Ideas worth spreading

The gender-fluid history of the Philippines

2,003,298 views | France Villarta • TED@WellsFargo

In much of the world, gender is viewed as binary: man or woman, each assigned characteristics and traits designated by biological sex. But that's not the case everywhere, says France Villarta. In a talk that's part cultural love letter, part history lesson, he details the legacy of gender fluidity and inclusivity in his native Philippines -- and emphasizes the universal beauty of all people, regardless of society's labels.

In much of the world, gender is viewed as binary: man or woman, each assigned characteristics and traits designated by biological sex. But that's not the case everywhere, says France Villarta. In a talk that's part cultural love letter, part history lesson, he details the legacy of gender fluidity and inclusivity in his native Philippines -- and emphasizes the universal beauty of all people, regardless of society's labels.

This talk was presented at a TED Institute event given in partnership with Wells Fargo. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about the TED Institute.

About the speaker

France Villarta

France Villarta

Communications consultant

See speaker profile

France Villarta, a communications consultant for Wells Fargo, is passionate about exploring the intersectionality of gender, politics and culture.

Dr. J. Neil C. Garcia | Hong Kong University Press, 2009 | Book

Philippine Gay Culture: Binabae to Bakla, Silahis to MSM

Comprehensive discussion of Philippine queer history from pre/early colonial times to the nineties. It includes analysis of popular and academic writings on and by Filipino male homosexuals.

Carolyn Brewer | Intersections: Gender, History and Culture in the Asian Context, 1999 | Article

"Baylan, Asog, Transvestism, and Sodomy: Gender, Sexuality and the Sacred in Early Colonial Philippines"

This paper situates gender nonconforming men in early colonial Philippines and discusses what has been written about them from various sixteenth and seventeenth century Spanish materials.

Gus Van Sant | Focus Features, 2008 | Watch

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About TED Institute

Every year, TED works with a group of select companies and foundations to identify internal ideators, inventors, connectors, and creators. Drawing on the same rigorous regimen that has prepared speakers for the TED main stage, TED Institute works closely with each partner, overseeing curation and providing intensive one-on-one talk development to sharpen and fine tune ideas. The culmination is an event produced, recorded, and hosted by TED, generating a growing library of valuable TED Talks that can spur innovation and transform organizations.

Read more about the TED Institute

This talk was presented at a TED Institute event given in partnership with Wells Fargo. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about the TED Institute.