No, it’s not a typo—we intentionally use the term 'Filipinx' over other terms like Filipino or Filipin@. We do so because it aligns with FIERCE's values of empowerment and community. Read on to understand what the 'x' means and why we use it. Gender InclusivityTo understand why we use the ‘x,’ we have to understand a concept called gender inclusivity. Inclusivity means being open to everyone, especially those who might traditionally be left out or looked down upon. Gender inclusivity, then, means being open and accepting of people of all genders. We say all genders because we acknowledge that there are more than two genders. We’re raised to believe that the only two genders are male and female, and that these are assigned at birth. This idea is called the gender binary. However, some people find that they don’t fit into these two strict categories, and they may choose to instead identify as gender non-binary, or genderqueer. Others who identify as genderfluid may change their gender over time. Some people find that they don't belong to any gender and may identify as agender. In summary, we acknowledge that gender is a non-binary spectrum: it isn’t limited to two genders, and it encompasses a wide range of identities that are just as valid and real as male and female. We also acknowledge that identity is self-assigned—it is determined by oneself, and it can change over time. Filipino, Filipinx, Filipin@With that said, why do we use the term ‘Filipinx’?
The term ‘Filipino’ is masculine because it ends with -o; its feminine counterpart is ‘Filipina,' which ends with -a. These gendered terms were brought about by Spanish colonization. Although unintended, the use of the term ‘Filipino’ can be harmful to genderqueer-identified people because it assumes that there are only two genders. Using the term ‘Filipino’ also uses a masculine term to encompass a diverse array of gender identities who may be excluded and overlooked. Therefore, some people in the US prefer the term Filipinx, replacing the final letter (which traditionally determines gender) with an ‘x.’ The ‘x’ is meant to include people of all genders—male, female, gender non-binary/genderqueer, genderfluid, agender, and all other identities that are traditionally excluded. Some people use another term, Filipin@, which combines the terms Filipino and Filipina. However, we believe that this term is not as inclusive because it only represents males and females—it reaffirms the gender binary. So, in our efforts to empower all young Filipinx Americans, FIERCE uses the gender-inclusive term ‘Filipinx.’ We also strive to replace other gendered terms with gender-inclusive ones—for example, using “y’all” instead of “you guys.” We believe that it’s important to make sure all members of our community feel equally included and represented, and we strive to build a safe and comfortable learning environment for a diverse range of students. That is, after all, the essence of FIERCE. It may seem trivial; after all, it’s just one letter. But oppression and exclusion are embedded in our everyday language, and by changing our everyday language—even something as simple as changing an ‘o’ to an ‘x’—is an active step in reversing years of marginalization. (Final note: Your identity is your identity. Whether you identify with the term Filipino, Filipina, Filipinx, or other another term, you have the power to choose what you call yourself. We simply use the term Filipinx to refer to the Filipinx American community at large to be inclusive of as many people at possible—but that doesn’t stop you from calling yourself Filipino or Filipina!)
78 Comments
kayumanggiangbalatko
4/29/2019 07:11:11 pm
“filipino” was never a gendered term in the philippines; it has always been used to refer to everyone of any gender we are all filipinos. i understand that being in the diaspora and having a different cultural context has brought up different interpretations and so using “filipinx” has also contributed to the safe space for genderqueer people so that’s cool and valid. i think it’s important to know as well that citizens in the philippine islands do not see it as gendered simply because it ends with an -o. using “filipina” or even “pinay” has always been optional and so “filipino” and “pinoy” is perceived as gender neutral in the philippine islands.
Reply
KC
2/17/2021 01:00:45 pm
Them Fil-ams that were born and raised in the states are no longer filipinos. They're 'muricans who have a pseudo-filipino identity.
Reply
immigrantfromphilippines
6/5/2019 05:45:26 pm
yes I agree with kayumanggiangbalatko. As a Filipino immigrant, there needs to be an understanding of the history of the word. Filipino is not a gendered term. Fil-Ams need to see their inherent colonialism by pushing Filipinx to the mainstream. It's great that it's non-gendered and accepting to our queer friends but by promoting this agenda, you are assuming that your way is what's right without regard on the cultural status of the word Filipino. Maybe it would be better to use Filipinx-American but leave people who want to use Filipino alone especially those from the native country.
