Hon. Geraldine Roman Speaks in Pagtuki sa POSC
Photo by Nikki Jabel
Hon. Geraldine Roman, the first ever transgender congresswoman of the First District of Bataan, spoke before a Carolinian audience in the Pagtuki sa POSC: The Politics of SOGIE forum on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression last February 4, 2017, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Albert Van Gansewinkel Hall, USC Downtown Campus. This forum was organized by the Carolinian Political Science Society (CPSS), spearheaded by Dmitri Cortes, CPSS councillor.
The forum began with the first speaker, Ge Yagay who gave an introduction to Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression (SOGIE) and explained the differences between the three: sexual orientation as who one is physically, spiritually and emotionally attracted to, gender identity as how an individual understands himself or herself as either a man or a woman and gender expression as how an individual shows their identity.
The next speaker was Magdalena Robinson, the president and founder of Cebu United Rainbow LGBTQ Sector (CURLS), who lectured on the important aspects of the Local Anti-Discrimination Ordinance of LGU in Mandaue City. She further discussed the future challenges of the ordinance which includes the convening of the commission to craft the implementing rules and regulations and the actual implementation of the city ordinance.
Finally, the guest speaker, Hon. Geraldine Roman discussed National Bills and Policies for SOGIE. She specifically discussed on the Anti-Discrimination Bill on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity now known as the “SOGIE Equality Bill” which currently has 115 signatures out of 294 in Congress.
“We are on the verge of experiencing something historic in this part of the world, and as a legislator, what can I say? Happy ako to form part of this change that we all want,” stated Hon. Roman.
The bill identifies different situations that constitute discrimination and aims to penalize the offenders with a fine up to PHP 500,000 or up to six months imprisonment.
“If you are a restaurant or bar owner and you deny access to a transgender woman, humanda ka, kukurutin ka ni Congresswoman Roman.” Added Hon. Roman.
Lastly, Hon. Roman posed a challenged to the audience composed of political science majors, law students, faculty and welcomed guests of the LGBT community to be defenders of democracy, rule of law, human rights and freedom of speech.
