A Lived Experience of and an Intersection of Gay Camarero and<i> Pagsasanto </i>in Aklan: A Gendered Perspective

Charimar Icawalo; Victoria Gepty

doi:doi:10.11648/j.hss.20261402.15

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

Charimar Icawalo

, Victoria Gepty^*

Published in Humanities and Social Sciences (Volume 14, Issue 2)

Received: 3 February 2026 Accepted: 26 February 2026 Published: 30 March 2026

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Abstract

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.

Published in	Humanities and Social Sciences (Volume 14, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.hss.20261402.15
Page(s)	106-115
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Pagsasanto, Gay Camareros, Queer Spirituality, Identity Formation, Phenomenological Research, Performativity

References

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[2]	Del Castillo, F., Alino, M., & Espina, A. (2021). Religion and resilience among Filipino LGBTQ individuals: Negotiating faith and identity. Philippine Journal of Psychology, 54(2), 145-168.
[3]	Biana, H. T., Dacela, M. A., & Domingo, R. (2022). Disrupting Epistemic Injustice: Gender Equality and Progressive Philippine Catholic Communities. https//doi.org/10.25911/7MDN-2F44
[4]	Janssen, D., & Scheepers, P. (2018). How religiosity shapes rejection of homosexuality across the globe. Journal of Homosexuality, 66(14), 1974-2001. https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2018.1522809
[5]	Piamonte, R., De Guzman, A., & Navarro, J. (2020). Santeros and the sacred: An exploratory study of devotion and identity in local religious practices. University of Santo Tomas Research Center for Culture, Arts, and Humanities.
[6]	Romerosa, P. & Antonio, J. F. (2021). Becoming a gay caretaker of a religious image (Camarero): Catholic devotion in the Philippines as a gendered social practice. SIMULACRA JURNAL SOSIOLOGI, 4(1), 57-70. https://doi.org/10.21107/sml.v4i1.9927
[7]	Tagulinao, P. R. (2021). Galak sa gayak: a phenomenological look on the devotion to sacred images by homosexual camareros of Laguna. Instabright E-Gazette 2(4).
[8]	Tang, X., & Poudel, A. N. (2018). Exploring challenges and problems faced by LGBT students in Philippines: A qualitative study. Journal of Public Health Policy and Planning, (3), 9-17.
[9]	Tamayo, J. A. L. T. (2020). Contemporary camareros: santos sponsorship in the Philippines today. International Journal of Intangible Heritage, 15: 116-130.
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[13]	Manalansan, M. F., IV. (2003). Global divas. https://doi.org/10.1215/9780822385172
[14]	Piamonte, S. B. H., Quintos, M. a. M., & Iwayama, M. O. (2020). An Exploratory study on the practice of pagsasanto by Openly-Gay Camareros. Philippine Social Science Journal, 3(3), 44-53. https://doi.org/10.52006/main.v3i3.275
[15]	Rafael, V. L. (2000). White love and other events in Filipino history. Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press.
[16]	Sestoso, J. and Madula, R. (2019). Kuwentong Santero: Pagsipat sa Kultura ng Pag-aalaga ng Santo ng mga Pilipino. Padayon Sining: A Celebration of the Enduring Value Of The Humanities. De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines.
[17]	Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments (2001), Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy: Principles and Guidelines. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
[18]	Sapitula, J. J. (2014) Marian Piety and Modernity: A Sociological Assessment of the Novena to Our Pepetual Help in Baclaran, Philippines In M. K. P. J. G. L. (Eds) The Post - Colonial Church in the Philippines. Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press.

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Icawalo, C., Gepty, V. (2026). A Lived Experience of and an Intersection of Gay Camarero and Pagsasanto in Aklan: A Gendered Perspective. Humanities and Social Sciences, 14(2), 106-115. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20261402.15

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Icawalo, C.; Gepty, V. A Lived Experience of and an Intersection of Gay Camarero and Pagsasanto in Aklan: A Gendered Perspective. Humanit. Soc. Sci. 2026, 14(2), 106-115. doi: 10.11648/j.hss.20261402.15

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Icawalo C, Gepty V. A Lived Experience of and an Intersection of Gay Camarero and Pagsasanto in Aklan: A Gendered Perspective. Humanit Soc Sci. 2026;14(2):106-115. doi: 10.11648/j.hss.20261402.15

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@article{10.11648/j.hss.20261402.15,
  author = {Charimar Icawalo and Victoria Gepty},
  title = {A Lived Experience of and an Intersection of Gay Camarero and Pagsasanto in Aklan: A Gendered Perspective},
  journal = {Humanities and Social Sciences},
  volume = {14},
  number = {2},
  pages = {106-115},
  doi = {10.11648/j.hss.20261402.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20261402.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.hss.20261402.15},
  abstract = {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.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - A Lived Experience of and an Intersection of Gay Camarero and Pagsasanto in Aklan: A Gendered Perspective
AU  - Charimar Icawalo
AU  - Victoria Gepty
Y1  - 2026/03/30
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20261402.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.hss.20261402.15
T2  - Humanities and Social Sciences
JF  - Humanities and Social Sciences
JO  - Humanities and Social Sciences
SP  - 106
EP  - 115
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-8184
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20261402.15
AB  - 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.
VL  - 14
IS  - 2
ER  -

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Author Information

Charimar Icawalo

Senior High School, Malinao School for Philippine Craftsmen, Aklan, Philippines

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0006-7981-5561
Victoria Gepty

College of Teacher Education, Aklan State University, Aklan, Philippines

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5159-2910

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APA Style

Icawalo, C., Gepty, V. (2026). A Lived Experience of and an Intersection of Gay Camarero and Pagsasanto in Aklan: A Gendered Perspective. Humanities and Social Sciences, 14(2), 106-115. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20261402.15

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ACS Style

Icawalo, C.; Gepty, V. A Lived Experience of and an Intersection of Gay Camarero and Pagsasanto in Aklan: A Gendered Perspective. Humanit. Soc. Sci. 2026, 14(2), 106-115. doi: 10.11648/j.hss.20261402.15

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AMA Style

Icawalo C, Gepty V. A Lived Experience of and an Intersection of Gay Camarero and Pagsasanto in Aklan: A Gendered Perspective. Humanit Soc Sci. 2026;14(2):106-115. doi: 10.11648/j.hss.20261402.15

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@article{10.11648/j.hss.20261402.15,
  author = {Charimar Icawalo and Victoria Gepty},
  title = {A Lived Experience of and an Intersection of Gay Camarero and Pagsasanto in Aklan: A Gendered Perspective},
  journal = {Humanities and Social Sciences},
  volume = {14},
  number = {2},
  pages = {106-115},
  doi = {10.11648/j.hss.20261402.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20261402.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.hss.20261402.15},
  abstract = {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.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - A Lived Experience of and an Intersection of Gay Camarero and Pagsasanto in Aklan: A Gendered Perspective
AU  - Charimar Icawalo
AU  - Victoria Gepty
Y1  - 2026/03/30
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20261402.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.hss.20261402.15
T2  - Humanities and Social Sciences
JF  - Humanities and Social Sciences
JO  - Humanities and Social Sciences
SP  - 106
EP  - 115
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-8184
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20261402.15
AB  - 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.
VL  - 14
IS  - 2
ER  -

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