What the f*%#, Philipine Fashion Week? (WTF PFW!!!)
Official statement of the Society of Transsexual Women (STRAP) on the barring of transgender models to walk fashion designer Kermit Tesoro's show
Fashion's not about looking back. It's always about looking forward. - Anna Wintour
On the evening of 24 May 2012, Thursday, transgender models were barred from walking the runway at the scheduled show of fashion designer Kermit Tesoro at the SM Mall of Asia for PFW. Tesoro, who has been showing for PFW for several seasons now, had transmodels in his line-up. He was informed, just before the show, that PFW did not want the transmodels seen on the runway. Ironically, some of the models Tesoro hired to walk his show last night have actually been walking at PFW for the last three seasons.
We, the members of the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP), would like to express our deepest disappointment over this transphobic move by PFW and we say: WTF PFW? Discrimination is not fashionable especially in an industry dominated by members of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ) community. WTF PWF? After Teri Toye, Lauren Foster, Tracy Norman, Isis King and Lea T., transwomen all,who have made their mark in the fashion world as female models, this act of exclusion and oppression is so passé.
We urge the producers of PFW to have a dialogue with STRAP so we can clarify transgender needs, issues and concerns with them. We also ask them to take step to ensure that PFW does not become a hotbed of homophobic and transphobic discrimination but of genuine artistic freedom, modernity and celebration of humanity.
Equality and not discrimination should be the fashion at PFW! Stop transphobia at Philippine Fashion Week! WTF PFW!!!
Written for STRAP by Chairwoman Ms Naomi Fontanos
Saturday, 2 June 2012
Sunday, 4 March 2012
Transpinay human rights defenders go to bed with famed photographer
For many women, the "bedroom" is not just a room but represents a multiplicity of meanings. It can be a site of struggle for power, pleasure and personhood. To others, it can be a place of vulnerability, where personal issues are dealt with--those that pertain to the body, health, sense of well-being, sense of belonging, sexuality, gender, pain, lust and love.
On International Women's Month, the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP), the pioneer organization of transgender rights advocates in the Philippines, revisits the idea of the "bedroom" as a complex space. Collaborating with renowned photographer Niccolo Cosme, transpinays (transgender/transsexual Filipinas) figuratively go to bed with Cosme to produce black-and-white images of transgender women confronting the issues that they face daily: discrimination, hate, the struggle for equality, identity, their place in public/social institutions, social roles and relationships, kinship, sisterhood and community.
These photographs are not only meant to showcase the diversity, beauty, and strength of the transpinay but also to trigger a reflection on the power of self-determination and how in the bedroom the personal is also the political.
The exhibit will run from 5-9 March 2012 at the Law School of the Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Professional Schools and is co-presented by the Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC) Women’s Desk.
Written for STRAP by Chairwoman Ms Naomi Fontanos
On International Women's Month, the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP), the pioneer organization of transgender rights advocates in the Philippines, revisits the idea of the "bedroom" as a complex space. Collaborating with renowned photographer Niccolo Cosme, transpinays (transgender/transsexual Filipinas) figuratively go to bed with Cosme to produce black-and-white images of transgender women confronting the issues that they face daily: discrimination, hate, the struggle for equality, identity, their place in public/social institutions, social roles and relationships, kinship, sisterhood and community.
These photographs are not only meant to showcase the diversity, beauty, and strength of the transpinay but also to trigger a reflection on the power of self-determination and how in the bedroom the personal is also the political.
The exhibit will run from 5-9 March 2012 at the Law School of the Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Professional Schools and is co-presented by the Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC) Women’s Desk.
Written for STRAP by Chairwoman Ms Naomi Fontanos
Sunday, 26 February 2012
STRAP turns 10: A decade of support, sorority and sisterhood
The Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP), the pioneer support group and human rights advocacy organization of transpinays (transgender/transsexual Filipinas) turns 10 in May 2012. To celebrate a decade of support, sorority and sisterhood, STRAP will hold three major events in three months (March, April & May 2012).
In March, in time for International Women's Month, STRAP will hold a photo exhibit at the Law School of the Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Professional Schools in cooperation with the Ateneo Human Rights Center's Women's Desk. To be held on 5-9 March 2012, the exhibit will feature black-and-white photographs showcasing the beauty and diversity of STRAP members shot by renowned photographer Niccolo Cosme.
