FROM June 7 to 28, Jose Joya T. Gallery at the University of the Philippines Cebu hosted the exhibit “While the Whirlwind Whispers: Questions on the Queer” in celebration of Pride Month. The exhibit highlighted the depth of Cebuano art but also puts the spotlight on the unique voice of the queer.

The exhibit featured works of the following artists: Tom Maraton, Sofia Go, Jay Nathan T. Jore, Paula Sardovia, Alvin Dave Bensig, Vincent Pepito, Kring Demetrio, Wilbert Wee, Tokwa Penaflorida, Ginoe, Zach Aldave, Mark Kenneth Rodrigo, Alyssa Christine Tecson, Woods Woods, Shayne Lopez, Desiree Carabio, Martie Villaester, Van Kevin Opura, Xena Luzon, Roj Almario Soringa, Zanjo Sevilla, Nikko Tan, Thirdy Daligdig, JBVANITY, Vince Anthony Aberion, Imahinaceon and Roy Tristan Ingente.

Although the exhibit was a platform for the queer community, it was every bit inclusive as it was open to all Filipino artists. The important thing was the avenue for self-expression; a series of talks took place as well to further supplement the exhibit.

From the sculptures and installations to the wall bound pieces, the exhibit showcased a colorful insight from trials and triumphs to loves found and lost. In a nutshell, it’s a plethora of visual articulations showing spectators that being queer is beyond what society labels it, from the stigma placed on them to the roles they’re expected to play: the life of the party, the entertainer, the deranged, the sinful, the sad, the weak.

Curated by one of the exhibiting artists, Jore stated in his curatorial note that the exhibit affords young artists a platform to question established social norms that may have been, for them, a source of confusion, conflict and pain.

“There were those who made use of the exhibit as an opportunity to come out. If an exhibit of this kind could give them that opportunity or courage to be able to express who they really are, then this must be something we should continue in the future and make it more inclusive,” he said, as he shared more on his interest in queer history from pre-colonial to colonial. He mentioned his interest in the life of Ponciano Elofre, his inspiration. Popularly known as Dios Buhawi, it was believed that Buhawi possessed magical powers and founded a neo-babaylan movement in the late 19th century in Tanjay, Negros to revolt against the Spanish rule. To Jore, Buhawi defied that certain image that queers were expected to portray.

“These young artists were waiting for a platform where they can come together, show their art and express themselves,” he added, hoping to make this exhibit the start of many to come.