Duterte Meets W/ Trans Woman Diez at Malacañang, Teases ‘Surprise’ For LGBTQ+ Community
DUTERTE – Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte met with trans woman in restroom incident, Gretchen Custodio Diez, in Malacañang Palace on Monday.
Following a previous article, Palace spokesperson Salvador Panelo said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte supports the SOGIE (sexual orientation and gender identity and expression equality bill. He said the chief executive is also in favor of building a separate restroom for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) members.
The restroom issue energized after the alleged harassment of the trans woman Gretchen Diez at a mall in Quezon City. The janitress did not allow her to enter the ladies room.
After their argument at the mall’s office, Diez was handcuffed and brought to Quezon City police station. Senator Risa Hontiveros, who the author of the SOGIE Bill, immediately offered help to the trans woman.
Diez met senators Imee Marcos and Christopher “Bong” Go at the senate office. The senators took to the social media to express their support for the trans woman.
Based on a report from CNN, President Rodrigo Duterte finally met Gretchen Diez on Monday, August 19. Both of the camps said their meeting in Malacañang Palace was a step towards LGBTQ+ equality.
Their meeting was joined by LGBTQ+ supporters including the first transgender congressman Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman. She’s the one who requested the malls to provide gender-neutral bathroom to protect the LGBTQ+ community from risks.
According to the report, Gretchen Diez gave hint to the media regarding her meeting with the president via text message. She said their meeting was fruitful and there will be new actions that will shock the people.
“Positive feedback from the President. After two decades, the LGBTQ+ community finally sees the light at the end of the tunnel. Many confidential actions were drafted that are guaranteed to astonish the public.”
Based on the report, Senator Bong Go said the Duterte administration will help the LGBTQ+ group and will set a convention for the members to express their concerns. After that, they will come up with policies to keep everybody safe.
“The LGBTQ advocates expressed their gratitude after the meeting and are looking forward to the passage of a law that will protect them from discrimination before the President’s term ends,” said Go.
What can you say about this article? Leave your comment and reactions below.
