Recall the era when ‘Sirena,’ a song by the acclaimed Filipino rapper Gloc-9, was released in 2012. Perhaps, those days marked a somber chapter for the LGBTQ+ community, with lingering memories of them avoiding the song, haunted by its poignant connotations. It bore the weight of a painful reminder of the hardships they faced, while heterosexuals mocked the experiences they encountered.

During that period, people had not fully grasped the true meaning of the song. However, in a recent interview, Gloc-9 appeared to resonate with those who had once connected with the anthem. He revealed that ‘Sirena’ was, in fact, a love letter to his child within the LGBTQ+ community, providing an even more empowering statement on the song’s intent.

Sirena in the lens of cis-gendered individuals

For a cis-gendered man telling a story about the queer community, Gloc-9 felt that it was not his story to tell. Therefore, he had second thoughts about releasing the song, recognizing that it wasn’t his experience but rather him serving as a mere instrument to make a statement.

“Yung song na ‘yan, nung ire-release namin ‘yan, takot na takot ako. Takot na takot dahil ayaw kong maka-insulto ng tao. Alam ko kasi nung sinulat ko ‘yan, hindi ko tsinelas o sapatos ang suot-suot ko. Ako’y nagsuot ng ibang sapatos o tsinelas,” Gloc-9 said. 

Revisiting the times when the song was released and considering the societal landscape of that era, it becomes evident that some members of the LGBTQ+ community felt uneasy about it. Many were grappling with denial about their identities, and the song seemed to air their stories, exposing them to perceptions from those outside the community.

During those haunting days, the song was weaponized to the extent that cis-gendered bullies would start singing it whenever a queer person passed by, using it as a means to mock them. While it may reflect the societal landscape, witnessing the song prosper and be deemed an anthem in today’s generation speaks volumes about how the landscape has evolved, especially that cis-gendered individuals flaunted their lack of comprehension of the song’s true meaning.

Sirena as a battlecry

In this current era in our country, where the LGBTQ+ community is celebrated for who they are, many individuals within the community have made significant strides to assert their presence and demand respect. In this context, a song like ‘Sirena’ not only reflects their stories but serves as a powerful symbol of empowerment for everyone within the community.

More than highlighting the challenges, ‘Sirena’ has also brought positive impact to individuals, including those outside the LGBTQ+ community. There was an instance when Gloc-9 met a bouncer who expressed gratitude for the song. The bouncer acknowledged that Gloc-9’s masterpiece had a meaningful impact, saying, “Idol, Salamat ah, kasi yung anak ko Sirena rin eh.”

In essence, the song became a source of empowerment, resonating with individuals like the bouncer who felt that it captured the stories of their siblings. ‘Sirena’ opened up conversations, acting as a battlecry that not only illuminated the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community but also shed light on experiences that many cis-gendered individuals might not be familiar with.

Sirena and its empowering impact

While the song ‘Sirena’ may have carried different connotations, it undeniably stands as a powerful anthem for the LGBTQ+ community. It carries the essence of a battlecry, a refrain that resonates repeatedly, vividly portraying the daily experiences of a typical Filipino queer individual. With empowering lines, it raises the banner for one’s self, encouraging authenticity and the freedom to be true to one’s identity.

The song’s resonance within the community is evident through its performances at pageant shows in barangays, drag shows, references in TV shows, and its integration into various aspects of pop culture. It goes beyond being a mere love story; it serves as a narrative that challenges preconceived notions about the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting their capabilities, similarities, and the shared humanity with individuals.

Sirena as a manifestation of a father’s love

As it initially carried connotations of being weaponized against the LGBTQ+ community, ‘Sirena’ also emerged as an empowering anthem. With Gloc-9’s revelation about the song’s deeper meaning, resonating with its true intent, the song has transformed into a statement of profound significance. It became a beacon of hope for many, symbolizing the possibility of receiving a father’s love—a sentiment often rare for queer individuals.

Gloc-9’s ‘Sirena’ as a love story to his queer sibling reflects the potential for paternal love to be realized, even amidst societal challenges. In today’s generation, this message is particularly timely and hopeful, as it suggests that queer individuals can experience the unconditional love of a father figure. Beyond empowerment, Gloc-9’s lyrical craftsmanship has given voice to the tangible manifestation of a father’s love, resonating deeply with audiences.