I have never hidden my real gender identity since I was young. My family and relatives, when we still lived in our province during my childhood, alreI have never hidden my real gender identity since I was young. My family and relatives, when we still lived in our province during my childhood, already had a prognosis that my soft gestures were the symptoms of 'curse' . Whenever they noticed them, they would label me as " bakla" by giving me a soft high-five , a parody how a gay typically gestures when he meets his another sister. Or when a male friend of my mother weaned on machismo took notice of me, he would advise me that I had to act like a real man by flexing his muscles as if he had been my captain in the army. Ridiculously, my parents never treated me in that manner. There were times that they would encourage me to change for the better by a different approach. I remember that they would try to establish my masculine self-concept. They would treat me like a real boy given that they were aware of the possibility that I could belong to the confederation. However, since it seemed that they could not curb my metamorphosis because I tended to flap my rainbow wings while growing up, they may have had no choice but to accept me with their open arms. After all , I was their son, and they had to love me unconditionally. So, I am really fortunate that I have grown up in a family wherein there has never been such coercion or punishment like I was hung upside down over a tree and submerged in a tank of water to promise my father that I would act like a rigid man , or I had to be sent to an asylum to undergo a lobotomy , or worse than that, to a seminary to commit to memory the biblical verses that homosexuality is a mortal sin. Perhaps, I am also different from the other tribes because I am not as typical as of flamboyant cross-dressers. I may be considered a physically decent one.
Homo Sapiens Agenda vs Simon is the first modern LGBT YA I have ever read that directly reflects the main distress young closet gays go through: the desire to come out into the open, to their family, friends, and the world. It is modern in a sense that the characters live in a contemporary era when somehow society is now able to embrace the fact that homosexuality is included in the universal human rights and no longer a plague you troglodyte should avoid. Rather, it suggests that closet gays do not need to smell like a cabinet because they can have optimal and healthy options to display their iridescent wings.
The good thing about the novel is that it is meant for young millennial. They can relate to the typical lifestyles and language of the characters. In fact, I noticed that the words employed here are not archaic, formal, or old -fashioned like the ones I have learned from other LGBT novels. I guess the audience to whom the author must have really wanted to reach out are young millennial, indeed. No doubt it has become a hit. Of course, it is an eye- opener to adults, especially for those parents, to understand the real psychological dramas of their sons who turn out to be a butterfly. The novel even shows that hiding the rainbow wings gives a tremendous impact on a closet gay's life. There are some cases that it leads to a suicidal attempt when he feels that nobody in the world can make him feel that he is loved for whoever he is. The best case is the critically acclaimed book, Prayers for Bobby: A Mother's Coming to Terms with the Suicide of Her Gay Son by Lerroy F. Aarons. I also suggest that you watch its docudrama adaptation. On the other hand, the main character in the novel, Simon, is fortunate to have a loving family although they still have deeper adjustment to his new gender identity. Perhaps, that atmosphere is germane only to an American family, for I am aware of that America is more open to this kind of sexual revolution, aside from some European countries as far as I know , than other countries which are still under theocracy.
Like the other LGBT novels I have read, the character's identity crisis also has something to do with his desire to have an intimate relationship with the opposite sex. It is just funny that the twist of this novel is the mode of meeting someone and announcing to the world that you are in a relationship like FB and an e-mail is timely. So, its readers find the story romantic because they know how it works. And I admit that I kind of felt giddy with excitement in those scenes where Simon is in romantic correspondence with Blue and by the time they finally meet and spend time together as a kind of a legal couple , given those meeting-up and smooching scenes are something I have seen several times. Besides, I believe that what really makes the story more exciting is how the main character behaves in a new romantic relationship he has no idea of how it goes like but is sure of that this is the kind of relationship he is more comfortable with, more expressive of, and happier with. Perhaps, that his behavior will make me chuckle when I watch the movie adaptation. I guess the novel also suggests that somehow, nowadays, young millennial can turn to those means of (intimate) communication as outlets of their personal distress.
The title of the novel is catchy and meaningful. I want to take it figuratively as Simon, the truth that can be social truth but has never been considered truth versus Homon-Sapiens society.
So far this is not one of my top favorite LGBT novels. For me, it still isn't as passionate and deep as Brokeback Mountain (Wyoming Stories) by Annie Proulx, A Home at the End of the World by Michael Cunningham, and the latest one, our very own Out of Doors by Ernesto Superal Yee or the LGBT novels I have wanted to read because they are said to be the best LBT fictions of all time : Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin, Maurice, by E.M. Forster ( Its movie adaptation is awesome), Middlesex, by Jeffrey Eugenides, A Single Man, by Christopher Isherwood, The City and the Pillar, by Gore Vidal, City of Night by John Rechy, A Boy’s Own Story, by Edmund White ( I think it kind of resembles Simon), and A Little Life, by Hanya Yanagihara.
