BLNC Facets: Lendz Barinque
- blncmag
- Jul 9
- 2 min read
BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday
Lendz Barinque
CEBU - DUMAGUETE
LB : Iligan City is my hometown. I was born and raised there until I was 15 years old. Growing up, my life revolved around home and school. I wasn't able to accept my sexuality until I was 16 years old, when I moved to Cebu to study and practice filmmaking. It wasn't until then that I became more honest with myself because of the community I found—or perhaps, that found me. It wasn't until then that I felt truly accepted.
At the age of 20, I moved to Dumaguete City to pursue an undergraduate degree in Creative Writing from Silliman University. Both Dumaguete and Cebu accepted me for who I am, allowing me to be myself with little to no repercussions. In fact, it was Dumaguete that not only allowed but actively encouraged me to be free—to dress how I want, move how I want, and do what I want.
Back in my hometown, it took me a while to find my people. I think it was because growing up there, I had a hard time belonging—especially the "me" that Cebu and Dumaguete had nurtured and protected. Eventually I grew comfortable, but I had to hold back some parts of myself. Back home, I feel like I am only tolerated rather than truly accepted. I am grateful for the people I found there, though.
As a 29-year-old filmmaker and writer, I frequently move from one place to another, but these three cities are the places I can call home. They are all very different, and living as a queer person in each of these places presents unique experiences. However, I often find myself treading carefully between the stereotypes of what a gay person is supposed to be and the kind of person I actually am. Even now, there are times when I'm expected to be effeminate and times when I'm expected to be masculine. I like to believe I am both, and I love that about myself.
I am grateful to be part of an era where being queer is considerably easier than it used to be, and I thank the people who came before me and fought so that I, and other queer people, could live as comfortably as we do today.
Photographer: Raphael Jan Ferraris (https://www.instagram.com/rcferraris/)
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