Inclusivity beyond Visibility

Cliché as it may seem, change is the only thing unchanging in this world. That statement might have made your eyes roll or maybe even made you cringe, but no one can ever deny that universal adage.

Throughout history, people have come a long way with regard to societal norms. What even is normal? What’s acceptable and unacceptable? Can you even measure normality? Not fitting in to society in the past was not only depressing and anxiety-inducing. Being out of place during a time when people were not accepting of things that are not considered normal reached to a point that it became lifethreatening. Women falsely accused of practicing witchcraft were hanged to death or drowned. Men who were outed for being gay were castrated. There was even a time when burning was a punishment for both. As the world went through industrialization and modernization, so did the people mature and became more accepting of differences. One such topic or issue that has grown in awareness and acceptance is the LGBT+ community, the Transgender community in particular.

Central Philippine University, as Christian as this institution may be, is not free from mixed opinions about the Transgender community. That is the overall gist after interviewing two Transgender Centralian alumni. Let’s get to know them, shall we?

Kit before transitioning.

A “full-fledged transwoman,” as she proudly calls herself, Kit Oliver Sta. Ana Lapating started Hormonal Replacement Therapy during High School. In 2017, she had her first surgery which was the Tracheal Shave where her Adam’s Apple was removed. Having undergone Sexual Reassignment Surgery later that same year, she considers it the best year of her life.

Kit after transitioning.

“It felt like I was reborn to a new, right body,” she said. She went on jovially saying she had her breast implants a few days after, adding, “Now, I feel very comfortable with myself, no insecurities and completely happy.”

Her Struggles in Transitioning

Kit said it wasn’t easy being in CPU, further adding that it was the toughest and that it felt like she was torn between choosing to pursue her dream career or to express her true identity.

“I can never forget during exam week when I was in my 2nd year. I was wearing a loose white V-neck shirt and jeans. Then when I entered the Main Gate, security called my attention. He told me ‘Indi na pwede ang ginasuksuk mo, indi ta ka pagpasudlon.’ I answered ‘Nong ano sala sa ginasuksuk ko? Panglalake man ni. Halog na ni gane, indi pa gid pwede? Exams ko subong nong. Ginbayran ko ang tuition fee ko para makakwa ko exam, tapos tungod lang sa ginasuksuk ko, ikaw ya nga indi ko teacher, indi mo ko pagpasugtan?" She said. She admitted to sounding rude, but had to say it because she knew there was nothing wrong with what she was wearing.

Kit also shared how one of their spectacled friends took out a mirror looking for dirt in his eyes at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park when a member of the University Administration came near and told him “Ano ang gina-himo mo? Kabalo ka nga insulto na para sa ‘kon? Lakat ta sa Vice President’s office.”

“Para lang sa simple nga pang-ispiyo, ginpatawag kami sa VP office,” Kit said, adding, “I explained myself to the VP that I was a graduate of Don Bosco Technical Institute which is an exclusive school for boys when I was in High School. And there we were taught that using sunblock and cream on the face is part of proper hygiene. And wala gid ya sala mang-ispiyo!” She exclaimed.

Her Passion

She is passionate about art and pageantry saying that it helped her discover so much more about herself while also becoming an inspiration to the Transgender community. “It is not only about winning the crown but it is a platform where I can showcase my individuality and somehow educate people,” Kit said.

Her CPU atmosphere

When asked about the LGBT+ community in CPU, Kit said “we’re proud and loud, but we’re pulled down” and that discrimination has made the Transgender community shameful and has kept them inside their comfort zones. The school should have been the learning ground in expressing and sharing their unique personalities. Kit hopes for the University to realize how much the Transgender community has struggled and points out that they also have a strong faith in God. “As an advocate of gender equality, it has always been a tough issue when there is religion involved,” she said.

Her Risks and Threats

Talking about the latest news regarding the LGBT+ community, Kit said that it causes more heartbreak knowing how fellow Transgenders are being killed ruthlessly, besides being discriminated.

“Every group of people has their own beliefs and I respect that. However, let us all be reminded, that it is written in the Ten Commandments, ‘Thou shall not kill’,” further explaining that it would be a bigger sin to kill someone than be a homosexual.

Her Crown

According to Kit, she is not in favor of Transwomen joining pageants for women such as the acclaimed Miss Universe. She believes that Miss International Queen is the biggest beauty pageant for Transwomen and that it is the appropriate avenue for them to share their individuality and uniqueness. Although, Kit emphasizes that Miss Universe was made for women and women of all kinds, and it was not stated that only natural born women could join.

