OPEN YOUR MIND
The origins of the Human Soul project, by the artists:
Everything started on a positive note. Romain and I were eager to publish a feature on the Filipino's tolerance towards transsexual women. With our eyes as our guide, we could see these vibrant and beautiful transgender people everywhere – walking on the streets in broad daylight – seemingly assured. For us French people, this was amazing as in France transsexuals are still shy to come out so openly, such an irony for a country which is supposed to be famous for its respect of human rights.
And so we began the journey.
We started with a few laughs over their seemingly interesting and vibrant lives, and then everything changed... As we delved deeper into their lives – their professional environment, their childhood experiences and their daily fight for their rights – we realized that beyond the façade of beauty and tolerance, there exists a whole ugly world of pain and mockeries. What makes it worse is that as transsexuals, they are left without any legal remedies to improve their situation.
It took time and more research to understand the root of these stark contradictions, which could be found in the mix of Asian, American and European cultures. When we finally put the final dot on this magazine feature, we were convinced that these stories should be told to the Filipinos themselves who, for most of their lives, don't have the chance or the time to really listen and know these people.
Now is the time. Now you have the chance. This exhibit has been traveling from Makati to Davao, from cultural centers to city halls, universities and even the esteemed halls of Congress.
And these stories are now coming to you, through this blog. Take 5, 10 or 15 minutes to listen to Sass, Rica, Bemz and all the other characters in this interwoven story of discrimination. As you do, it is our hope that each person is a step towards awareness and education on what the Philippines urgently needs – a law against discrimination.
Open your eyes and listen with your heart. Open your mind.
Sebastien Farcis and Romain Rivierre
Philippines, 2011
And so we began the journey.
We started with a few laughs over their seemingly interesting and vibrant lives, and then everything changed... As we delved deeper into their lives – their professional environment, their childhood experiences and their daily fight for their rights – we realized that beyond the façade of beauty and tolerance, there exists a whole ugly world of pain and mockeries. What makes it worse is that as transsexuals, they are left without any legal remedies to improve their situation.
It took time and more research to understand the root of these stark contradictions, which could be found in the mix of Asian, American and European cultures. When we finally put the final dot on this magazine feature, we were convinced that these stories should be told to the Filipinos themselves who, for most of their lives, don't have the chance or the time to really listen and know these people.
Now is the time. Now you have the chance. This exhibit has been traveling from Makati to Davao, from cultural centers to city halls, universities and even the esteemed halls of Congress.
And these stories are now coming to you, through this blog. Take 5, 10 or 15 minutes to listen to Sass, Rica, Bemz and all the other characters in this interwoven story of discrimination. As you do, it is our hope that each person is a step towards awareness and education on what the Philippines urgently needs – a law against discrimination.
Open your eyes and listen with your heart. Open your mind.
Sebastien Farcis and Romain Rivierre
Philippines, 2011
