Transgender Journalist Claims She Was Blocked From Entering Macau Despite Complete Documents
TRANSGENDER – A transgender reporter’s journey to cover an international event took an unexpected and emotional turn at the airport.
A Filipina transgender journalist recently shared a deeply emotional experience after allegedly being denied entry at Macau International Airport while on duty to cover an international event.
Yoniel Torayno Acebuche, a journalist for a magazine, took to social media to recount what happened during her supposed coverage of the prestigious Stevie Awards, a global business awards event. She traveled to Macau with three colleagues on April 16, expecting a routine entry process upon arrival at around 9:30 p.m.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn at immigration. According to Yoniel, while her fellow journalist was allowed to enter without issue, she was stopped and escorted to a separate office. There, she was asked to fill out forms, including questions about the amount of money she was carrying. Yoniel said she answered all questions honestly.
She explained that although they were given a travel allowance by their company, part of it had already been spent on pre-departure expenses. At the time, she had ₱3,700 in cash, and their official invitation clearly stated that the Stevie Awards would shoulder travel expenses. Despite presenting complete requirements such as proof of bank account, return ticket, and formal invitation, she was transferred again to another office without a clear explanation.
Yoniel said she waited alone for over two hours before being abruptly informed that she was denied entry. She was then instructed to wait until the following day for her return flight to the Philippines, with authorities saying her passport would only be returned upon arrival in Manila.
Attempts to seek assistance, including reaching out to the Philippine Consulate, reportedly did not change the outcome, as the decision was described as a sovereign one by Macau authorities.
This led Yoniel to question why she alone was denied entry. She emphasized that her documents, finances, and purpose of travel were all in order, which made her feel that her gender identity may have played a role.
“Kasi I was just there doing my job. Wala akong inaapakang tao. Wala akong ginagawang masama,” she said.
“But somehow, that night, I was treated like I didn’t belong there. Nakakalungkot. Nakaka-frustrate. Nakakaubos ng energy.”
“And I’m sharing this not to start anything, but just to be real about what happened because this is the reality for some of us.”
“Minsan kahit ready ka, kahit tama ka, kahit wala kang ginawang mali… hindi pa rin enough—just because of who you are,” she said.
She also reflected on the broader challenges faced by transgender individuals when traveling abroad, noting the persistence of stigma.
“Naisip ko na lang na ito yung buhay na pinili ko, ito yung buhay that I choose, so therefore, tatagan ang loob ko… it’s just a bubog, ng pagiging trans ko,” she said.
“I will rise above the ashes. I will continue to voice out what we need to voice out, I will use this experience of mine to tell everyone, na sana wala nang ibang trans ang makaramdam ng ganito,” she added.
After more than 24 hours spent in an isolated airport room, Yoniel safely returned to Manila, carrying with her a story that sheds light on the realities faced by some members of the LGBTQIA+ community when traveling internationally.
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