Congratulations to the author Becky Albertalli on a big success in her debut novel. If I were given a chance to meet her in person at a meet-and-greet , I would thank her for writing such a novel that would really make a big difference, and at the same time, I would tease her that her name Becki sounds like a colloquial Filipino word beki which means gay, a name that she can be a trademark for because she understands homosexual psyche. :)...more
It is the newly-launched book written by Danton Remoto, one of the staunchly leading LGBT advocates in the Philippines.
Ever since, I have always been It is the newly-launched book written by Danton Remoto, one of the staunchly leading LGBT advocates in the Philippines.
Ever since, I have always been watching out for his new books to be published . I know he has something newer, wittier , and wackier he will share with, particularly something he wants to educate about among narrow-minded people- not to mention the Church and “moralist” politicians.
As usual, his new book has something to do with what is the real life of the LGBT community. But there is something new about the book. At this time, it is written with his Filipino prose. At my first glimpse of it, I thought it was inferior to his other award-winning books such as GAYDAR, and BRIGHT, CATHOLIC- and GAY which I gave 5 stars and 4 stars respectively. Besides, I did not like its book cover; it is too jejune in appearance, appealing only to young readers. There may be a pretext in it which Danton Remoto , along with his publisher , must have intended.
Most of his essays are autobiographical , have something to do with his life as a student, the time when he was still in the coffin, err closet as he put it. He wrote how he had a hard time coming out in the open to his family, particularly to his father who was fond of him. But it turned out to be just the other way around; he was accepted as whoever he is as how he was cordially accepted by his circles of friends. Also, he wrote about his past boyfriends and how he managed to make his relationship with them long-lasting. But what I liked about him is his being a prodigious son, an epitome of a smart gay who can be as promising as men and women in society. In fact, he wrote these essays ingeniously and in fashion with the taste of the young readers. In other words, he did not forget to blend his prose with the "napapanahong" ( timely ) pop culture. That is why I liked it and now I understood why the book cover seems to be out of mode for me.
Other half of his essays deals with the common issues about gays such as how they are discriminated against by society, what precautions they should do when meeting other guys, how they are asked derogatory questions and above all what it is like to be gay in 30’s and 40’s , elaborated by his own experiences . He also included a few essays about the typical gay hobbies such as reading men’s magazines and watching beauty contests. Furthermore, he discussed some literary writers whose works reflected in their being closet gays. ( So the famous writer Ernest Hemmingway ‘s sexual orientation turned out to be true after all. ) All the rage to each essay is the related-to-the topic pictures inserted at the end of his essays .
As a matter of fact, I have read some of the aforesaid essays from his previous books and newspapers articles. He just edited and translated some into Filipino prose. Since he is a certified critically acclaimed writer, no doubt he is still good at writing Filipino essays.
I have noticed that when Danton Remoto publishes a newly gay-themed book, he includes the articles which have been featured in his previous books. So for an avid reader like me, I cannot deny the fact that it let me down to some extent. Without his witty style, especially he wrote them in Filipino, I would not have enjoyed it. Thus, I am telling you, if you are gay who tends to cringe at its book cover and you do not feel its font size , or you have been an avid fan of his that you are not used to its new book transformation, forget it. Buy and include it on your book collections, and most importantly , share it with your friends regardless of their sex and religion. This is what Dan Remoto has always intended to do ever since he realized that he has what it takes to be a knight for the LGBT community. What are you waiting for? Get on with it! The more the merrier as the title puts it, “ Happy na, Gay ka Pa.”
Congratulations on your another new book, Professor Danton Remoto.
By the way, when are you going to finish your first novel? As far as I know , you were supposed to publish it in March this year. I cannot wait to read it soon.
The book is 175 pesos and available at all National Book Store branches nationwide.
