BLNC Facets: Krystahl Guina
- blncmag
- Jul 9
- 2 min read
BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday
Krystahl Guina
BUKIDNON
What is everyday life like as a queer person on your side of the country?
KG: As I have observed and experienced as a queer person living in this world, it is both filled with ease and hardship. Due to the influences of colonialism, the world has changed its views on “queerness”; It alters its history and remarks that the natural world is only binary.
Discrimination, prejudice, and racism has been experienced by both young and adult queers, worse to happen is death. But after all these negative things, goodness will uplift and shine those people with a good heart. A lot of indigenous communities in parts of the Philippines have defended and upheld its culture and history despite the challenges of colonialism and modernity. Many have protected the queerness inside the community that really helps in building the knowledge in knowing the natural world and spirituality. My life has been so blessed and honored growing knowing that I know my roots that became my foundation in protecting my heart and soul from outside influences.
What would you like Filipinos to know about the LGBTQIA+ community where you are?
KG: In the Talaandig-Manobo tribe of Pangantucan, Bukidnon, we call queer people “Babaylan” or “Bantuwing” and we are the healers and warriors of our community. Most of us are Babaylan or shamans and we are the vessel in connecting the physical and spiritual realm. Our presence is vital to the community in maintaining the balance and harmony between human and nature. Possessing the energy of feminine and masculine, our capabilities in understanding human and nature is beyond the scope of colonialist perspective. Prayers and chanting of voices is part of our weapons to fight the colonists in conquering the fundamentals of our [indigenous peoples] identity.
I am part of a performing arts group called “Kulahi Pangantucan Performing Arts” and most of us are babaylans. We use our art in awakening the sleeping consciousness of every individual. Our voices, dances, and music is a powerful spiritual force in navigating our identity as Filipinos, Filipinos in the pre-colonial times.
My life has been so beautifully shaped by the morality of my ancestors’ heritage. I see the world so differently, different in a way that it radiates to other people in becoming their long lost identity.
I will always honor my ancestors for this enlightenment. I will always honor my community for we, the queers, have received so much respect, love and honor.
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