Gigil: A Sapphic Anthology - Longing and the Filipino Queer Experience

There are books that entertain, and then there are books that make you feel seen.

Published in 2024 by KOMIKET INC. and edited by Bunny Luz, GIGIL is a vibrant, full-color paperback anthology that brings together 13 deeply evocative stories by 20 Filipino creators. Each one a distinct expression of what it means to be a sapphic person in the Philippines. It’s a tender and electric celebration of the many forms sapphic love can take: hesitant glances across the classroom, the quiet safety of a long-held friendship blooming into more, or the wordless magnetism between strangers who just know.

“Gigil” is a uniquely Filipino term that’s difficult to find an accurate translation for. It's an intense rush of feeling that overwhelms the senses in the best way possible. It's akin to the impulse of wanting to pinch a baby’s cheeks because they’re so cute, or the fluttering ache in your chest when you’re near someone you secretly long for. That’s what this book captures so beautifully.

A visual feast with over 265 pages of lush, full-color illustrations. Each story comes alive with expressive characters and gorgeous emotional detail. The art styles are as diverse as the voices behind them. Yet, they’re all united by a shared heartbeat.

GIGIL is perfect for fans of LGBTQ+ literature who are craving stories that are both emotionally real and culturally rooted. If you're Filipino yourself or even simply a lover of queer storytelling with soul, this anthology will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

Available on Komiket and Shoppee. Find it here.