What these Fil-Ams wish they knew about being queer and Filipino in America

The book, “With Love: What We Wish We Knew About Being Queer and Filipino in America,” includes 68 inspiring letters from 50 queer Filipino Americans. CONTRIBUTED

LOS ANGELES — A pioneering book on the experiences and insights of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer) Filipino Americans is now available.

The book With Love: What We Wish We Knew About Being Queer and Filipino in America collects 68 inspiring letters from 50 Fil-Ams, sharing triumphs, setbacks and 10 heartfelt life lessons.

As conceptualized by editor Dustin Domingo, the book’s prompt for its contributors was “imagine you could send a letter through time to your younger self … to inform, empower, comfort or share about your experiences … [what] messages or lessons … might have helped you better navigate your world?”

Domingo says the book, published by Kuwento Co., is a showcase of courage and vulnerability as contributors navigate societal norms, family dynamics and that “this compassionate journey informs, celebrates, and comforts those on their queer journey … whether queer, Filipino, or exploring intersectional identities,” he says.

“Through this collection of heartwarming and poignant [letters], this book aims to offer insight, empathy and strength to those navigating …  identity, culture, and love.”

Queer and here

Contributors to the book are those who are within the umbrella of the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual and other sexualities) community and are referred to as queer in this book, according to Domingo.

Domingo explains that “the call for submissions asked for contributions from folks who have lived experience in the US.”

Contributing authors to the book are from Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington and some who no longer live in the US and are now based in Canada, the Netherlands and Australia.

Ages range from a contributor born in 1964 to a contributor born in 2002.

Domingo points out that the book is also a “major historical artifact” that can be passed on to future generations. “My hope is that With Love will boldly state that we were here, this was our experience, and you’re welcome to use what we’ve learned to find ways to live authentically and to thrive.”

Talk

Domingo has a doctorate in organizational leadership. In addition to his work in academia, he is a singer with the groups #FOURTY4B and With Filosophy; a podcast producer (“MeSearch,” “The Stories We’re Proud to Share,” “Have You Met,” and “Let’s Circle Back.”); and the director of curriculum for Lakas Mentorship, a Filipino American youth empowerment program.

Domingo and a few other of the book’s contributors will be speaking at a panel discussion on July 24 at Teofilo Coffee Company’s branch in Long Beach, hosted by the Filipino American National Historical Society’s Orange County/Inland Empire chapter.

The discussion will be moderated by Pat Catalla-Buscaino, aka Dr. Pinky, founder and CEO of Kuwento Co.

Contributors who will speak at the panel discussion include:

• LJ Balajadia, a trainer who enjoys long walks on short beaches and short walks to the refrigerator;
• Arnel Calvario Ripkens, member of world-renowned dance crew the KINJAZ. Ripkens has piloted a dance therapy program serving neurodivergent youth;
• Educator MJ BH and disabled queer educator and community organizer Megan Dela Cruz;
• Therapist and licensed clinical social worker Ryan Dalusag, owner of Well-Being Heritage Therapeutic Services, a mental health therapy practice supporting Asian-American Pacific Islander adults; and
• Disabled community organizer Warjay Naigan.

Domingo will be giving a brief background about the book, how it was developed, and a general overview of who are represented in the book.

Contributing authors will read excerpts from their letters and will discuss their experience with this process as well as what compelled them to write what they shared.

There will be a general discussion following where community members are invited to ask questions.

For details about the panel discussion on July 24, visit instagram.com/thewithlovebook. Walter Ang is the author of Barangay to Broadway: Filipino American Theater. Available at Amazon, Bookshop and other online booksellers.

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