Fractured Truths, Burning Questions

SEAQCF Writing Compilation

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During the open call for SEAQCF 2.0, we received an array of independent writing—poetry, illustrated poetry, and prose—reflecting the fractures of truth and burning questions central to queer storytelling. These works, from The Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam, challenge colonial legacies, confront societal norms, and reimagine spaces of belonging through poetic fragments, historical excavations, and reimagined folklore. By embracing diverse approaches to language and storytelling, this compilation amplifies unique voices and perspectives, celebrating lives at the edges where joy, grief, and resilience converge. For poems in local languages, English translations are included. We hope you enjoy this vibrant collection!

Artist

Audris Chandra

Indonesia

Audris Candra is a queer Chinese-Indonesian writer and editor. As a dukun who practices Indonesian magic, they’re always seeking to pour Indonesian culture into their works. You can find them on social media @audriserat.

Artist

Joseff Gagajena

The Philippines

Joseff Gagajena is an American-born Filipino writer passionate about social issues, particularly the decolonization of Philippine narratives. With a strong focus on the rich and inclusive pre-colonial histories of the Philippines, Joseff's work draws inspiration to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and societal progress. Dedicated to creating ambitious and impactful projects, Joseff's writing serves as a tool to reclaim and celebrate the Philippines’ diverse and accepting heritage.

Artist

Khang-Ninh Đặng

Vietnam

Khang-“Ninh” Đặng (Đặng Khang Ninh) is an artist carrying the original queer Saigonese spirit. They practice poetry, songwriting, and vocal performance. They were born in Vinh Long, moved to Ho Chi Minh City at 3 years old, and now live in Vancouver, Canada. They are a writer-in-residence of Collections of Transience’s 2023-2024 Artist Residency Program and a member of the NOTE Music Collective. Their work has been recognized by Vănguard, Seems, and others.

Artist

Wyn C. Gallo

The Philippines

Winston ‘Wyn’ C. Gallo is a transgender-woman teacher and writer in the Philippines. Recently, she was a Teacher Fellow of Teach for the Philippines and deployed in Talaban Elementary School, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental. Her passion and heart for teaching gives her different struggles that leads her to continue the path in advocating inclusive workplace and jobs for trans community that is free in any discrimination and biases. A fellow of ASEAN Queer Leadership Exchange 2020 a leadership workshop for LGBTQIA+ community in Southeast Asia. Her colorful life was featured in a documentary produced by Iloilo Pride Team entitled: Amat-Amat lang and Bahaghari Production entitled: TRANSforming Life that will be screened in The Hamburg International Queer Film Festival (HIQFF) in Berlin, Germany this October 2023. Highlighting, that Wyn’s siblings were all part of the LGBTQIA+ Community.

Writing stories, poems and creative works was her way also of promoting gender equality. Her short story for children entitled: Ang Adlaw-Adlaw nga Pagbag-o ni Banong (The Day-by-Day Changes of Banong) has won 1st place in a national writing contest for short story for children. The story was about the changes in the body of a transgender-woman during hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) that Wyn’s reality now.

Moreover, she is now a Program Coordinator in Calls Over Ridges focusing in Education. She is now living one of her dreams to become a Transgender-Woman Teacher and will forever continue to fight inequality in her best possible way.