Listen to advocate of LGBT rights

There are awards and there are awards. Whether one is handed with a trophy or a certificate, an award is a validation of a job well done. It means that people appreciate what you do. The feeling of happiness is extraordinary no matter how big or small the award is. It all the more motivates one to push a little harder the next time.

For former LGBT chair and now managing director of Make Your Nanay Proud Foundation Bemz Dumlao Benedito, winning an award is like a tap on her shoulders. “It is a bonus or token for advocates/activists like us in a thankless job that we passionately do to help improve our community and situations. It’s like a tap on our shoulders that no matter how difficult and arduous the battles and struggles are, we are making a small difference to our fight.”

Bemz was recognized by Philippine Tatler’s Generation T as one of the Top 50 high achievers in the country. Generation T is one of Asia’s most far-reaching projects for the current and next generation of bright minds, movers, shakers and innovators. Now on its third year, Generation T is certainly one of Asia Tatler’s most ambitious projects to date — with presence in Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand — ultimately creating a Pan-Asian list of 500 young game changers.

Bemz had no inkling of her nomination and was only informed about it when people behind Gen T sent a form and a questionnaire. “I was, of course, inspired and delighted when I learned about it. I always remind myself that being an advocate of LGBT rights and now a Nanay soldier in building mother-loving communities, is a thankless job yet a very wonderful duty.”

Philippine Tatler’s Generation T was conceived to embrace and celebrate the achievements of the up-and-coming new guard of talent in the country. The Tatler Tribe and industry experts, which include Sen. Loren Legarda and Cris Villonco, sat down to rigorously gather a range of outstanding individuals, all under the age of 40 at the time of selection, across a wide variety of industries.

According to Irene Martel Francisco, it took three months to come up with the 2018 list of Gen T. The decisions were based on the nominees’ accomplishments and initiatives over the last 18 months and also on their effort on helping shape the country’s future and what makes them stand out as the voice of their generation.

Philippine Tatler presented to Bemz a certificate of recognition during the awarding ceremonies held at the Shangri-La at The Fort’s High Street Lounge.

How many awards have you already received including this?

“I am not a multi-awarded advocate or activist but yes I have several awards from the local community, international and LGUs that I am mighty proud of because they remind me of my contribution to the cause.”

What do you think is your essential role as a transwoman in the society?

“The essential role of transwomen in the society is similar to everyone regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation. Our role is to exemplify the vastness and greatness of our strengths, skills, abilities, intelligence and creativity in all that we do and through our chosen profession. Our essential role has nothing to do with our genitals or gender. Transwomen should not be treated differently or be defined by their gender identity or sexual orientation.”

Have you experienced any form of social injustice due to your gender identity or sexuality that led you to form Ladlad Partylist?

“As a transpinay, as a former chairperson and congressional nominee of Ang Ladlad Partylist, I have had experienced many forms of social injustices like when my job application was based on my gender identity and the way I presented myself in terms of clothing, hair and accessories. I was denied an opportunity even if I passed all the exams because there was prejudice to people like me. Everything was viewed on my gender identity. I also experienced discrimination when I traveled abroad and the immigration officers of some countries cannot fathom the incongruence of my gender identity and my legal documents even if I am now living as a woman. The use of wrong pronouns is common to people like me in restaurants, bars and other public establishments. Even if it is very clear that I am living as a transwoman, many still deny us the right pronouns and this is truly disheartening to us. It simply means our right to self-determination is invalidated.”

As LGBT chair, what are your plans to make the LGBT community further strengthen its place in the society?

“Our plans are clear and that is for people like me to be visible, engage society in conversations and explain the existence of LGBT people and our struggles, push for law and policies that will help us be empowered and protected. That is why we continue to lobby for the passage of the anti-discrimination bill that has languished in congress for the past 20 years. It is the only bill that is there to protect LGBT Filipinos from discrimination in the workplace, schools and establishments.”

What do you hope to achieve in life?

“It is a simple hope that we may provide equal opportunities, equal access to the law, and the pursuit to happiness of every Filipino regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. To do that is a beautiful gift to the next generation of LGBT Filipinos to lead better and kinder lives.”