Transgression and the reinvention of the Filipino homosexual: A deconstructive reading of Lalaki, Atseng and Geyluv by Honorio Bartolome De Dios

• Main Author: Fulgar, Mark Philippe S.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 1997
• Subjects: Homosexuality in literature; Semiotics and literature; Short stories; Philippine; Gays' writings; Deconstruction; De Dios; Honorario Bartolome
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/1546
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study is an analysis of three short stories entitled Lalaki, Atseng and Geyluv by Honorio Bartolome de Dios. The study utilizes the method of deconstruction, which works by the breaking down of a text to lay bare the hetero/homo binary which shows the idea of oppression and dominance of the heterosexual over the homosexual. These ideas are then countered and rendered unstable through the application of the theory of sexual dissidence by Jonathan Dollimore. This theory makes it possible for the subordinate to be seen as a proximate of the dominant thus, the dominant is re-evaluated by the subordinate. This tendency is called transgression. The objective of this study is to see first how the homosexual is constructed in the three stories through the highlighted images of the homosexual characters in the story. Second, to see how the three stories attack the hetero/homo binary's system of meanings through instabilities found in the text. And last, to discuss up to what extent the stories are transgressive. The results of this study show that each of the three texts had transgressive elements. First, Lalaki projects transgression through the instability of male macho culture in the form of its representative who is seen as a pervert and a threat to the society. Second, Atseng exhibits transgression through the emergence of an enlightened gay child as a result of a backfire of homophobic abuse. And last, transgression is evident in the story Geyluv through an avowed heterosexual man who actually falls in love with a homosexual man. This results in displacement and reinscription of a concept of sexuality which is liberating to the homosexual.