The Case For Gay Literature

Back in the day, gay literature mainly celebrated what's physical — the body, the sexual act in all its passion.

- By MARIDOL RANOA-BISMARK

But times have changed. And so did stories about the LGBTQIA+. They have expanded to embrace not just the physical, but all aspects of life. They have kept up with the growing acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community as productive members of society. They have emphasized why being queer is not a cause of shame, but a reason to be happy.

Well-known poet-writer Jerry Gracio, himself part of the LGBTQIA+ community, says gay literature has evolved. Focus has shifted from the physical to something deeper.

"You realize being gay, lesbian, transsexual and others is just one part of your personality. The core of the story is not on gayness, but on love and its struggles. Sometimes, being gay is just incidental."

Andyleen Feje's Magsimula Tayo sa Panghalip under Vibal's Paraluman imprint, for instance, is a collection of short stories that not only tackle sexual awakening, but empowerment, self-love, mental health, spirituality and others.