DIVERSE, INCLUSIVE, FREE: A KINDER, HAPPIER PLACE FOR ALL
Imagine if the world were genderless. Perhaps it would be easier for all of us people to be ourselves, to be who we want to be and just simply live. Boys wouldn’t be afraid to wear pink, while girls could appreciate blue all they want. Everyone would be proud to wear any color. After all, color is genderless.
Maybe all of us would be fully in touch with our creativity, because as kids, we would be allowed to play with both dolls and robots. We could idolize Spiderman as well as Darna, root for both Storm and Captain Barbell, and become empowered heroes who can help build a better and safer world.
Everyone could dream big and would have the opportunities to realize them. Anyone could be a doctor, lawyer, teacher, actor, singer, athlete, and live in a world with limitless possibilities.
It would be easier to feel secure, be comfortable in one’s skin, and not be afraid of body shaming. No one would be shamed and feel ashamed. And maybe, it would be easier to date and find true love, or just simply choose to enjoy a single, independent life.
Everyone would go home to safe and loving homes. A home where kids won’t fear rejection and parents won’t disown their kids. A home whose sense of family is grounded on love. Likewise, a home with a single parent won’t be a shame. A home with same-sex partners would be protected by law.
And together, as happy families, we could celebrate #Smilestones – birthdays, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, career promotions, a new baby.
Maybe everyone would be courageous. No one needs to hide in such a world. No one needs to come out.
There would be no room for misogyny, bigotry and bullying. No one would have to fear for their lives. No one would end up killed. And everyone would be protected by law.
TANGGAP BA TALAGA KAMI?
In the Philippines, where patriarchy still reigns, LGBTQIA+ individuals are subjected to violence and oppression every single day.
Trans students, for example, can’t come to school freely in the gender they identify as. While their cis-hetero classmates easily enjoy the right to education, they have to endure the unjust haircut and uniform policy of many schools to look decent and professional and be seen as “katanggaptanggap” (acceptable). They receive constant bullying from the people around them, including their teachers. As a result, many trans students are forced to choose: Either hide their truths, or embrace the painful fate of not finishing their studies.
The fate of Jennifer Laude and the presidential pardon extended to her murderer is a stark testament to how LGBTQIA+ lives are not valued in this country.
These and a multitude of other heartbreaking experiences – getting disowned by parents, not getting a chance to be interviewed for a dream job, receiving verbal or physical threats on the streets – make it tough to feel safe and secure in a society that proclaims, “Tanggap naman namin kayo!” (We already accept you!).
Our glimmer of hope is the passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill into a national law. Our legislators have ignored the bill for 22 years now, but advocates of gender equality and LGBTQIA+ rights are not giving up the fight. Passing the bill would assure some protection for any person experiencing genderbased discrimination; and consequently, would change how LGBTQIA+ lives are treated and valued in this country.
ALLYSHIP SAILING
As we continue to push for the SOGIE Equality Law, the movement toward true allyship is being strengthened day by day.
A number of progressive cities and municipalities have passed and enacted anti-discrimination ordinances. Multinational and local companies have also strengthened their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace by incorporating and implementing LGBTQIA+ inclusive policies. In addition, the Department of Education has reiterated the strict implementation of its Gender Responsive Basic Education Policy, which mandates the observance of a gendersensitive, safe and motivating learning environment for children.
It may be slow progress, but we are moving toward an inclusive Philippines that is respectful of diversity.
GENDERLESS IS GENDER-FULL
IN A GENDERLESS WORLD, THERE WOULD BE NO HE, SHE OR THEY. IT WOULD BE JUST US PEOPLE.
Maybe, as Filipinos, we need to honor history and talk more about our beautiful pre-colonial roots – where men, women and LGBTQIA+ individuals were of equal footing. Cisgender and trans women served as Babaylans, the celebrated divine shamans or religious leaders in their communities, and others could be Pintados, fierce and brave tattooed warriors.
The way our ancestors lived is proof that, regardless of gender, we can have equal opportunities, we can collaborate, we can co-exist.
Imagine if we all lived in a genderless society as they did. Maybe we will have a fuller world, where everyone is included, and all are accepted. Where people are free, and all people matter.
Because in a genderless world, there would be no he, she or they. It would be just us — people.* * *
Mela Habijan is the first-ever Miss Trans Global. Crowned in 2020, she is an active voice for the LGBTQIA+ community. A host, writer, actress and content creator based in Manila, she is fond of pop culture, desires to follow the footsteps of Oprah and dreams of having a family of her own (with Chris Evans as her husband).