing, you can find it in music, social media, and everyday conversations. It's now an important and lasting part of Filipino life, showing how much it means to the LGBTQ+ community.
People get inspiration mostly from what they see on social media that becomes trending. An example of this is Vice Ganda, an actor, and comedian also who is one of the hosts of the famous TV Show the Philippines ‘Showtime.’ His terms of gay lingo became famous and started spreading nationwide from ‘Showtime’, and the movies he has starred in. For example in his film ‘Beauty and the Bestie’ he says “Sinetchiwerikyelz? ‘Pag na knowzik itez ng pudra, tegibels everybody in this country!” These terms started to skyrocket from people who weren't even aware of these terms and started to use them on a daily basis when they understood what those terms meant and it started to blossom from there to make even more gay lingo terms til this day.
Echoes of Evolution
In a quest to unearth the captivating journey of 'Bekinese,' we engaged with several individuals whose lives have been touched by the magic of gay lingo. Through candid conversations, we delved into their experiences, exploring how they stumbled upon this vibrant lexicon and unraveling the profound impact it has had on their lives. Here, we present their unique narratives, each a testament to the enduring resonance of this evolving vernacular.
At just 15 years old, Samuel Figuracion's initiation into gay lingo began with the term "pak." Social media became his portal to this rich linguistic realm, where he recognized the importance of acknowledging the origins and significance of these words. Sam's view on the usage of gay lingo by non-queer individuals is crystal clear: understanding and respect are paramount. To him, these words carry the weight of history and identity, making them unfit for mockery. Gay lingo, Sam asserts, serves as both a conduit for trends and a channel for forging connections. When asked about its future relevance, he echoes a sentiment felt by many—the permanence of gay lingo in society.
Twenty-one-year-old Brian Fernandez embarked on his journey with gay lingo through the term "charot," embracing a language that transcends boundaries. He recalls its introduction during his school days, a product of both education and friendship. Brian's perspective on non-queer individuals engaging with gay lingo exudes inclusivity, rooted in the fluidity of language. This evolving lexicon, for Brian, is a tool for communication, particularly among his generation. As he delves into its significance, Brian's conviction in its future is unwavering—it has become a seamless part of contemporary discourse.
We then ask for his response to the following question: what do you think gay lingo is used for? He said, “It is used to communicate with one another. For me, it is not necessarily that you need to learn all of it, however, the basics of the gay lingo language are used mostly in our generation. It is used for entertainment purposes as well.” Proceeding with his answer to the last question, “I believe yes, people are now using it even though they aren't part of a third gender, they used this often to have a conversation with other people. Gay lingo is becoming my "go-to language" whenever I am engaging with other people. Not all of us are knowledgeable about it, but most of us are trying to learn it to keep up with the trend.”
A seasoned soul at 42, Debie Cuna's gay lingo journey embarked with the term "Chaka." From queer friends to cinematic narratives, her exposure spans a spectrum of influences. Debie wholeheartedly welcomes non-queer individuals adopting gay lingo, seeing it as an enhancement to storytelling—a sprinkle of character that enriches narratives. For her, the essence of gay lingo lies in its inherent creativity and playfulness, offering a space for unique expressions. Looking ahead, Debie's belief in its endurance shines bright. Gay lingo, she posits, is a living reflection of the LGBTQ+ culture, constantly adapting and growing while weaving a tight-knit community. Or why not? She said, “Yes. it will be relevant. It is a reflection of the gay culture, it is a language that is ever-evolving. The words and their context will reflect pop culture and will continue to grow. This is a language that brings the community together, having the option to express themselves as they please. Gay lingo will not die, it will even flourish.”
A Flourishing Future The evolution of gay lingo in the Philippines is a journey from whispers to anthems, from secret code to expressive celebration. With each word and phrase, the LGBTQ+ community has woven a tapestry of identity, unity, and resilience. The words that were once carved out of necessity have become a source of empowerment, sparking connections and forging bridges between individuals from all walks of life. As we journey alongside
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