Exploring the Ambivalent Position of the Filipino Baklang Katoliko within the Catholic Church

This study employs Baklang Katoliko as a heuristic tool to explore the ambivalent position experienced within the Philippine Catholic Church. The Bakla is a reference to the ambiguity of gender and sexuality observed in the Philippines that is often confronted by Christian denominations, including the Catholic Church. Through in-depth interviews with ten self-identified Baklang Katoliko who work within the church, the study examines how these interlocutors actively engage in their parishes, often holding institutional roles that allow them to contribute meaningfully to church functions. This involvement enables them to immerse themselves in the church’s traditions, practices, and theological teachings more deeply which heightens the tensions between their faith and sexuality. The study argues that their commitment to their "vocation" as church workers positions them as significant contributors within their parishes, granting them a form of “soft power.” However, despite their involvement, they face ambivalent positions. This study identifies three dimensions of ambivalence: conditional, situational, and relational. By recognizing these complexities, this study provides new insights into the interplay between faith and sexuality by highlighting how Baklang Katoliko lives within this ambivalence rather than merely confronting it.