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What Does It Mean to Be a Tomboy?

Written by: Christel Mae Cadiz

What does “tomboy” mean to you? For years, this word has had many meanings. It started as a way to describe girls who didn’t follow traditional “girly” rules, but in the Philippines, it’s also connected to the LGBTQIA+ community. Now, kids like you, growing up in today’s world, are helping shape what it means!

Where Did “Tomboy” Come From?

A long time ago, “tomboy” was used to tease girls who didn’t act how people thought girls should act. But over time, the word started to mean something stronger—girls who are brave, adventurous, or unique.

In the Philippines, “tomboy” is also used to describe LGBTQIA+ girls. But the meaning is still changing as people learn and talk more about identity and being themselves.

Media and Representation

Movies and shows often show characters who are strong, independent, and don’t follow traditional rules—like Moana or Katniss Everdeen. But in the Philippines, there haven’t been many good examples of LGBTQIA+ girls in stories. Often, these characters are only in funny or small roles.

This makes it harder for people to see and understand all the amazing ways someone can be themselves.

What Kids Like You Think

Kids today are growing up in a world where there’s more talk about being yourself, no matter what. Generation Alpha (that’s kids born after 2010) is the most tech-savvy and connected generation yet. You see and hear different ideas about identity, but we don’t yet fully know what you think about words like “tomboy.”

That’s why it’s important to listen to your voices! What does “tomboy” mean to you? Do you think it’s helpful or outdated?

Why This Matters?

By talking about labels like “tomboy,” we can create a world where everyone feels included. Words can be powerful—they can make people feel seen or left out.

Let’s work together to make sure everyone feels free to be themselves, no matter how they dress, act, or identify. After all, being yourself is the best thing you can be!

References

Alvemark, A. (2021). Becoming a Woman Through Tomboyism A Qualitative Study of the Female Gender Identity of the Tomboy. Becoming a Woman through Tomboyism a Qualitative Study of the Female Gender Identity of the Tomboy. https://www.academia.edu/65183135/Becoming_a_Woman_Through_Tomboyism_A_Qualitative_Study_of_the_Female_Gender_Identity_of_the_Tomboy

Del Castillo, F., Del Castillo, C. D., Ching, G., & Campos, M. S. (2021). Centrality of Religiosity among Select LGBTQs in the Philippines. Religions, 12(2), 83. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel12020083

De Leon, J., & Jintalan, J. (2018). Accepted or not: Homosexuality, media, and the culture of silence in the Philippine society. Jurnal Komunikasi, Malaysian Journal of Communication, 34(3), 408–425. https://doi.org/10.17576/jkmjc-2018-3403-25

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