In April, STRAP will hold a social responsibility activity to benefit a charity of their choice. STRAP's 10th year anniversary celebrations culminate with the 2nd Sybil Awards on 19 May 2012. The Sybil Awards is named after one incarnation of the Great Mother, a goddess whose worship dates back to the Stone Age. Known by different names, she was called Sybil in various cultures. The Great Mother Sybil was venerated by transgender priestesses in pre-communal societies. STRAP's Sybil awards honor individuals, organizations, establishments, activities, programs, and other entities that, in their own way, promote the equality, acceptance, empowerment and dignity of transgender Filipinos.
For more information on these events, please contact Ms Naomi Fontanos, STRAP Chairwoman at strapmanila@gmail.com or through mobile +63920.2697607.
Written for STRAP by Chairwoman Ms Naomi Fontanos
In March, in time for International Women's Month, STRAP will hold a photo exhibit at the Law School of the Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Professional Schools in cooperation with the Ateneo Human Rights Center's Women's Desk. To be held on 5-9 March 2012, the exhibit will feature black-and-white photographs showcasing the beauty and diversity of STRAP members shot by renowned photographer Niccolo Cosme.
In April, STRAP will hold a social responsibility activity to benefit a charity of their choice. STRAP's 10th year anniversary celebrations culminate with the 2nd Sybil Awards on 19 May 2012. The Sybil Awards is named after one incarnation of the Great Mother, a goddess whose worship dates back to the Stone Age. Known by different names, she was called Sybil in various cultures. The Great Mother Sybil was venerated by transgender priestesses in pre-communal societies. STRAP's Sybil awards honor individuals, organizations, establishments, activities, programs, and other entities that, in their own way, promote the equality, acceptance, empowerment and dignity of transgender Filipinos.
For more information on these events, please contact Ms Naomi Fontanos, STRAP Chairwoman at strapmanila@gmail.com or through mobile +63920.2697607.
Written for STRAP by Chairwoman Ms Naomi Fontanos
Rep. Teddy Casiño's response on HB 4530
Below is Rep. Teddy Casiño's response on his co-authorship of HB 4530 or "An act further authorizing the city of municipal civil registrar or the consul general to correct clerical or typographical errors in the date of birth or sex or a person appearing in the civil register without need of a judicial order amending for this purpose the pertinent provisions of Republic Act No. 9048." STRAP is opposed to this measure as it makes the process of changing sex in the birth certificate violative of privacy and impossible for those who identify as transgender/transsexual.
HB 4530 Co-authorship
Dear Friends in the LGBT Community,
Warm greetings!
In response to some discussions in the LGBT community about the recently passed bill on correcting entries in birth certificates, I wish to make the following clarifications.
1. I was never an author of any of the measures that went into the final bill (HB 4530 titled: An Act Further Authorizing The City Or Municipal Civil Registrar Or The Consul General To Correct Clerical Or Typographical Error In The Date Of Birth Or Sex Of A Person Appearing In The Civil Register Without Need Of A Judicial Order). Instead, I was automatically included as a co-author of the measure after attending a meeting of the Committee on Justice sometime in May 2011, where a number of bills, including HB 4530, were apparently approved. I did not vote for or against the measure and was not a co-author of any similar measure (House Bills 214, 237, 1767, 2438, 2681, 2795, 3834).
2. The intention of the bill is merely to allow ordinary citizens to correct CLERICAL or TYPOGRAPHICAL errors in their birth certificates without having to go through the courts. There is nothing objectionable in that.
3. Technically, transgender persons who want to change their gender identity in their birth certificates are not covered by the bill, since such a change is neither a clerical nor typographical error. Thus, the law specifically states that changes in gender due to medical procedures are excluded from the coverage of the law.
4. I agree, however, that the wording of the law tends to discriminate against transgender persons, especially those who have undergone a medical procedure to change their sex. It would have been better if the law merely stated that the law does not cover persons who deliberately change their gender identity, as corrections of this nature are neither clerical nor typographical.
5. I shall withdraw my name as a co-author of the said measure and will take steps, if it is still possible, to correct the discriminatory language found in the said bill.
I deeply appreciate your concern on bringing this issue to me and allowing me to clarify my position. And I welcome all your views and proposals, for I would definitely like to be informed further on LGBT issues and concerns.
Thank you very much!
Teddy Casiño
HB 4530 Co-authorship
Dear Friends in the LGBT Community,
Warm greetings!
In response to some discussions in the LGBT community about the recently passed bill on correcting entries in birth certificates, I wish to make the following clarifications.
