Meet the first ever trans woman Presidential appointee
Dindi Tan proudly raises the fl ag on LGBTQ+ community
For years now, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ+) community have been tirelessly fighting for acceptance and equality. The Philippines, even though acknowledged as a gay-friendly nation—is tolerant but not accepting or at least that is the general concensus.
The United Nations’ (UN) 2018 survey found out that 30 percent of LGBTQ+ people in the country “reported being harassed, bullied, discriminated against by others at work due to their gender identity and/ or sexual orientation in their current or latest workplace.”
But with their hard work and perseverance, the tide is now shifting. Just recently, a local airline company hired Jess Labares, making her the first-ever trans woman cabin crew in the Philippines. And just a few days ago, another trans,
Dindi Tan, created history, as the first trans woman Presidential appointee in the country.
MEET DINDI TAN
Backed by a bachelor’s degree in Political Science-History from the
University of Northern Philippines, Dindi is an experienced public servant. She previously worked as the assistant program manager under the office of the undersecretary for legislative liaison and special concerns at the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and for the Convergence on the Livelihood Assistance for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Program.
Acknowledging her dedication, honesty, and hard work, President
Rodrigo Duterte
appointed her as director 1 of Provincial Agrarian Reform Program (PARP). According to Dindi, her recommendation paper was forwarded to the office of the President more than a year ago.
“My appointment papers were signed by PRRD on Dec. 3, so, that’s the reckoning date of my assumption to office,” she tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “I wasn’t expecting it, especially since I was recommended by the top DAR leaders over a year ago. I never imagined that it would still come. I even forgot about it until that fateful day, at about 12 noon when I received an official text advisory from Malacañang informing me of my appointment as director 1 /PARPO I. This is a third-level appointment.”
Among the new responsibilities of the 39-year-old as PARP officer is overseeing “all matters concerning the implementation of agrarian reform such as land conversion, provision of support services to farmer beneficiaries, agrarian justice delivery.”
A MILESTONE FOR LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY
Dindi was grateful and feeling ecstatic with the new role and responsibilities given to her. She believes that this will open new opportunities for the whole LGBTQ+ community. “It means new opportunity to prove to people that LGBTQ+ leaders can ace it in any field they choose. Given the chance to serve the people, we can offer our talents and skills in the service of the country,” says Dindi. “But, more important, this appointment sends a powerful message that anyone, regardless of how they identify as, can be a partner in making a positive impact on the lives of our people. That we are not ‘boxed’ by the stereotypes normally ascribed to LGBTQ+ people.”
According to the new PARP officer, for someone from the LGBTQ+ community to be given the privilege to serve the country is already a feat in itself. “This is the very first time in Philippine history that a sitting
President decided to appoint an openly out trans woman leader to a government position,” she adds.
“I couldn’t thank our beloved President Duterte enough for the honor that this has given me and the Philippine LGBTQ+ community at large.”
With so much love and affection for the members of her community, Dindi also dedicates this achievement to her people, and hopes that her appointment would be the starting point for other members of the community to also be given the same equal chance and opportunity she got. “I personally think that when trans individuals are judged on merit, fitness, and competency and not for who they are and how they identify as, we can equalize the playing field and be our best and contribute to nation-building,” she says. “There’s so much talent from this community that we can tap so when we have more gender-nonconforming individuals breaking glass ceilings, it matters—and it matters a lot because you pave the way for others to realize their dreams and develop their potential to the fullest.”
But for all that she got, Dindi believes that the fight to equality and acceptance is not yet over. She gives an important message to every LGBTQ+ people: “While we enjoy and celebrate this honor for scoring another victory for our trans community, our fight for equality is far from over. We need to push harder and persist more as we set our sights on the long-term. We need to lift each other up in the LGBTQ+ community and inspire many more to believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
‘This appointment sends a powerful message that anyone, regardless of how they identify as, can be a partner in making a positive impact on the lives of our people. That we are not “boxed” by the stereotypes normally ascribed to LGBTQ+ people.’