In a recent online controversy, content creator Aaron Maniego has drawn the attention of netizens and Kapamilya actress Awra Briguela for the former’s use of the term “Bortang Barbie.”
Maniego’s video, shared on Black Sheep’s Twitter account on May 27, did not only spark criticism from Briguela but also garnered widespread attention for its perceived disrespect toward feminine gays.
Briguela, a member of the LGBTQ+ community and a prominent figure in the local entertainment industry, took to Twitter on May 28 to throw shades at Maniego, questioning his use of the term “Bortang Barbie.”
Briguela’s tweet: “huh? Bortang Barbie?!!” shed light on the issue and further triggered online conversation.
huh? bortang barbie?!!
— AWRA (@AwraBriguelaaa) May 28, 2023
One netizen, whose tweet liked by Briguela, shared a personal story about the harassment faced by effeminate and non-binary individuals. The tweet expressed disappointment toward Maniego for leveraging femininity for clout.
I have so many effeminate and non-binary friends and they all have stories of being harassed for expressing their femininity and I am so enraged by how masculine gay men can conveniently use femininity for clout!!!!! https://t.co/esyGeltAwP
— Carwyn Candila (@Carwyn_Candila) May 28, 2023
Many other netizens joined the discussion and expressed their anger and frustration over Maniego. One tweet highlighted the constant struggle faced by femme queers, the non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals who have to protect themselves from harassment and violence, while masc gays exploit femininity for popularity.
yet we, femme queers, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming ppl, have to constantly armor ourselves from harassment, assault, and violence while these masc gays continue to use our femininity for clout https://t.co/hNLdHPbG0i
— mx. jules ☆ (@pat_balais) May 28, 2023
Despite having a significant LGBTQ+ population, the Philippines still grapples with accepting the community, as evidenced by the lack of legal protection. The SOGIE Equality Bill, aimed at preventing discrimination based on one’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, has yet to be enacted into law.
Briguela, a 19-year-old multi-talented artist, has appeared in numerous films and drama series, solidifying his presence as a social media influencer. Recently, he starred in the movie “Here comes the Groom,” released in April 2023. Currently, he is hosting the new game show Emojination on TV5 with Maja Salvador as co-host.