1. I was never an author of any of the measures that went into the final bill (HB 4530 titled: An Act Further Authorizing The City Or Municipal Civil Registrar Or The Consul General To Correct Clerical Or Typographical Error In The Date Of Birth Or Sex Of A Person Appearing In The Civil Register Without Need Of A Judicial Order). Instead, I was automatically included as a co-author of the measure after attending a meeting of the Committee on Justice sometime in May 2011, where a number of bills, including HB 4530, were apparently approved. I did not vote for or against the measure and was not a co-author of any similar measure (House Bills 214, 237, 1767, 2438, 2681, 2795, 3834).
2. The intention of the bill is merely to allow ordinary citizens to correct CLERICAL or TYPOGRAPHICAL errors in their birth certificates without having to go through the courts. There is nothing objectionable in that.
3. Technically, transgender persons who want to change their gender identity in their birth certificates are not covered by the bill, since such a change is neither a clerical nor typographical error. Thus, the law specifically states that changes in gender due to medical procedures are excluded from the coverage of the law.
4. I agree, however, that the wording of the law tends to discriminate against transgender persons, especially those who have undergone a medical procedure to change their sex. It would have been better if the law merely stated that the law does not cover persons who deliberately change their gender identity, as corrections of this nature are neither clerical nor typographical.
5. I shall withdraw my name as a co-author of the said measure and will take steps, if it is still possible, to correct the discriminatory language found in the said bill.
I deeply appreciate your concern on bringing this issue to me and allowing me to clarify my position. And I welcome all your views and proposals, for I would definitely like to be informed further on LGBT issues and concerns.
Thank you very much!
Teddy Casiño
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
STRAP salutes Heart and Pat
Ms Heart Diño for Chairperson and Ms Pat Bringas for Councilor of the University Student Council (USC) in the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman
STRAP, a non-profit organization that envisions a nurturing society that affirms, respects and upholds the dignity, the right to self-determination and good quality of life of all through the promotion of gender equality and self-expression, salutes the candidacies of Ms Heart Diño for Chairperson and Ms Pat Bringas for Councilor of the University Student Council (USC) in the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman for Academic Year 2012-2013.
While we are aware that much more still needs to be done towards the equality of men and women in the Philippines, the candidacies of Heart and Pat are testament to the progress that has been gained in the struggle for sexual rights in our country. As smart, highly capable and exemplary young leaders, they embody the best of the transpinay (transgender/transsexual Filipina).
STRAP believes that the increasing prominence of transpinays in politics, entertainment and the corporate world is not only a reflection of transpinay empowerment in the Philippines but also a recuperation of our society from the malady that is gender-based discrimination. May the candidacies of Heart and Pat contribute greatly to this healing process.
We are proud of you Heart and Pat! Mabuhay kayo at mabuhay ang transpinay!
This statement was prepared for STRAP by Vice Chairwoman Ms Kate Montecarlo and edited by Chairwoman Ms Naomi Fontanos.
STRAP, a non-profit organization that envisions a nurturing society that affirms, respects and upholds the dignity, the right to self-determination and good quality of life of all through the promotion of gender equality and self-expression, salutes the candidacies of Ms Heart Diño for Chairperson and Ms Pat Bringas for Councilor of the University Student Council (USC) in the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman for Academic Year 2012-2013.
While we are aware that much more still needs to be done towards the equality of men and women in the Philippines, the candidacies of Heart and Pat are testament to the progress that has been gained in the struggle for sexual rights in our country. As smart, highly capable and exemplary young leaders, they embody the best of the transpinay (transgender/transsexual Filipina).
STRAP believes that the increasing prominence of transpinays in politics, entertainment and the corporate world is not only a reflection of transpinay empowerment in the Philippines but also a recuperation of our society from the malady that is gender-based discrimination. May the candidacies of Heart and Pat contribute greatly to this healing process.
We are proud of you Heart and Pat! Mabuhay kayo at mabuhay ang transpinay!
This statement was prepared for STRAP by Vice Chairwoman Ms Kate Montecarlo and edited by Chairwoman Ms Naomi Fontanos.
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
Gender identity is a human right
Below is the official position written by Chairwoman Ms Naomi Fontanos of the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP) on House Bill No. 4530 and Senate Bill 3113 also known as "An act further authorizing the city of municipal civil registrar or the consul general to correct clerical or typographical errors in the date of birth or sex or a person appearing in the civil register without need of a judicial order amending for this purpose the pertinent provisions of Republic Act No. 9048"
As the day of hearts fast approaches, we, the members of the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP)*, are heartbroken that members of Congress (REPRESENTATIVES GUNIGUNDO, ROMUALDO, MIRAFLORES, ALVAREZ (M.), ESPINA, ARNAIZ, RODRIGUEZ (R.), RODRIGUEZ (M.), TUPAS, CASIÑO AND RELAMPAGOS) and the Senate (SENATORS TRILLANES AND ESCUDERO) are seeking to amend Republic Act (RA) 9048 or the Clerical Error Law of 2001 that would effectively illegalize the lives and identities of transgender/transsexual Filipinos including those who are intersex.
