By Noel Galon de Leon
In reading Wyn Gallo’s latest zine, Ang Pangarap Kong Suso, published by Bente Bente Zine (BBZ) under the Women’s Literature category, one immediately recognizes the significance of her work. As a trans writer, Gallo crafts a narrative that not only foregrounds her personal struggles and aspirations but also highlights the broader realities of discrimination and systemic inequalities. Her writing is not merely a personal reflection; it is a critical intervention in the discourse on gender and social inclusion. Through her lived experience, she compels readers to confront the urgency of envisioning and striving for a society rooted in love, acceptance, and equitable access to opportunities, an aspiration that remains essential in the face of persistent marginalization.
This is not the first time I have encountered Gallo’s work. Several years ago, as a judge for a children’s short story writing competition, I vividly recall that Ang Bulan, Bulan nga Pagbag-o ni Banong won first prize. The story, which follows a young boy’s transition into a girl, was a remarkable demonstration of how narratives of gender transformation can be crafted for a young audience. Gallo’s success in writing such a story was particularly significant given that, at the time, many publishers and literary competitions in the country were reluctant, if not outright fearful to publish and recognize stories that center on transgender experiences.
Years later, after the pandemic, Gallo’s voice emerges once more, this time in the form of an essay, one that stands as a crucial narrative of our time. Ang Pangarap Kong Suso opens with its protagonist regaining consciousness in a hospital after four days in a coma, surrounded by medical equipment. As awareness returns, so does the memory of struggling to breathe in the ICU, alongside reflections on the liminal space between life and death. In contemplating the proverbial “light” often reported by those on the brink of dying, the narrator engages in introspection of her journey as a trans woman, the struggles of transitioning, the sacrifices made in pursuit of authenticity, and the difficult decision to leave the public education system in order to live more freely. She chooses to travel to Thailand, seeking a more accepting environment where she can fully embrace her identity as a transgender teacher.
Beyond its personal narrative, Ang Pangarap Kong Suso exemplifies the broader significance of trans literature. First, such works illuminate the lived realities of transgender individuals, their aspirations, struggles, and the systemic barriers they encounter in society. These narratives compel us to listen, broadening our understanding of identity and gender beyond rigid binaries. In doing so, they resist erasure and demand recognition in the literary and cultural landscapes that have historically sidelined trans voices.
Second, trans literature fosters openness and empathy toward diverse forms of existence and selfhood. Gallo’s storytelling, for instance, exposes critical issues such as trans healthcare, employment discrimination, and the ongoing search for self-acceptance in a world that often imposes limitations. Her work challenges readers to reflect on their own beliefs and to consider how they might contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Above all, these narratives stand as powerful attestations to resilience and self-determination. Despite facing tremendous adversity, trans individuals persist in asserting their rights, autonomy, and capacity to live truthfully. As readers, we are not mere spectators of their stories; we are called to respond, to cultivate greater humanity, understanding, and a commitment to justice.
The cultivation and recognition of trans narratives in Philippine literature are imperative, as they contribute to a more inclusive and equitable literary landscape, one that acknowledges the plurality of Filipino identities and experiences. These stories expand our collective consciousness, shedding light on the lived realities of transgender Filipinos who have long been marginalized in both mainstream literature and media. Through trans narratives, we are offered a deeper, more nuanced understanding of their triumphs and struggles, perspectives that have too often been ignored.
Trans literature functions as a form of resistance against discrimination and as a step toward a more just society. In a country where conservative ideologies frequently obstruct the recognition of trans identities, the presence of narratives that foreground authentic trans experiences is a critical intervention. Literature wields the power to shift perspectives, and through stories like Gallo’s, meaningful conversations about equality, rights, and representation can emerge.
Most importantly, embracing trans narratives is an act of expanding our literary canon to truly reflect the diversity of our society. Philippine literature should not be confined to a singular perspective, it must remain vibrant, dynamic, and open to voices that have long been unheard. In championing these narratives, we do not only uphold trans stories; we reaffirm a literary tradition that values dignity, diversity, and the fundamental right of every Filipino to be seen and heard.
That is why it is worth acknowledging and appreciating this initiative by BBZ. The Bente-Bente Zine is not just a publication but a movement aimed at addressing the growing issue of the unavailability and unaffordability of reading materials, particularly in literature, in the Philippines. This initiative serves as a concrete step toward making literature more accessible to a wider audience. BBZ highlights emerging writers, each possessing their own literary prowess, contributing fresh energy to our national literature. Furthermore, BBZ firmly believes that the enrichment of our literary landscape depends not only on writers but, more importantly, on readers who are willing to support and uphold it. Through affordable and accessible reading materials, it creates a space where literature is not merely a privilege but an experience open to all.
***
Noel Galon de Leon is a writer and educator at University of the Philippines Visayas, where he teaches in both the Division of Professional Education and U.P. High School in Iloilo. He serves as an Executive Council Member of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts-National Committee on Literary Arts.
