National Beki Day

Young man with fabulous hair, wearing a stylish outfit, striking a fierce pose in a colorful Pride parade celebration.. — National beki day illustration

Ah, National Beki Day! Let's step into the fabulous world of the internet and uncover the history behind this fabulous celebration.

When is Beki Day?

It's national beki day on the 28th July.

The Internet History of National Beki Day

On this glorious occasion, we gather 'round our devices, fire up the memes, and embrace the fabulousness that is National Beki Day. But where did this marvelous day come from? Well, it all started on July 28, 2016, when the online world erupted with excitement over this unique and inclusive holiday.

Beki, for those not in the know, is a colloquial term used in the Philippines to describe gay men who possess a mix of vibrant personality, humor, and flair. National Beki Day was created to celebrate the contributions of the bekis to the culture and to spread love and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community.

The internet, being the sassy and creative playground that it is, embraced National Beki Day with open arms. Memes, GIFs, and viral videos flooded social media, capturing the essence of bekiness and spreading joy all around. From fabulous dance moves to witty catchphrases, the online world showed its support for this celebration of love, individuality, and fierce fabulousness.

Since its inception, National Beki Day has only grown in popularity. Each year, on July 28th, we see a flurry of hashtags, posts, and online events dedicated to embracing the bekiness within us all. It's a day to celebrate our unique quirks, our fabulous personalities, and the power of love and acceptance.

History behind the term 'Beki'

1950s

The emergence of 'beki'

In the 1950s, a new term started to gain popularity among the gay community in the Philippines. This term was 'beki,' which is derived from the colloquial word for 'gay' in Filipino, 'bakla.' The term 'beki' was initially used as a way for gay men to refer to themselves in a more lighthearted and less derogatory manner.

2010

Introduction of the term 'beki'

In 2010, the term 'beki' emerged in the Philippines as a colloquial expression to describe gay men who had a distinct sense of fashion, mannerisms, and an affinity for pop culture. Derived from the Filipino word 'bakla,' which means 'gay,' 'beki' carries a lighthearted and playful connotation.

2009

Introduction of the term 'beki'

In 2009, the term 'beki' was introduced in the Philippines as a colloquial term to refer to gay men who exhibit feminine attributes. The term is derived from the Filipino word 'bekimon,' which is a combination of 'beki' and 'gay lingo.'

2004

The birth of B.E.K.I.

In 2004, the term 'beki' was coined in the Philippines. It is derived from the Filipino word 'bakla,' which refers to homosexual men in the country. 'Beki' is a playful and affectionate slang term that has become popular among the LGBTQ+ community in the Philippines.

2000

The Emergence

The term 'beki' originated around the year 2000 in the Philippines. It is a colloquial slang term used to refer to homosexual men with effeminate qualities. In Filipino gay culture, this term was coined to create a sense of camaraderie and camaraderie among individuals who identified as gay and embraced their femininity.

1990s

Mainstream recognition

During the 1990s, 'beki' made its way into the mainstream cultural landscape of the Philippines. It started to be used not only by the gay community but also by straight individuals. 'Beki' became a term that encapsulated the unique mannerisms, humor, and style of gay men in the country. It also became a means of bonding and creating a sense of community among individuals who identified with the term.

2003

Popularity in Media

In 2003, the term 'beki' gained significant attention and popularity in mainstream media. Television shows, movies, and even advertisements began to feature gay characters portrayed with humor, using the term 'beki' as a term of endearment. This portrayal helped normalize and empower the LGBTQ+ community, fostering acceptance and understanding among the general public.

2009

The rise of 'beki' culture

By 2009, 'beki' had evolved into a distinct subculture in the Philippines. Filipino gay men, who proudly identified themselves as 'beki,' began to embrace their unique mannerisms and fashion sense. 'Beki' culture introduced a vibrant mix of wit, humor, and flamboyance into the local LGBTQ+ community.

2010

Popularization through social media

In 2010, the term 'beki' gained popularity through social media platforms, particularly on Twitter and Facebook. Many young Filipinos embraced the term, using it to describe themselves and their friends in a playful and light-hearted manner.

2013

Mainstream popularity through social media

By 2013, with the increasing popularity of social media in the Philippines, the term 'beki' gained widespread usage and recognition. It became a part of the local LGBTQ+ community's colloquial language, even extending beyond the gay community itself.

2012

Social Media Influence

Around 2012, social media platforms played a crucial role in spreading the term 'beki' and its cultural significance. Filipino netizens, particularly LGBTQ+ individuals, appropriated the term 'beki' as a reclaiming of their identity, using it as a form of self-expression, solidarity, and humor. Memes, hashtags, and online communities further fueled the term's popularity, transcending geographical boundaries.

