(Disclaimer: My dear readers, I don't intend this article to be offending or misleading in anyway. I am simply thinking out loud. I apologize in advance if there are concepts, statements, and theoretical deductions that you may find inaccurate, biased, opinionated, or unacceptable. However, if your feelings and thoughts agree with what's written, cheers!!! The names and situations used in this article are not intended to identify a particular persona. They are mainly for illustrative writing purposes. JJJ)
Philippines is a moderately conservative country where most of the people are Christians, majority of whom are Catholics. This makes the Philippine society quite an unforgiving environment for homosexuals particularly for the Christian ones. However, although bisexuality and homosexuality are both viewed as sexual deviance, both enjoy different levels of societal acceptance and approval. Considering its heterosexual component, bisexuality is perceived by many as sort of a better state than homosexuality. Over time, for some reasons the homosexual society apparently bifurcated homosexuality into “bi” homosexual and “gay” homosexual forms. The former comprise the masculine, straight-acting (discreet or di halata), "more favored" ones while the latter comprise the "obvious" (halata), effeminate ones and is associated with negative connotations and lesser societal sanction.
Thinking back of the question thrown to me at the start, I have now come to a conclusion. Many homosexuals in the Philippines hide under the guise of bisexuality for reasons of personal preference and fear of the social stigma associated with the "gay" label, to gain approval and avoid rejection, when they are in the state of anger and denial, and during their transition towards self-acceptance. As as result, this label preference and substitution phenomenon ultimately leads to a sizable relative increase in the number of bisexuals in the country today.
Thinking back of the question thrown to me at the start, I have now come to a conclusion. Many homosexuals in the Philippines hide under the guise of bisexuality for reasons of personal preference and fear of the social stigma associated with the "gay" label, to gain approval and avoid rejection, when they are in the state of anger and denial, and during their transition towards self-acceptance. As as result, this label preference and substitution phenomenon ultimately leads to a sizable relative increase in the number of bisexuals in the country today.
Over the years, Philippines has become liberal in its stand on homosexuality and bisexuality. However, still a lot of Filipino male homosexuals today are still feeling the wind of discrimination. The observed euphemistic label preference and substitution phenomenon* is but a proof that these individuals are just finding means to navigate peacefully through life while they seek for meaning and purpose in life. This they do as they come to terms with their sexuality, in their journey towards self-acceptance, and as they continue their quest for true happiness in life.
*NOTE: "Euphemistic label preference and substitution phenomenon" is only a self-coined term. Take caution in quoting, as such may not be understood by others or may even be an inaccurate term.
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