BLNC Facets: Lester Dellosa

blncmag
Jul 9
2 min read

BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday

Lester Dellosa

BICOL

What is everyday life like as a queer person on your side of the country?

LD: Every day as a Queer Filipino on the autism spectrum feels like living inside a kaleidoscope, each moment bright, vivid, and a little bit unexpected. I’m constantly tuning into every sound, color, and social cue, all while deciding how much of my spontaneous, flamboyant self to share in a straight, neurotypical world.

Presenting myself as “normal” when I don’t fit that box feels like a performance; I weigh each word, each gesture, to keep both myself and those around me safe. Literally a talent, letting my queer light shine brilliantly, but not so blinding that it eclipses others. Yet in that balance lies my power, an unapologetically authentic experience that honors every facet of who I am.

I live in the coastal city of Legazpi City, Albay, and every time I step out wearing something gay or flamboyant, I immediately feel like a fish out of water. I vividly remember the very first time I walked out wearing a skirt, whispers, sideways glances, and the occasional sly laugh. They'd give me a feeling that I'm a lone sirena on land, and my liberated, queer self was a surprise in a place where tradition runs deep.

Compared to Manila, queer energies pulse through every street corner. Here in the province, that same freedom moves more slowly, but it’s no less powerful. It felt weird being highlighted by my queer choices back then, but as years passed, Legazpi City has grown more tolerant of queer personalities and is slowly progressing.

What would you like Filipinos to know about the LGBTQIA+ community where you are?

LD: What I’d love every Filipino to know is that queer energies in Bicol are as loving as our sea, yet as fierce and uncontainable as the Mayon Volcano. We’re far from the quiet margins, you’ll catch us dancing at barrio fiestas, wearing rainbow anikaniks to silently banner ourselves, and turning every sidewalk into a runway.