BRIGHT, CATHOLIC- AND GAY is the title of one of Danton Remoto’s essays he compiled in this book. It aptly describes all the themes of his essays . AsBRIGHT, CATHOLIC- AND GAY is the title of one of Danton Remoto’s essays he compiled in this book. It aptly describes all the themes of his essays . As a matter of fact,the essay is about Raymond Alikpala , the author of the controversial book Of God and Men: A Life in the Closet published by Maverick House in 2012. Its original title was God Loves Bakla( Bakla means gay). Danton Remoto reviewed the book that Alikpala is such a bright person and on how he entered a Jesuit seminary until he was expelled after his homosexual activity was found out. But there is a better reason why , among the articles Remoto compiled in this book, he chose Bright, Catholic- and Gay as the title . If you dissect the title holistically, BRIGHT could refer to the fact that everyone , along with gays, could be colorful in any aspects. CATHOLIC may stand for the prelate perception about homosexuality.The DASH (-)before the word gay as you learned from English Writing Composition is also used to indicate a short pause ; Danton Remoto wants to imply that he as the representative of the confederation still braves out of getting the word “gay” in edgewise as part of society as what he has been advocating since LADLAD , an LGBT non-organization, was founded, or since the time when he shattered the Philippine society under its delusional teachings with his gay literature.
As a rule being an LGBT rights advocate , most of Danton Remoto’s essays are latently couched in social prejudice against homosexuality, how the confederation is still the subject of discrimination because of “wrong education”. One of them is on how LADLAD party list then was declared a” nuisance candidate” by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), labeling its members “abnormal” and “immoral”. Another one is on how smart-Alec politicians and critics still think of homosexuality as a “mental disorder”. Poor them! They still have stuck in a time warp like the troglodytes. By the same token, who can’t forget Jan-jan( not his real name) , the Cebuano homosexual who had been the butt of jokes and jeers because of the video that went viral around the social media a few years ago? The video was about the irresponsible doctors and nurses who recorded- for fun or probably for gay joke-the perfume canister they removed from Jan-jan’s rectum . Tsk tsk tsk As Danton Remoto put it, they are ones who are sick.
Danton Remoto also wrote that the confederation has the normal ability as do men and women. If I put it on my own word, Remoto seemingly wants to tell us that society would not be studded with stars and diamonds without them. Gays could stand out in literature. They could be competent in any fields such as in education, information technology, law, entertainment, and even in building a family. Try to exterminate them on the face of the earth, your deep concerns about evil will still remain. Gee! Life could be like in the Dark Ages.
One of the big impediment to homosexual freedom in society is the ridiculous , illogical, ironic, and paradoxical teachings of the church. Danton Remoto discussed that the church restraints a homosexual from its right to freedom of expression, bourn upon the idea that being gay is a sin. You go to hell if you are gay. To cap it all off is the insistence that it is ok to be homosexual unless he does not engage in a homosexual activity including same-sex marriage! Wake up, snotty people!
In effect, this book is just a compilation of some of well-selected Danton Remoto’s essays and articles after his Gaydar. All the essays are worth reading and interesting since they primarily deals with the same concept- homosexuality in the Philippines. And of course I can relate to the topics if it weren’t Danton Remoto’s impressive and witty writing styles , typical of a gay writer who uses gay lingo.
Another thing why I liked about this book is its paperback picture of two Davids holding hands with their wings flapping. In fact, I would blush when I brought it out on the bus to work. It could raise the homophobic passengers’ brows, for they are malicious and ignorant to boot. Fudge! I am a product of the social pressure.
Danton Remoto will go down in the Philippine history and literature – actually he has done it- as one of the contemporary writers whose revolutionary vision is to make a big difference in society. He has been exerting a lot of effort to completely break the horrendous illusions of the Philippines about homosexuality by means of using his godsend writing talent. And for whom I am thankful because if the Universe had not let him be brought to the world, society would remain in the darkness. ...more
Warning: This review contains unpleasant or offensive languages which may not be suitable for readers borne upon with “ a-la -madre-and -padre attitudWarning: This review contains unpleasant or offensive languages which may not be suitable for readers borne upon with “ a-la -madre-and -padre attitude” . In short, “hypocrisy ”. It requires “parental guidance of our rational thinking”. In short, open your eyes , heart, and mind.
The last erotica I have read so far , aside from the X-rated articles in magazines and newspapers, is Ladlad : An Anthology of Philippine Gay Writing by Danton Remoto and J. Neil C. Garcia . (Yes, I read such genre. I am mentally horny. It is a natural feeling among confederated readers like me. Do not be priggish and prudish. ( laughs ) ) Both critically acclaimed Filipino writers depicted the life of queers in the Philippines. So, the book is audaciously steeped in homosexual experiences of the open and closet gays and became a best-seller among the LGBT community. Of course, sacerdotal readers made a scene by taking a pot at it.