Section 5 of HB 4530 and SB 3113 reads "NO PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ERRONEOUS ENTRY CONCERNING THE DATE OF BIRTH OR THE SEX OF A PERSON SHALL BE ENTERTAINED EXCEPT IF THE PETITION IS ACCOMPANIED BY EARLIEST SCHOOL RECORD OR EARLIEST CIVIL DOCUMENTS SUCH AS, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, MEDICAL RECORDS, BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE AND OTHER DOCUMENTS ISSUED BY RELIGIOUS AUTHORITIES; NOR SHALL ANY ENTRY INVOLVING CHANGE OF GENDER CORRECTED EXCEPT IF THE PETITION IS ACCOMPANIED BY A CERTIFICATION ISSUED BY AN ACCREDITED GOVERNMENT PHYSICIAN ATTESTING TO THE FACT THAT THE PETITIONER HAS NOT UNDERGONE SEX CHANGE OR SEX TRANSPLANT.(emphasis ours)"
While we note that our lawmakers recognize the reality of surgical sex change, or more correctly sex reassignment surgery (SRS), we are dismayed that they seem to be in denial of the very idea behind this medical procedure that has been available since the 1920's:
a) that sex does and can be changed ;
b) that there exist people in society who prefer a gender or have a gender identity/expression other than the one recorded in their birth certificates, now known under the modern terms transgender/transsexual (trans for short) or intersex;
c) and that recognizing trans and intersex people under the law means respecting and affirming the gender they choose or prefer.
In fact, many nations across the globe have taken steps to recognize their trans and intersex citizens' right to a chosen gender identity such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Nepal, Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, South Africa, some jurisdictions in the United States and other countries based on evidence that not having documents that reflect their gender identity/expression make them vulnerable to prejudice and discrimination. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, in a statement in September 2011, has herself underscored the importance of protecting the right to legal sex change and called on all states of the world "to review their own laws, policies and practices to ensure that discrimination against transgender and intersex individuals is addressed in a systematic and effective way."
Clearly, the above-mentioned legislative initiatives from both chambers of the Philippine House of Representatives are a step in the wrong direction. Moreover, HB 4530 and SB 3113 perpetuate anti-transgender or transphobic attitudes and justify the marginalization of trans and intersex people in Philippine society. Their subscription to a medical view of transsexualism/intersexuality also contributes to the continued pathologization of a minority who, in their daily lives, have to confront violence, abuse, torture, and cruel and inhumane treatment based on their gender identity or gender expression.
We, the members of the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP), therefore urge members of Congress and the Senate to recognize and accept the reality of sex and gender diversity and recall HB 4530 and SB 3113. Instead, we ask them to amend RA 9048 in a way that would lead to a better quality of life for trans and intersex Filipinos by allowing us to change our first name and sex in the birth certificate in simple and easy steps. As well, we urge Congress and the Senate, to immediately pass legislation recognizing trans and intersex Filipino citizens in our chosen gender with no requirement for surgical modification of the body.
In closing, we note with irony that SB 3113 was filed in the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights. Justice for and the protection of the human rights of trans and intersex Filipinos will be best served if the government heeds the call to end violence, criminal sanctions and related human rights violations based on gender identity or expression in the Philippines. Justice for and the protection of the human rights of trans and intersex Filipinos will only truly begin by recognizing us as people under the law as the gender we say we are. Justice for and the protection of the human rights of trans and intersex Filipinos will only prevail if the government accepts that its right to identify its citizens by gender stops at the right of those citizens to determine their own gender identity. Our gender identity is our human right. Help us protect it.
Written for STRAP by Chairwoman Ms Naomi Fontanos
___________________________
* The Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP) is the pioneer support group and human rights advocacy organization of transpinays (transgender/transsexual Filipinas). We seek to improve the public understanding of transsexualism, campaign for the right to define one's gender identity and expression and work towards building a supportive community amongst transgender/transsexual Filipina girls and women and a society free from transphobia and discrimination.