“If your basis of being a woman, is being able to bear a child, what do you call the women who cannot conceive a child?” She said and that Miss Spain should never have been bashed for joining since the Miss Universe Organization allowed her to do so.

Nico before transitioning.

Nicole Marie Brillantes. A Transman who first came out as lesbian during his years in High School and began transitioning in 2015. Nico said that most transgender people prefer being addressed with the pronoun corresponding to the gender they identify with. Explaining further, he said a transgender woman should be called “she” and a transgender man should be called “he” if that’s what each of them prefers.

Nico after transitioning.

“Everyone has perceptions or preconceived ideas about what it means to be gay. Many people think they can tell if someone is gay by the way they look, dress, or behave,” he said.

Nico cited examples saying that not all gay men are effeminate and flamboyant and that not all lesbians are tomboyish.

“Just because someone is gay, that doesn’t mean he is obsessed with fashion or super styling. Just because someone is lesbian, that doesn't mean she has to wear short hair, tattoos, body piercing, and army boots,” he explained.

His Struggles in Transitioning

To him, it wasn’t easy at first. It’s not easy, period. He only had the courage to go on and be really open about himself with the help of supportive classmates and friends. Since not everyone had enough idea about his gender identity, Nico shared that he tried his best to get comfortable around students especially during class, but had to constantly explain himself to people.

“It was frustrating because they would still see me as a lesbian even though I’m already in transition into becoming a transgender man. But, I realized that I don’t really need to always explain myself to them. I can’t control how they would react or see me, the only thing that I can control is myself and how I would react to them. I respect them because they have different perspectives and beliefs,” Nico said.

His Passion

“I’m passionate about sharing the word of God. I love reading the Bible and devotional books and sharing the word of God to my friends,” said Nico adding that when it comes to his relationship with Him, he sets aside individuality and personal appearance.

Nico is also passionate about videography and photography. He loves taking photos and editing videos, and it is in these fields that he shares his ideas and develops his creativity. This also allows him to represent his generation saying he wants to inspire other millennials to pursue their passion regardless of their sexuality and gender identity.

“I want my generation to have the courage to keep going and to keep their head up high. To become more compassionate and kind to other people and to accept that it is okay to be different,” he said

His CPU atmosphere

When asked about how he felt about the of LGBTs in CPU, Nico said that it is a big deal especially to those who have not come out of the closet yet and are afraid to do so. Their presence can make others feel that they are not alone and that the LGBT+ community is fully supportive. Nico said he is thankful for the people in the campus who are open-minded and accepting despite the students and teachers who are disagreeable to this kind of topic. He said he understands how all of us have different beliefs.

He also hopes that CPU would support LGBT+ organizations and allow events such as the annual Pride March, and especially for the University to acknowledge the issues and rights of the LGBT+ community.

His Risks and Threats

When topics on Russian concentration camps and gay bar shootings were brought up, Nico said “It’s horrifying and disappointing to hear these kind of events that have been happening these recent months. Discrimination is everywhere and we can’t deny that. It is a major societal problem because it is so pervasive, takes so many forms, and has such negative effects on so many people.” Nico adds that violence should be stopped and acceptance of the LGBT+ community must be increased and further explains how art, dialogue, and media campaigns are some of the tactics to break down the stigma.

His Crown

Nico is proud of Miss Spain as she made history in the Miss Universe. He is one with the Miss Universe Organization for recognizing her as qualified to enter the pageant since she is legally recognized as a woman.

He said he doesn’t believe that any person should be discriminated on any level, this is a modern world where sexuality or labels do not represent an individual, and that you should not be penalized in any way for being your true self.

“She showed that it’s not all about winning in the competition, she just wanted to stand in front of the crowd and be the spokesperson for a message of inclusion, respect and diversity not only for the LGBTQ+ community, but for the entire world,” concluded Nico on Miss Spain.

These are just some of the experiences Transgenders have faced. They showed that living as someone nonconforming to what society expects entails a lot of hardships. They showed that no matter who you identify yourself with, we are all human.

Special praise should be given to Angela Ponce for representing not only Spain in Miss Universe but representing the Transgender community across the globe. In a video tribute during the pageant she said “My hope is for tomorrow, to be able to live in a world of equality for everyone. Simply for us all to understand that we are human and that we must make all our lives easier together. That reality for many people is going to change. If I can give that to the world, I don’t need to win Miss Universe, I just need to be here.”

Transwomen are women, transmen are men. If only we loved each other a little more, maybe it wouldn’t be that difficult to comprehend. /CE