In the Philippines, where long hair equals femininity, getting a pixie cut could shock people. And in one actress’ case, it has led people to conclude that she is a lesbian.
Television actress Sue Ramirez posted several tweets over the weekend to vent her frustration at people who assume that she’s a lesbian — just because she has short hair.
She wrote: “Why did you cut your hair? Are you a lesbian? [crying emoji] [S]uch a stupid question. Is that how we base sexual orientation now? Hairstyle? Really?”
Like many Filipino actresses, Ramirez used to sport shoulder-length locks, until she changed her hairstyle earlier this month.
“why did you cut your hair? Are you a lesbian?😭” such a stupid question. Is that how we base sexual orientation now? Hairstyle? Really?
— Sue Dodd (@sueanna_dodd) June 24, 2018
One fan replied to her in a mix of English and Filipino: “Either that, or ‘are you heartbroken?'”
To which Ramirez answers: “Can’t I just fuck*n cut my hair? [laughing emojis]”
CAN’T I JUST FCKN CUT MY HAIR? 😂😂😂 https://t.co/kos8joCkp5
— Sue Dodd (@sueanna_dodd) June 24, 2018
Ramirez wrote further, without referring to anyone specific: “They said they’re becoming suspicious. Wow. Really, suspicious? What’s this, a crime? A sin? And if it’s true [that I’m a lesbian]? So what? Is it bad?”
Nagdududa na daw sila. Wow. Duda talaga? Ano to? Krimen? Kasalanan? E kung totoo nga? Ano naman? Masama ba?
— Sue Dodd (@sueanna_dodd) June 24, 2018
“I am not offended to be called or asked if I am lesbian,” clarifies Ramirez. “There’s nothing wrong with being so. I just hate how people judge [one’s] sexuality so easily nowadays. Stop assuming [people’s sexuality] over meaningless sh*t.”
I am not offended to be called or asked if I am lesbian. There’s nothing wrong with being so. I just hate how people judge sexuality so easily nowadays. Stop assuming over meaningless sht.
— Sue Dodd (@sueanna_dodd) June 24, 2018
The local showbiz industry has a certain template when it comes to young actresses’ appearance — they’re usually fair skinned and long-haired. It’s rare to find someone with short hair.
Perhaps this is due to most Filipinos associating long, straight hair with a wholesome, feminine personality, while short hair is viewed as edgy, or as evidenced by Ramirez’s situation, manly.
In some cases, long hair is a necessity in order to book commercial endorsements.
If sporting shorter locks is necessary for a role, actresses usually resort to using wigs.
What Ramirez did can be considered as brave — especially when she was once rumored to be dating one of her close friends, actress Maris Racal.
Long hair or short, Ramirez looks good and seems happy with her new look — and that should be enough.
