After noting the dismal number of written works by transgender Filipinos, Miyako D. Izabel and Sass Rogando Sasot are now calling for papers from transgender Filipino writers whose works are be collected and published in “Unfolding : Alimbúkad”, a collection of written works of transgender Filipinos.
In a statement, Sasot said that “it’s not that transgender Filipino have nothing of interest to say; instead, they have just been confined to being mere objects of other interests. They are either the object of research, films, and news articles, but seldom their authors. ‘Unfolding: Alimbúkad’ seeks to change this.”
“Unfolding: Alimbúkad” is going to be the first anthology of written works of transgender Filipinos. This anthology is expected to “eloquently articulate the personal and social struggle of Filipinos whose gender identity and/or gender expression do not conform to the gender identity and/or gender expression associated with their gender assignment at birth.”
Izabel and Sasot are now asking transgender Filipinos who have a passion for writing to submit articles or stories written in English or Filipino, either fiction or non-fiction. The topics include but are not limited to the following:
- Coming out stories
- All forms of violence against transgender Filipinos
- Life as a transgender Filipino immigrant, Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)
- Transgender artistic expressions
- Depiction of transgender Filipinos by the Philippine media, stereotyping and transgender-related exploitation
- Intersection of discrimination based on gender identity/gender expression with other forms of discrimination such as those based on class, age, ability, ethnicity, religion
- Spirituality
- Feminism
- Health and sports
- Education and employment
- Sex, love, and romance
- Personal stories of rising above discrimination and marginalization
- Political participation
Contributions will be assessed on the basis of originality, style, and content. Contributions that are autobiographical in style are strongly encouraged. Contributors may also incorporate poems in their piece/prose. Since quality of writing is one of the selection criteria, all authors are advised to have their manuscripts proofread by a competent writer prior to submission.
Contributions should have from 2,500 to 4,000 words (including footnotes/endnotes). The reference style is MLA. A profit-sharing scheme will be made with the short-listed participants.
Deadline of submission is on March 31, 2016, with short-listed participants informed on June 31, 2016. Anticipated publication is by late 2016 to early 2017.
Submit expression of interests and manuscripts to: theunfoldinganthology@gmail.com.
