BEKI LANGUAGE, also known as “baklese” or “Swardspeak”, has become a very popular sociolect in the Philippines. While it started out being used mainly by the LGBTQ+ community in the Philippines, now, even those outside of the community use it in their daily conversations, be it knowingly or unknowingly. 

While you may think you may not use Beki Language, even words like “jowa”, “shunga”, “sinetch”, “drama”, and “bes” are considered to be included here. 

In discussing its history, film writer-slash-director Rod Singh said in an interview that people used to practice gay lingo as a means of creating a space for themselves without fear of others listening to their conversations. 

Now, it has become a sociolect celebrated by many a Filipino, so much so that if you are willing to learn more about it, you can attend an online webinar to do so. 

Learning about beki sign language

Yesterday, November 12, the Benilde School of Deaf Education and Applied Studied posted to their social media accounts an invitation to attend their webinar on Beki Sign Language.

This webinar is open to both Benildeans and non-Benildeans. Whether you are an ally, supporter, or part of the community itself, you can join free of charge.

“This cultural project empowers Filipino Deaf individuals with LGBTQIA+ identities, fostering freedom of speech and expression,” they write in their post. 

“In this session, we’ll explore the origins and significance of Beki Sign Language within Filipino LGBTQIA+ Deaf communities.”

The webinar will be held on Zoom on November 23, 2024, at 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM. You can register here to secure your spot. 

Many have since shown support toward Benilde for such a progressive move. 

Webinars like these help to make learning different dialects and languages more accessible to the masses; after all, education should be a right, not a privilege, and sign language falls under this as well.