fair or not
Fairest is a memoir about a precocious albino child, a sun child or anak araw from a rural Philippine village — the struggle and journey of self acceptance and discovery an artist and activist questioning the boundaries of gender.
From a childhood of parental neglect and abuse, to the elusive promise of U.S. citizenship — Talusan found love and comfort in a devoted grandmother who saw promise and potential where others gawked in awe, with no consideration for this apparition they beheld.
Easily passing for white raised more questionable concerns for Talusan as an immigrant to the United States. An academic scholarship to Harvard opened access to elite circles of privilege while requiring Talusan to navigate through the complex spheres of race, class, sexuality, and personal place in the gay community.
Talusan finds no easy answers in the polarized tug of war between perceived and shifting roles — male, female, gay or trans. Throughout her journey, Talusan shares poignant and powerful episodes of desirability and love that recall works such as Call Me By Your Name and Giovanni’s Room.
Talusan shines a bright light on herself in clear, evocative reflections — shifting our own perceptions of love, identity, gender, and the fairness of life.
More than memoir, race, immigration, and LGBTQ+ issues, Fairest lets us into the inner world of a fully feeling sensitive being. Raised in a harsh world of challenging extremes, committed to her truth and striving to express it well.
A brilliant testament to a spectacular human being.
Originally published at http://changewarrior.blogspot.com.