Contact person:
Ms Naomi Fontanos
Chairwoman
STRAP
M: 0920-269-7607
As the day of hearts fast approaches, we, the members of the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP)*, are heartbroken that members of Congress (REPRESENTATIVES GUNIGUNDO, ROMUALDO, MIRAFLORES, ALVAREZ (M.), ESPINA, ARNAIZ, RODRIGUEZ (R.), RODRIGUEZ (M.), TUPAS, CASIÑO AND RELAMPAGOS) and the Senate (SENATORS TRILLANES AND ESCUDERO) are seeking to amend Republic Act (RA) 9048 or the Clerical Error Law of 2001 that would effectively illegalize the lives and identities of transgender/transsexual Filipinos including those who are intersex.
Section 5 of HB 4530 and SB 3113 reads "NO PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ERRONEOUS ENTRY CONCERNING THE DATE OF BIRTH OR THE SEX OF A PERSON SHALL BE ENTERTAINED EXCEPT IF THE PETITION IS ACCOMPANIED BY EARLIEST SCHOOL RECORD OR EARLIEST CIVIL DOCUMENTS SUCH AS, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, MEDICAL RECORDS, BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE AND OTHER DOCUMENTS ISSUED BY RELIGIOUS AUTHORITIES; NOR SHALL ANY ENTRY INVOLVING CHANGE OF GENDER CORRECTED EXCEPT IF THE PETITION IS ACCOMPANIED BY A CERTIFICATION ISSUED BY AN ACCREDITED GOVERNMENT PHYSICIAN ATTESTING TO THE FACT THAT THE PETITIONER HAS NOT UNDERGONE SEX CHANGE OR SEX TRANSPLANT.(emphasis ours)"
While we note that our lawmakers recognize the reality of surgical sex change, or more correctly sex reassignment surgery (SRS), we are dismayed that they seem to be in denial of the very idea behind this medical procedure that has been available since the 1920's:
a) that sex does and can be changed ;
b) that there exist people in society who prefer a gender or have a gender identity/expression other than the one recorded in their birth certificates, now known under the modern terms transgender/transsexual (trans for short) or intersex;
c) and that recognizing trans and intersex people under the law means respecting and affirming the gender they choose or prefer.
In fact, many nations across the globe have taken steps to recognize their trans and intersex citizens' right to a chosen gender identity such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Nepal, Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, South Africa, some jurisdictions in the United States and other countries based on evidence that not having documents that reflect their gender identity/expression make them vulnerable to prejudice and discrimination. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, in a statement in September 2011, has herself underscored the importance of protecting the right to legal sex change and called on all states of the world "to review their own laws, policies and practices to ensure that discrimination against transgender and intersex individuals is addressed in a systematic and effective way."
Clearly, the above-mentioned legislative initiatives from both chambers of the Philippine House of Representatives are a step in the wrong direction. Moreover, HB 4530 and SB 3113 perpetuate anti-transgender or transphobic attitudes and justify the marginalization of trans and intersex people in Philippine society. Their subscription to a medical view of transsexualism/intersexuality also contributes to the continued pathologization of a minority who, in their daily lives, have to confront violence, abuse, torture, and cruel and inhumane treatment based on their gender identity or gender expression.
We, the members of the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP), therefore urge members of Congress and the Senate to recognize and accept the reality of sex and gender diversity and recall HB 4530 and SB 3113. Instead, we ask them to amend RA 9048 in a way that would lead to a better quality of life for trans and intersex Filipinos by allowing us to change our first name and sex in the birth certificate in simple and easy steps. As well, we urge Congress and the Senate, to immediately pass legislation recognizing trans and intersex Filipino citizens in our chosen gender with no requirement for surgical modification of the body.
In closing, we note with irony that SB 3113 was filed in the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights. Justice for and the protection of the human rights of trans and intersex Filipinos will be best served if the government heeds the call to end violence, criminal sanctions and related human rights violations based on gender identity or expression in the Philippines. Justice for and the protection of the human rights of trans and intersex Filipinos will only truly begin by recognizing us as people under the law as the gender we say we are. Justice for and the protection of the human rights of trans and intersex Filipinos will only prevail if the government accepts that its right to identify its citizens by gender stops at the right of those citizens to determine their own gender identity. Our gender identity is our human right. Help us protect it.
Written for STRAP by Chairwoman Ms Naomi Fontanos
___________________________
* The Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP) is the pioneer support group and human rights advocacy organization of transpinays (transgender/transsexual Filipinas). We seek to improve the public understanding of transsexualism, campaign for the right to define one's gender identity and expression and work towards building a supportive community amongst transgender/transsexual Filipina girls and women and a society free from transphobia and discrimination.
Contact person:
Ms Naomi Fontanos
Chairwoman
STRAP
M: 0920-269-7607
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