Ladlad 2: An Anthology of Philippine Gay Writing

by J. Neil C. Garcia (Editor), Danton Remoto (Editor)

"What Ladlad seeks to offer in not an escape from homoseualiztion, but an alternative version of it...this book wishes to halt the progress of homophobia by demonstrating, through the power of words and the imagination, the creative and wonderful ways in which homosexuality can be lived and enjoyed. Pleasure is what Ladlad, in the end is all about." From the Introduction "Malinaw sa amin na kailangang mahusay ang pagkakasulat ng mga akda sa Ladlad 2: makinis ang lengguwahe at may talim ang dating. Kaya narito kami ngayon, lalong lumalabo ang mga mata matapos magbasa ng isang dangkal na manuskrito...Sana'y magbigay ng aliw at sapat na tapang, ang librong ito para magpatuloy tayong mabuhay bilang walang-kamatayang X-men!" Mula sa Preface

Genres: Poetry, Queer, Short Stories, Gay, Anthologies

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

J. Neil C. Garcia finished his BA Journalism (magna cum laude) in the University of Santo Tomas in 1990. He is currently teaching creative writing and comparative literature at the University of the Philippines , Diliman, where he also serves as an associate for poetry in the Institute of Creative Writing . He is the author of numerous poetry collections and works in literary and cultural criticism, including Our Lady of the Carnival (1996), The Sorrows of Water (2000), Kaluluwa (2001), Philippine Gay Culture: The Last Thirty Years (1996), Slip/pages: Essays in Philippine Gay Criticism (1998), Performing the Self: Occasional Prose (2003), The Garden of Wordlessness (2005), and Misterios and Other Poems ( 2005) His latest critical work , Postcolonialism and Filipino Poetics: Essays and Critiques , is a revised version of his PhD dissertation in English Studies: Creative Writing, which he completed in 2003. He is currently working on a full-length book, a postcolonial survey and analysis of Philippine poetry in English.

Reviews

[X_021 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven’t read the 1st book yet but this has already established a great entry into the anthology of gay poems, stories, and essays.

Some of the notable poems and stories that I could think on top of my mind is “A delicate matter: sucking cock”, “Safe sex blues”, for stories “Lalaki” these stories really imprinted great storylines and reflections on the numerous lives of gay people.

Props to Danton Remoto and Neil Garcia!

[Yan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This anthology quickly became one of my favorite collections in Filipino literature, particularly because it focuses on the lives and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in the Philippines. Ladlad 2 is a rich compilation of stories, poems, and essays that explore themes such as identity, coming out, relationships, and the ongoing search for happiness and acceptance. What I found most striking is how the anthology goes beyond surface perceptions of LGBTQ+ life in the country. Even though I grew up seeing many gay individuals and assumed that they were widely accepted, the collection revealed the challenges, prejudices, and struggles that still persist. It is both enlightening and thought-provoking, offering a nuanced perspective on the personal and societal realities faced by LGBTQ+ Filipinos. Through its diverse voices and heartfelt narratives, Ladlad 2 not only entertains but also fosters empathy, understanding, and reflection.

[Cai Santos · Rating 4 out of 5]

gay literature

[DC · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection is just as impressive as the first, if not better. Great read.

[Mirvan. Ereon · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book in the collection. The writings here are more varied and more intense and it also included most of my favorite gay writers and stories.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book broke the calm, closet surface of gay Philippines. Voices unheard before is like a multitude of angels, singing, it's ok to be gay.