LADLAD PL, STRAP and VERDE Creatives Issue Statement of Support and Call for Action

A few days ago, we got to participate in a talk amongst some of our trans sisters, Ladlad Partylist, Verde Creatives, STRAP, and Commission on Human Rights, about the real issues they go through in life, and even in death which have marred their gender identity, done personal or otherwise especially by media practitioners and government workers.

Using their preferred pronouns should be fundamental, and while I don't forget this part when I write, a lot of tabloid and newspaper writers and editors continue to do that which not only feels hurtful for them, but severely invalidating. 

This is why Verde Creatives, STRAP, Ladlad Partylist and trans organizations have issued a statement about this. It's time we change things to not only promote inclusivity, but put respect especially for transpinays. Not to force, but to consider and put a spotlight and give what is due them. 

In 2025, oppression has no place in society. I'd like to send my support for not jus their cause but simply their human rights. I am also for the passage of the SOGIESC Bill, which has been filed over 26 years ago. That's an adult, and they only ask for equal rights, nothing special, which is mind boggling to say the least.

The talk was certainly a nice venue to explain procedures, on media, social media and the choices we make. I fervently hope people would NOT turn a blind eye about what they are fighting for. Be aware of Live/Dead names, understand that Transpinay lives are also human lives. All they ask is to be treated as equals.

PLDT, Sun and Smart #ChangingLives

This small table in the front of our foyer was always the place where we put our PLDT phone. We started by having a 6 digit phone number, then got a 7 digit one later a few years after that. It kinda reminded me how simple life was, but you had to memorize the most important people in your life including their phone numbers. It wasn't like these days where everything is digital and everything is in your cellphone's phone book. If your phone's battery runs out, you kinda go blind. Still, I remember the relationships, the long hours of putting this handset on your ear hearing your loved one utter romance or sermons to which have forged who we are today. I know I'm not alone. I know there are countless people out there who have the same experience as I did and I'm glad that even in this day and age, we still want to be connected.

These days, I have about 5 smartphones and lines used for different social media accounts I handle. I have one Sun Prepaid line, 3 who's in Smart Prepaid and 1 Smart Postpaid line. I also have other phones I use for other social media services but are only on WIFI, I leave them at home since I also have PLDT DSL. I have a brother in Europe and it would have left us in shambles if we didn't get to see or hear him regularly via Skype. I also had to do this with my Mom and Dad too. I would have been distraught missing them if I didn't have internet at home or my mobile handsets. Life would have been unbearable, and extra difficult. If you see the connection, you know I'm not alone. There are about a tenth of our country's population out there, tons of families left here. If they didn't have the DSL or mobile data connections that they have now, imagine how much families would suffer. I'm glad I'm not part of that statistic. I always keep that face to face connection, even if we're thousands of miles apart.

Heck I even had the chance to work at home and outdoors when I want to. It's something I didn't know I could do when I was only in the confines of my cube a couple of years ago. Business is growing, I'm way happier than when I was in the corporate world and I'm living my passion. Ain't nothing better than that! I'm glad PLDT, Sun and Smart is part of it. I'm sure the future is so bright it'll blind us all. They deserve to be thanked for being there, when you need them, where you need them. They changed the lives of Filipinos, and I'm happy they've done just that. You have your stories too right? How did PLDT, SUN and Smart change your lives?

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