2014

Viral video featuring 'beki' language

In 2014, a video titled 'Beki Language 101' went viral on the internet. The video humorously showcased the distinct manner of speaking of 'beki' individuals, characterized by the fusion of English, Filipino, and gay slang. This video further popularized the term 'beki,' spreading its usage and fostering a sense of cultural identity.

2013

Mainstream recognition

In 2013, 'beki' gained significant mainstream recognition in the Philippines. Various media outlets, such as television shows and online platforms, started featuring 'beki' personalities and highlighting their contributions to fashion, entertainment, and social media. The term became widely understood and embraced by both LGBTQ+ individuals and the general public.

2010s

Social media and 'beki' culture

With the rise of social media in the 2010s, the term 'beki' gained even more prominence. It became a part of a vibrant online subculture where 'beki' individuals freely expressed themselves, shared relatable content, and created their own unique language and humor. This online presence helped 'beki' culture reach a wider audience and further solidified its place in Filipino popular culture.

2012

Mainstream recognition

By 2012, the term 'beki' had achieved mainstream recognition in the Philippines. It became widely used not only within the LGBTQ+ community but also by heterosexual individuals to refer to gay men with a particular sense of humor, fashion, and mannerisms.

2017

Inclusion in mainstream media

By 2017, the term 'beki' had become ingrained in Filipino pop culture. It was commonly used not only among the LGBTQ+ community but also in mainstream media, including TV shows, movies, and advertisements. Its usage in various media platforms further solidified 'beki' as a cultural phenomenon.

2013

Impact on pop culture

In 2013, the influence of 'beki' culture on mainstream pop culture became evident. The popularity of 'beki' expressions, mannerisms, and humor started to make waves in television shows, movies, and even commercials. 'Beki' language added a colorful and humorous touch to various media forms, contributing to the broader acceptance and recognition of the LGBTQ+ community.

2013

Language Evolution

The term 'beki' has significantly influenced Filipino language evolution, especially when it comes to colloquial expressions and witty wordplay. 'Bekification' or the infusion of 'beki' terms and expressions into everyday conversations became prevalent, serving as a unique and playful linguistic style. This linguistic phenomenon showcases how language adapts and absorbs cultural influences.

Present

Mainstream integration and acceptance

Today, 'beki' has become an integrated part of Philippine society. It is not only used within the LGBTQ+ community but has also been embraced by mainstream media. 'Beki' language and humor are frequently seen in TV shows, advertisements, and even political discourse, showcasing the extent to which 'beki' has permeated Filipino culture. This integration has also contributed to a greater acceptance and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community in the country.

2015

Beki-speak as an emerging language

By 2015, 'beki-speak' had emerged as a unique linguistic phenomenon. It is a playful form of gay lingo characterized by the creative and humorous manipulation of Filipino words and phrases. Beki-speak is often used as a means of self-expression, solidarity, and entertainment within the 'beki' community.

2019

Beki Culture Appreciation

In recent years, 'beki' culture became widely appreciated and celebrated, extending beyond LGBTQ+ communities. 'Beki-fied' language and humor are now embraced as part of the vibrant Filipino popular culture. From beauty pageants to comedy bars, the infusion of 'beki' elements adds flair and entertainment value, highlighting the creativity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.

2019

Recognition as 'beki' culture

In 2019, 'beki' culture was acknowledged as a vibrant aspect of Philippine society. It encompassed not only the language but also the unique expressions, fashion choices, and humor that characterize the 'beki' community. 'Beki' culture celebrated diversity, humor, and self-expression, empowering individuals to embrace their unique identities.

2017

Inclusion in the dictionary

In 2017, the influence of the term 'beki' on Philippine culture was solidified when it was included in the Filipino language dictionary, 'UP Diksyonaryong Filipino.' This recognition symbolized the cultural impact of the term and its widespread usage in contemporary Filipino society.

2019

Beki influence in pop culture

In recent years, 'beki' culture has significantly influenced mainstream pop culture in the Philippines. 'Beki' terminologies, mannerisms, and fashion trends have permeated various media platforms, music, and entertainment. The 'beki' community has been celebrated for its unique creativity and its role in shaping and diversifying Filipino popular culture.

Did you know?

Did you know that National Beki Day was inspired by the vibrant and fierce bekis of the Philippines? It's a day to celebrate love, laughter, and fabulousness!