As the Bible says, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” It’s a simple yet profound verse, one that calls us to reflect on our own imperfections before judging others. In a world where faith is often wielded as a tool for division, the question must be asked: Aren’t we all children of God, saved and loved, and yet why are queer individuals so often excluded? Why is love, the very essence of faith, withheld from those who don’t fit society’s narrow definition of what is “acceptable”?
This December, we bring this question to the forefront with TikTok sensation, Neo, whose journey challenges and reflects the way faith and identity are often viewed in our society. Through Neo’s voice, we explore the intersection of queerness and faith, shedding light on the transformative power of embracing one’s authentic self.
Dapat May Bakla!
For Neo, faith was something ingrained in him from a young age. Raised in a Catholic school and by a grandmother who deeply valued religious teachings, Neo’s connection to God was strong. However, as he came to understand his queerness, he faced the difficult task of reconciling this part of his identity with the religious beliefs he had grown up with. "Laking Catholic school ako at laking lola, kaya noon pa man ang paniniwala ko sa Panginoon at pananampalataya ay nakakabit na talaga sa akin," he shares. This early connection with faith helped shape his understanding of spirituality, but as he grew older and embraced his queerness, he realized that his faith didn’t have to be separate from who he was.
For Neo, faith is not about judgment or exclusion. It is a space of joy and celebration. "Para sa akin ang faith ay isang masayang selebrasyon ng pagmamahalan, pagiging totoo sa sarili, at the same time ay may connection with a higher being (which is si Lord)," They says. "So, kung ang faith ay isang celebration, edi mas masaya ang celebration kapag marami ang bakla! Dapat bakla, masaya pag may bakla, mahal ko ang mga bakla, gusto ko ang mga bakla, dapat may bakla!," Neo shared, quoting Eugene Domingo in Babae sa Septic Tank 2.
But kidding aside, Neo believes in the transformative power of representation, particularly in faith spaces, where queer individuals have historically been marginalized. For Neo, visibility is not just about being seen—it's about being acknowledged and accepted for who you truly are. "Sobrang halaga na may representation at visibility," they share, "pero kadalasan kasi kapag naghahangad tayo ng visibility, mga bakla feel ko mas natatarget tayo sa diskriminasyon, lalo na sa mga ganitong spaces kung saan maraming homophobic at transphobic."
While visibility is a step in the right direction, Neo emphasizes that it’s not enough on its own. "WE ARE ALL VISIBLE," they affirm, pointing out that queer people have long existed in the Philippines. Yet, that visibility does not always translate into genuine recognition or acceptance. "Kaya naman ang mas mahalaga ay hindi lang representation at visibility, kundi ang pagtanggap sa atin," they insist. True progress, in Neo’s eyes, isn’t about simply being seen—it’s about being embraced in these spaces where queer individuals are free to express their identities without fear of judgment or harm. This, Neo believes, is where real change begins.
Sana'y Pag-ibig Na Lang
Neo’s journey has led them to believe that queerness and faith are not contradictory but rather are intrinsically linked through love and acceptance. They point to a passage from the Bible—Colossians 3:14—“At higit sa lahat, taglayin ninyo ang pagmamahalan, na siyang nagbubuklod sa lahat sa ganap na pagkakaisa.” This, they believe, is the essence of both queer identity and faith: love that binds all things together in unity.
Their participation in both Pride marches and Masses has made them realize how much these experiences share a common theme. “Naka attend na ako ng pride march and masses, at napansin ko lang na pareho nitong cinecelebrate ang/with love, acceptance, joy, oneness, at pareho silang communion!” Neo observes that both Pride and religious ceremonies are about communion—coming together to celebrate love and unity.
What would God say about queerness? Neo’s answer is unflinching. They envision a God who would be right there with queer individuals, celebrating their existence and supporting their struggles. “Kung buhay ang Panginoon at kasama natin siya dito sa mundong ibabaw, kasama niya tayo sumasayaw sa mga queer events/parties, tinutulungan niya ang mga oppressed, at hindi niya kinukundena ang diskriminasyon!” Neo firmly believes that God would not condemn discrimination or shun anyone because of their identity. Instead, God’s love is all-encompassing, embracing every individual just as they are.
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Metrocene Mag December 2024 COVER: NANDITO NA KAMI
Featuring Sassa Gurl (@itssassagurl), NEO (@iceeneoo), Paul Allen (@saintpaulallen)
📍Shot at Rocket Design Studio (@rocketsets)
Special Thanks to
Chicken Chingu (@chickenchinguph)
