Trans woman allowed to dress as female at graduation rites by priest university head
MANILA, Philippines (Updated March 24, 2019, 3:35 p.m.) — A trans woman student from Ateneo de Naga University is attending her graduation ceremonies in a dress, as appropriate with the gender that she identifies with.
Emma Bueno shared on her Twitter account how one of the graduation committee professors of the university questioned her for wearing female clothes for the baccalaureate mass and graduation day.
Here's the letter I sent to Father President ???????? pic.twitter.com/yx58s8ptjC
— Emma ????????? (@Emmabueno_) March 19, 2019
Bueno raised her concern with “Father President,” university president Fr. Roberto Exequiel Rivera, and asked if she may be allowed to wear the clothes that reflect her “gender identity as a transgender woman.”
“Personally, wearing clothes for male is the act that would make feel like that I am crossdressing,” her letter to Rivera which she also shared on Twitter read.
“In addition, I’m already transitioning physically and emotionally to gender that I feel and recognize as what really I am through medication with prescription for almost 2 years,” she added.
Bueno also shared that her parents, relatives, friends, peers and the Ateneo community have long been supportive of her transition.
After writing to the head of their school, Bueno said she did not expect the school’s president to respond but getting an answer—and an approval, at that—made her emotional.
She showed her letter bearing the “approved” stamp.
Rivera also signed off the letter with assurance and felicitations to the graduating students.
“Pls. present this letter if your clothing is questioned. Congratulations!” the note from Rivera read.
“I stan a progressive Father President!” she added.
Didn't expect he would positively respond to my letter huhu he even congratulated me! ???? I stan a progressive Father President! ?????
— Emma ????????? (@Emmabueno_) March 19, 2019
Bueno later posted on her Twitter account photos of her in an olive green jumpsuit and black heels, which she wore for her baccalaureate mass.
Wearing an olive green for today's Baccalaureate Mass and Recognition Rites and yes, your queen is an achievement awardee! ???????? pic.twitter.com/3MjFpgjENH
— Emma ????????? (@Emmabueno_) March 22, 2019
Bueno’s tweet has made rounds on social media, gaining 19,000 likes as of this story’s posting.
