A Lived Experience of and an Intersection of Gay Camarero and Pagsasanto in Aklan: A Gendered Perspective

This study explores how gender identity is expressed, negotiated, and formed within the religious role of gay camareros in the Filipino Catholic tradition of pagsasanto— the care and celebration of religious icons. Utilizing a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study examined the lived experiences of five gay camareros who have actively participated in pagsasanto for at least five years. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, where participants shared their insights on their religious devotion, gender identity, and the intersection of both. The findings reveal that pagsasanto is not only a devotional practice but also a space for self-expression, identity formation, and social inclusion. The participants' gender identity was shaped by factors such as family traditions, religious devotion, and community support, while their gender expression within pagsasanto was manifested in religious devotion, artistic expression, and performativity. Despite facing gender discrimination and subtle policing, the participants navigate traditional gender roles by challenging norms and reconfiguring their roles within the religious context. This study affirms that pagsasanto is a space where queer identities are not only tolerated but are actively produced, affirmed, and sanctified. The participants' religious labor serves as a site of queer spirituality and moral authority, illustrating how queer identity can thrive within traditional Catholic practices.