Reply
1stgenimmigrant
10/28/2019 05:38:24 pm
Agreed. Filipino has always been gender inclusive. It was never masculine in the first place. Which is why it confuses me how these Fil-Ams keep pushing it as if it's not gender exclusive.
Reply
Mel
5/20/2020 06:58:54 pm
Wow, so essentially the same bs that was done to Latino. It stop messing up our language amd culture. It's not gonna happen.
Reply
pambihira
6/21/2020 10:59:22 pm
We've been colonized more than enough. Stop trying to change our cultural identity.
Reply
Isla
6/22/2020 08:48:30 am
I’m Filipino, born in the Philippines, raised all over the world. Only when I came to the US did I feel alienated by other Filipinos calling themselves Filipinx. Feels like you are hijacking the Filipino identity to suit your own ideals without even considering the history and pride the Filipino people have in their homeland. Tigilan nyo yan kagaguhan!
Reply
TiredOfBeingColonized
6/23/2020 05:25:47 am
I'm not surprised that a person who grew up WHITE wants to have their WHITE standards pushed on others. But hey the default for us Filipinos had always been colonized.
Reply
Manny
6/24/2020 05:41:14 am
How do you translate that to tagalog? Pilipineks?
Reply
Carl
1/9/2022 12:37:50 am
Filipinx = Filipenis pagpronounce sa tagalog it suits them.
Reply
Michael
6/26/2020 09:46:51 am
this is stupid. Filipino is a gender neutral word. I stop trying to push your "fixes" to problems that doesn't even exist in others. We all call each other Filipino, regardless of gender.
Reply
Cj
7/5/2020 09:17:23 am
Well I mean if you use 'X' in terms of chromosomes it still acknowledges XX for female XY for Male which concludes that it's still just two genders. Just a thought.
Reply
Felix
7/19/2020 07:26:04 am
Wow, this is just the dumbest shit I ever read. Like are you aware about the Abakada alphabet? Since "x" doesn't exist in Tagalog. Also Pilipino has been and always been a gender neutral phase, it's like the word "guys" since it evolved from manly men to a group of different types of people. Another example, the word "gay" meaning happy and "queer" for odd, but also it evolved to be part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Reply
Tippie
8/1/2021 01:40:32 pm
Felix, good for you!!!
Reply
Eri
7/25/2020 12:02:59 am
Just saying but using filipinx to refer to yourself as inclusive is pretty stupid. We don't even have a word for gendered pronouns.
Reply
Maria Clara
7/29/2020 04:47:46 am
Maybe if you actually delved deeper into Philippine culture and history, you would know that "Filipino" is a gender-neutral term.
Reply
FILIPINO PA DIN MGA ULOL
9/5/2020 03:29:31 pm
FILIPINO IS A GENDER NEUTRAL. FIL AM SHOULD STOP BEING SO SELF ENTITLED. WE DON'T EVEN HAVE LETTER "X" IN FILIPINO ALPHABET. For Christ sake. If Americans wants to be Karen, let them, but don't let white supremacy get into your attitude. PILIPINO PA DIN KAYO MGA ULOL!
Reply
KC
4/25/2021 08:08:12 am
They ain't FILIPINO's, but 'Muricans with Pseudo-Filipino values.
Reply
FilipinoPARin
8/7/2021 02:47:03 pm
Agree 100%,I wonder why it's a big deal to create such fuss. Calling us FilipinX is total BS. Filipino is a general term for anyone raised in the Phil, have Phil bloodline and also to those who wants to be identified a Filipino (sounds too lefty and idc). A Filipino woman is called a Filipino regardless, or she might wanted to be called a Filipina, but a Filipino male? Uhhm, if they change gender identity per their so called construct just maybe a FilipinX or KuyaX.
Reply
AmerikanoAmerikanaAmerikanx
9/5/2020 08:24:42 pm
we have a tagalog words for Amerikano (Male Americans) and Amerikana (Female Americans)
Reply
PLease dont
9/6/2020 04:34:11 am
The word Filipino, in general, means a person who has Filipino blood or parents from the Philippines, it doesn't mean a MALE person who is from the Philippines. Be it man, woman, or whatever gender a Filipino identifies, they are called Filipinos. Male and female pronouns only started when the Spanish colonialization happened. And frankly speaking, using the term "Filipinx" or 'Pinxy" is an insult to hundreds of the Philippine languages, and can be seen as an act of colonialism.
Reply
Therese G.
