BLTX, ‘Kabuwanan’ make more room for female, genderqueer comic creators

Diversity in comic books is getting amplified at the BLTX Women and Queer press expo on May 26 and 27.

The event, which was first organized in 2010, continues with its mission to bridge the gap between independent creators and the public who wants to explore beyond the mainstream.

BLTX (Better Living Through Xeroxography) has always been an inclusive event, but this year, they're placing brighter spotlight on female and queer representation in comics and the scene — best exemplified by the all-female comic book anthology "Kabuwanan."

The book collates the works of comic creators Hulyen, Trizha Ko, Laraine Gazmen and Hannah Puyat, Lizette Daluz, Mich Cervantes and Pauline Rana, Kay Aranzanso, and Emiliana Kampilan (Dead Balagtas), all of whom share insights on gender issues in Philippine society.

In addition to the expo and the book launch, a round-table discussion on gender representation, the importance of all-women/all-queer spaces, and the role of independent press in contributing to or creating these spaces will be held on May 27.

Det Neri, Bebang Siy, Glenn Diaz, Hulyen, Cecille Montenegro-Florentino, Wina Puangco, and Austere Rex Gumao will be leading the conversation, which is open and free to the public.

The BLTX Women and Queer small press expo will be held at The Other Room, Malingap Street, Quezon City.

Visit the event page for more details. — Aya Tantiangco/BM, GMA News