Manny Pacquiao, Filipino Homophobia And Masculinity

By Efren | Tuesday, May 15, 2012 | 7 Comments

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manny Manny Pacquiao, Filipino Homophobia And Masculinity

UPDATE: Shortly after this article was published, the LA Weekly reported that Pacquiao was misquoted, saying that “homosexuality goes against the word of God — not that gays should literally be put to death.” The blog post remains for reference and as an opinion piece. – The Editor

In the matter of two days, Manny Pacquiao has managed to alienate himself from significant parts of his fan base by stating some rather eyebrow-raising opinions about queer men and same-sex marriage. Firstly, he criticized President Obama’s beliefs about same-sex marriage. Next, it’s now been reported by the LA Weekly that he believes queer men should be put to death.

The responses I’ve seen have gone along the lines of “Pacquiao should just stick to boxing and keep his nose out of other people’s business–particularly if his own marriage could use some work.” Honestly though, it feels a little too easy to put Pacquiao on the whipping stand. It feels like this is a golden opportunity for Filipino and Filipino American LGBTs to expose the homophobia, transphobia and sexism that is in our cultures and educate our communities.

For many Filipinos and Filipino Americans, it’s easy to box us LGBTs into neat little boxes that go along the stereotypes: the effeminate male hairdressers, the butch women who insist on being called “pare” (or brother), etc. I struggled with my sexual identity within this cultural context. I wasn’t fem enough for my family to be comfortable with my sexual identity; I had no desires to be a hairdresser either. At the same time, I bristled against the homophobic, transphobic and heterosexist ramblings done by my male relatives whenever queer men were seen on popular Filipino TV shows and movies. Queer men and women in Filipino TV shows and movies are often seen as predatory, incapable of maintaining healthy relationships with their partners, and are just used for comic relief. Very few representations exist where we are seen through a more human lens.

When I was coming out 20 years ago, I thought that there really was no one like me, Filipino American, queer and comfortable with my masculinity. I often thought of suicide growing up because I didn’t want to burden my family with the stigma of me being gay; never mind that I’m one of the more successful people in my generation now.

Partly because of that reason, this feels like it’s an opportunity for my fellow Filipino and Filipino American LGBTs to not only put Pacquiao to task–but our cultures as well. We have to stop turning the other way when we see homophobic, transphobic and heterosexist representations of ourselves in the media. We need to start showing our side of the story; how we’ve struggled to fight through these stereotypes and be who we are, and proud of who we are.

Yes, what Pacquiao said is extremely fucked up. But his opinions are the product of a culture that promotes this homophobia and transphobia. We need to educate ourselves and those in our community that this is something that will no longer be tolerated.

[Photo courtesy of LA Weekly]

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WhaaaaaaaaatThe

Wonder if it has anything to do with the fact in the PI being gay is still seen as.. well, personally I imagine all those trannies or all the bars and what not. Could it be he’s just embarassed of it all, as a politician who represents them and.. possibly, his “FOBBINESS” in America makes him THINK American’s are still like… macho, machismo guys.. BTW, he does mingle with a lot of the Mexicans so, you know… mano a mano… I highly doubt he really “hates” gay men, do you?? I don’t think so.. With that Beiber haircut, I don’t think so…

He seems like he is just quoting that based on.. sorta like a cult member just repeating one of their club rules… not necessarily believing it–but not having the comprehension to yet really decide for themselves… I haven’t seen the intereview so maybe I’m wrong, but he just doesn’t seem like an actual hater–He’s too happy.
http://profile.yahoo.com/VVROYCXR3IOOIFV25VXWQ6KBI4 Jason

What about Jerry Sandusky? THAT OLD WHITE GUY IS FUCKING SICK!
csc3

hear, hear. homophobia/transphobia is unfortunately still prevalent in many asian communities.
http://twitter.com/BlackieChanXXX Blackie Chan

Pacquiao never said that “gay people should be put to death”, that was inserted by the writer. People are accusing Manny of being a violent homophobe, when he is not. White religious leaders and politicians voice their ant-gay views all the time …. and they never get any heat from it.
This is a double standard against minorities. It is assumed that we can’t have any views that are unacceptable to the liberal left, because everybody knows minorities and liberals are like “peas in a pod”. There are many Asian Americans who are more ultra-conservative than Whites.

That being said, the author of this article states as fact that Filipino men look down on gay and effeminate men. I would point out that many White men either consciously or unconsciously, look down on all Asian men as being more queer and effeminate.
CeeCee500

I stumbled upon this site by complete accident. While I was here, this article caught my eye. I’m a white woman with a Filipino boyfriend. Out of all the Filipinos I have met so far, it seems they are just as homophobic as any other race. The one difference I sometimes see is that some men are almost “forgiving”, if you want to call it that, of feminine bisexual or lesbian women. But, I agree with you on some parts of your suggestions. I think people NEED to take personal responsibility. After all, it is WE who create “society” who says homophobia is OK in the first place. If people are told it’s OK, you were told to think that, when is the critical thinking ever going to come into play? I do think, however, many people just say these hateful remarks because they feel they have to in order to fit in. If people knew there was a safe haven of other straight people who support LGBT, they might feel less ostracized. As a last point, I’m glad Manny’s misquote was pointed out.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Kai-Carver/593660149 Kai Carver

8Asians should correct the post since “he believes queer men should be put to death” is false. Otherwise you are passing on as fact a falsehood originating from a grossly misreported story.
http://www.littleyellowdifferent.com ErnieAtLYD

We’ll be following up with a footnote shortly. Thanks! -The Founder

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