9/7/2020 12:05:33 am
The term Filipinx is a joke, and makes a mockery of the language. The letter 'x' doesn't even exist natively in the language, it's been adapted due to colonization, hence the presence of the term 'Ekis' for 'X'.
Reply
Eileen
9/7/2020 09:03:54 am
There's this trending (for the wrong reasons) FB page that suggested that Tito/Tita be called "Titx" following this Filipinx thing. That will get you a slap in the face in the Philippines. For you Fil-Ams who don't know the language, "Titx" sounds like "Tite" which is penis. NO.
Reply
Wat
9/7/2020 03:19:24 pm
The Philippines was named after King Philip II of Spain. If you really want it to be gender neutral, you’d have to take out the “Filip,” not the “no.”
Reply
Natori
9/10/2020 03:28:27 am
If you're not a Filipino, you don't have a right to call use filipinx. And you know, filipinx sounds more like an offending term for us Filipinos
Reply
sup
9/10/2020 10:34:11 am
Hello. Filipino here. Born and raised.
Reply
AAG
9/25/2020 10:51:48 am
Since this is all about culture and language, go back to the original source, the Philippines. In 1987, the Philippine Constitution made Filipino the national language. In this usage, it is gender-neutral. I believe it therefore follows that its usage in any reference to national identity is proper. If your usage is for personal self-identification then Filipinx is a choice you’re entitled to make. However, to refer to all of us Filipinos collectively as Filipinx tramples on our choice since Filipino is already officially recognized as gender-neutral. I, for one, don’t like using a letter that isn’t even in our native language, so the association with Philippine culture is diluted and indicates ignorance or minimization of our culture.
Reply
Paeng
11/24/2020 09:59:53 am
The brown americans clearly doesnt know what their talking about. Just wants to different. Di nyo nga alam na gender inclusive na ng filipino. This western mentally alienating our language should stop
Reply
abrownamerican
11/25/2020 10:27:33 pm
I understand that it has always been gender neutral. But just because I am born and raised outside of the Philippines should not mean that I do not have the right to own my own preference of using Filipinx. A lot of your arguments make it seem that because I was not born in the PI means that I do not have a right to own the way I choose to represent myself? Are you saying I cannot claim what I find valid in my own beliefs? How can you say "brown americans" clearly do not know what they are talking about. They are just trying to figure out and accepting their place embracing their own cultural-gender identity.
Reply
kayumangging pilipino
11/29/2020 06:41:24 pm
Reply
KC
4/25/2021 08:11:50 am
Dude, you ain't FILIPINO. You just happened to be a 'Murican having Filipino parents.
Reply
NogNog FUT
8/7/2021 02:57:57 pm
You sounded like an Ex Filipin-No or KuyaX. sound like an X rated movie, or something like of an X, if you know the culture and the street lingo, you might as well dig the drift of an X or eX.
Reply
Alibata
11/27/2020 01:21:41 am
The problem is that it's quite horrible and almost impossible to say in Tagalog or Filipino since it would end up sounding like "Felepieks" and that's why people are really negative about it and X doesn't exist in Abakada. I mean, people in the Philippines are already confused on the difference between Filipino and Pilipino, so adding this might add fuel to the fire.
Reply
Emma
6/5/2021 01:46:51 am
But Filipino is already a gender neutral term. Everybody has agreed that everyone is called Filipino. Alternatives aren't required anymore. Sure, call people Filo or whatever, but Filipino is already a gender neutral term that everybody accepts (apparently except Fil-Ams because they're misinformed).
Reply
/
12/22/2020 03:25:15 pm
The word "Filipino" did not exist before the Spanish. Therefore, to claim that "Filipinx" makes an already colonial word "more colonial" is laughable. It already is.
Reply
Filipino
2/21/2021 10:43:15 pm
Stop trying to make Fetch happen. Filipinx has got to be the dumbest thing I’ve heard today.
Reply
Emma
6/5/2021 01:42:46 am
Filipinos already reclaimed the term 'Filipino' and use it on anyone regardless of gender. They're still wrong about Filipinx. It was a colonial term, now it's ALSO a local term. It does not matter who started it. Modern Filipinos are called Filipino regardless of gender, and that's the entire point. Filipino is no longer oppressive because Filipinos already owned it and reclaimed it.
