Beauty and Power

Exploring gender and sexual diversity in the Southern Philippines, this study delves into the complexities of identity amidst cultural transformation influenced by global contract labor and consumption. It highlights the experiences of local 'gays'—transvestite/transgender-homosexual men—who embody conflicting roles as celebrated figures of beauty and marginalized individuals. The narrative examines how American ideals shape their identities, serving both as a symbol of their marginalized status and as a canvas for reimagining gender roles.