Where the Boys Are by Richard Labonte bears complete resemblance to Ladlad. (By the way, Ladlad is a Filipino word which means “coming out”.) Unlike in Ladlad which focuses on gays in general situation, it deals primarily with gay experiences in cities. In my own technical terms, “identity peregrination”. Most of the gay characters are searching their real selves.
Richard Labonté compiled 14 short stories of the different writers who may be most of them belong to the same confederation. So let me say something on each of them. Kinda spoiler. ( wink! )
LIVE FROM NEW YORK by Rachel Kramer Bussel ( 4 stars )
Its introduction blew my mind as did a prudish priest and nun signing a cross.
“ I didn’t expect to get my cock sucked on my first night in New York City, but may be I should have…”
Dear me padre and madre ! A dirty prose it sound , but do not be prejudiced. Both man and woman do such thing too. As a matter of fact, because of this untoward incident, the main character found out in the city what persona he has been searching for.
UNABLE TO HOLD BACK by Kemble Scott ( 3 stars )
Raphne , the gay protagonist, met a man his friend monickered VACNE, stands for vagina and acne. As a matter of fact, Raphne did not know that he is gay. He deluded himself into the fact that he is a straight guy. It just so happened that he met VACNE in a train.
MY EVIL TWIN by Sam J. Miller ( 3 stars )
“I’m not leaving this city until I get a blow job. “
A story about Solomon and Simon. Solomon has the “evil twin”, so Simon , in a metaphorical way, will exorcise that evil out of his soul.
ONE OF THE GUYS by Jameson Currier ( 4 stars )
Jonathan, the open gay protagonist, finds his life in orgies .
TINY GOLDEN KERNEL by Lee Houck ( 3 stars )
It’s a question of Nurture vs. Nature.
TAMING THE TREES by Jeff Mann ( 3 stars )
If you are green-minded, you might interpret that the title could be phallic in nature. As a matter of fact, a middle-aged professor, single and gay, living in a small mountain town, longs to make love with the loggers, let alone his favorite Hollywood actors, whom he fantasizes in his jerking off.
DRUG COLORS by Erastes ( 3 stars )
Some closet gays end up in a small world where they could find themselves openly rather than in a big world where there should be social acceptance. Poor them!
OTHER RESIDENCES, OTHER NEIGHBORHOODS by Douglas A. Martin ( 4 stars )
A story about a voyeuristic gay
JUNIPER HOUSE by Alana Noel Voth ( 2 stars )
A closet gay sharing his skeleton in the closet with an autistic child at an institution. What is the relevance, Alan ?
WILD NIGHT by Simon Sheppard ( 4 stars )
Have you ever been to a city of horny ghosts?
I won’t forget the threnody at the ending :
“I know, I know . The struggle for queer liberation comes down to much more than a furtive blow job in the dark. Of course . And times change. New HIV have brought some of us , like lecherous Lazaruses, up from the brink of the grave and back down on our knees…”
HALF-LIFE by Dale Chase ( 4 stars )
A man who has never told his wife that he likes a man more than a woman.
THE BIRD AND THE BEES by Alpha Martial ( 2 stars )
In a nutshell, it is all about sex.
GOD HATES TECHNO by Zeke Mangold ( 3 stars )
Sex in a city is better than in a country side.
LOCAL FAME by Ted Cornwell ( 3 stars )
A conflict faced by a gay: fame or love
So, all the stories above are all about gay.
The common perception of “sacerdotal critics “ when they hear such erotica is that it deals with pornography, completely similar , as they put it, to x-files between a man and woman. (See? There is no difference. Not only man and woman can do such thing. )That the only purpose is to intensify a reader sexually until he or she becomes mentally and physiologically corrupt. Ridiculous!
But , Holy Moses! padres and madres! This book is more sensible than the ones you are always reading.
This book, along with Ladlad , is an eye-opener, not that it is erotic and raunchy , so you end up finding it disgusting , horrendous according to what your religion inculcates in you , but a book geared to educate you what it is like to be a gay and notably to encourage gays who are still hiding in their closets.
Another thing I liked in this book is how the stories are couched in beautiful prose- something I am envious of, I think ,better than Fifty Shades of Grey. So, in the end, the book is not that suppressible as some classic gay novels I have read.
Lately, the US Supreme Court upheld is ruling that the right to marriage is now lawfully applicable to the same-sex. If the writers ‘stories above were intended to raise awareness of the LGBT rights, after many years of hyping up, well, their efforts have paid off. This book is no longer revolting like the plague. Someday, everyone will be used to reading such gay genre as they become used to gay culture. Drink to it, Richard Labonté! ^^...more
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