Reply
My dumbass senses are tingling
3/16/2021 09:39:26 am
Why man. The word filipino has always been inclusive. Dammit we have been colonized so much already stop you fucking dumbass. I have never felt more offended at this. Filipinx. Look at this shit. Most disgusting shit I have seen.
Reply
Casey
5/9/2021 11:11:50 am
Thank you for sharing this. It seems if you’re American people in the Philippines think we’re not part of their culture so it doesn’t even seem that surprising to me about all of the hateful comments that are posted here about it. If they do not even like the term why are they even reading your blog? Just as how they are racist against FilipinX and Americans they still want their respect? They will not agree to disagree because they think and will probably say they are right so hopefully there is a way you can delete their negative and hateful comments because they are not going to stop or change even if we try to say we should agree to disagree. You do you!
Reply
Emma
6/5/2021 01:39:22 am
"If they do not even like the term why are they even reading your blog?"
Reply
Casey Barnaby
6/5/2021 10:57:02 am
Well there is a difference between attacking a person and saying who is right simply because of where someone lives . Everyone has a different opinion and viewpoint culturally. You can say the idea itself is just wrong and that is fine without attacking a person for being either American or being in the Philippines.
Eric
10/5/2021 07:31:59 pm
Casey, inclusivity is not the point. It's colonialism. We don't want another foreign ideology being pushed to our cultural identity.
Canadian Immigrant
7/11/2021 08:48:22 pm
Can we all just agree to call them Americanx or Kanx (Pronounced as Kanks)? Like, with this agenda, they ain't even feel remotely Filipino. Their nationality isn't Filipino, it's Filipinx and I don't know where the hell country is that from.
Reply
MJ
10/17/2021 12:31:56 pm
Hope this shit has been cancelled already. Filipino-Americans are fucking up our culture with this nonsense!
Reply
Casey
11/1/2021 05:05:40 pm
Whatever everyone’s entitled to their personal viewpoints neither side is going to agree which is fine you do you
Reply
Americxn so funni
11/11/2021 07:54:32 am
i want to say that
Reply
Casey
11/17/2021 02:31:45 pm
Aw, mga bully at racist na paraan para kumatawan sa kultura. Wala rin namang may gusto sa kanila pero ipagpatuloy mo lang ang pagpapakatanga sa sarili namin.
Reply
Casey
11/17/2021 02:41:48 pm
I can continue arguing with your foolishness so I cannot wait for your racist and arrogant response and just to show you how much I do not care what you think FILIPINX FOREVER! :D
Reply
Filipina
1/6/2022 07:24:05 pm
The word Filipino originally referred to Spaniards born in the Philippines. The natives were called indios. Our heroes died for this identity, to be acknowledged as Filipinos with the same rights as the Spaniards born in las Islas Filipinas. You Americans with Filipino ancestry can use the term Filipinx however you want but don't impose it to us here in the Philippines.
Reply
E
1/13/2022 07:38:36 pm
This is false activism.
Reply
Samantax
6/5/2022 10:38:32 pm
SUPER YUCK ANG MEGA STUPID NAMING!!! EW EW EW
Reply
chris juricich
6/27/2022 12:56:56 am
This 'x' business is primarily a conceit of American cultural issues revolving around gender and sexual ideologies. Most people from the Philippines who still live in the Philippines are quite content, I would imagine, with current usages and terms. Filipino. Filipina. Pinoy. Pinay. I accept that there are some who are pretty desperate for their own identity and I wish them well.
Reply
Casey
8/11/2022 11:18:46 am
Oh whatever. Insulting people also makes you stupid so you can think what you want and still be ignorant
Reply
Catman
6/27/2022 01:07:28 am
Casey, you’re clearly reaching for something stupid. We don’t care the you think the letter “O” is not inclusive when we’ve never had this problem within ourselves. Get your messed up and entitled ideologies outta here. Changing a cultural identity for a minority that get offended with a letter is just dumb.
Reply
name
7/18/2022 01:10:46 am
i know everyone is saying that only filipino americans call themselves “filipinx,” but i’m an american who’s half filipino and even i think “filipinx” is stupid. i’ve never even heard any filipinos in real life call themselves “filipinx” except on the internet. i’ve always seen “filipino” as a gender-neutral term and “filipina” as optional for women. “filipino” is not only masculine. women use it too.
