artwork by Fiorella Angelie Baldeo

Unraveling the Threads of a Colorful Expression

Lycamae Penarejo

June 11, 2024

In today’s society there is a unique symphony that fills the air, creating a colorful life and warmth. This is the Gay Lingo or what we know as “beki language,” a dynamic and creative words that reflects the LGBTQ+ community’s confidence and identity.

Beki language or Gay lingo has the ability to transform the ordinary into extraordinary, to infuse the sense of camaraderie, inclusivity, diversity, and belonging. Gay Lingo is not just a means of communication; it is a bold assertion of one’s place in the society; a proof of that they exist because of their history and culture.

Through time, gay lingo has turned into a rich and expressive words. Gay Lingo are words borrowed from Spanish, English, and Tagalog, then turned and made with a flair that is now widely used in media and pop culture. The result is a linguistic mosaic that is as diverse as the community it represents.

Terms like “liberty” (free), “charot” (joke), bongga (fabolous), laps (eat) and “baler” (house) have permeated mainstream culture, showing the impact of Gay lingo in the Philippines especially in Gen Z’s. These words, once shunned and whispered in secret, now echo loudly across the world, evidence to the resilience and creativity of the LGBTQ+ community.

Each phrase and idiom of the Gay Lingo is a brushstroke on the canvas of Filipino identity, painting a picture that is colorful and multifaceted. The use of metaphor adds layers of meaning and artistry, creating a rich expression that is both heartfelt and whimsical.

Gay lingo is a celebration of the communities’ diversity, transformation, and inclusivity. It is their proof of life to adapt and thrive. It is a constant reminder that language is not static, but it is constantly evolving, reflecting the changing realities of those who use it.

The widespread adoption of this terminology in mainstream media, pop culture, and everyday conversation speaks volumes about its influence in today’s society. Indeed, Gay Lingo has become a bridge, connecting people across different paths of life and creating an in-depth understanding and appreciation of the LGBTQ+ experience.

Therefore, we are reminded of the power of language to transcend and navigate change. The LGBTQ+ community has given us a gift—an expressive dialect that is evidence to their history, culture, identity, resilience, creativity, and indomitable spirit.

This PRIDE month, we honor not just the words themselves but the people who have breathed life into them. We celebrate their journey, their struggles, and their triumphs. And in doing so, we weave their stories into the broader narrative of what it means to be Filipino.

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