Reply
Rick
7/26/2022 03:15:14 am
this term is more hurtful than helpful. not only is “filipino” already a non gendered term, we dont even have “x” in our national language. You’re forcing your western ideologies in a place where it does not belong. You’re disrespecting the very home land of the heritage you’re apparently so proud of. Quite literally, its neocolonialism. I’m a proud filipinO who does not recognize anyone who uses filipnx as a true filipino. Get out of here with your whitewashed terms.
Reply
7/27/2022 01:44:56 am
As an actual filipino, if you have ever said or typed 'fiipinx' and you were not being ironic - I hope you die. I hope you die and your family dies and your genetic line is wiped out.
Reply
Casey
8/11/2022 11:18:25 am
Right back at you
Reply
Use your brain please
7/28/2022 03:40:04 pm
Question: "Why we say Filipinx"?
Reply
01 Aug 2022
7/31/2022 10:18:10 am
If you find comfort in the term Filipinx or find it more comforting, you probably were not born/did not grow up in/are not currently living in the Philippines, and thus you're feelings are valid because your experiences of life as a Filipino differ from those who were born, raised, and are currently living in the Philippines. You also unfortunately do not understand the Filipino language, history, and culture very well.
Reply
Casey
12/19/2022 07:48:25 pm
Well said and thank you.
Reply
8/2/2022 09:19:15 am
Sitemize giriş yap ve tiktok düşmeyen türk takipçi satın al. Tiktok ucuz türk takipçi satın almak hiç bu kadar kolay ve zahmetsiz olmamıştı. Web sitemizden tiktok düşmeyen türk takipçi al ve hesabının keyfini çıkart.
Reply
8/3/2022 09:30:21 am
Edirne Viessman servisi hizmetlerimiz memnuniyet odaklıdır. Detayları incelemek için hemen web adresimize göz at! https://www.edirneklimaservisi.com/edirne-viessmann-servisi/
Reply
FILIPINX IS A POLITICALLY INCORRECT AND OFFENSIVE WORD SO STOP PEDDLING IT US ACTUAL FILIPINOS
11/29/2022 11:03:38 pm
So let me get this straight, in your language words that start with A is feminine and O is masculine so it works the same way with other languages too, right? Especially if it's been colonized before, right?
Reply
FILIPINX IS A POLITICALLY INCORRECT AND OFFENSIVE WORD SO STOP PEDDLING IT US ACTUAL FILIPINOS
11/29/2022 11:08:37 pm
And, Casey, if you reply to this comment, you have shit on your ass. No one cares. If you own this blog and are getting upset that people are not agreeing with you and are calling you stupid, then tough and touch grass. You should have done your own fucking research before posting it to begin with.
Reply
Casey
12/19/2022 12:20:14 pm
Wow nice threat I guess your shit stiinks more Good job!
Casey
12/19/2022 12:24:56 pm
And I didn’t write this blog but the fact you’re here says a lot of your own racism that you just accused me of doing but you have a good day of being arrogant still and attacking people you’re so good at it 12/19/2022 09:04:51 am
İnstagram takipçi satın almak istiyorsan tıkla.
Reply
1/4/2023 11:39:52 am
100 tl deneme bonusu veren siteleri öğrenmek istiyorsan tıkla.
Reply
Emory B Do
2/12/2023 03:05:13 pm
I have never heard the term Filipinx until recently. Being born in the states and learning more about my Filipina culture through college, this is very new to me. After some research I don't really like the word or think it is necessary. Whether you are bi, straight, gay, or trans. you will identify yourself of whatever gender you choose. Having a to say Filipinx also sounds really bad. Also the fact that they will try to enforced this rule really makes me feel that the Philippines is still being controlled or colonialization is still going on.
Reply
Filipino-American who studies history
3/2/2023 07:15:06 am
By changing -o to -x it assumes that "Filipino" is gendered. This is considered offensive by Filipinos who live in the Philippines because the word is largely accepted to have no gender. While "Filipina" exists, it is considered the EXCEPTION, not the RULE.
Reply
Filipino-American who studies history
3/2/2023 07:26:56 am
TL;DR "Filipinx" is wrong because it uses a letter that is only used for non-native Filipino words because the letter "x" was never native to the traditional Filipino alphabet. To identify yourself as "Filipinx" is to inherently identify yourself as not being from the Philippines (I am part of the first generation not born in the Philippines in my family).
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Details
Are you FIERCE?Stay tuned for information about FIERCE, the Filipinx American community, and life after high school. Archives
May 2020
Categories |