EXCLUSIVE COMFORT ROOMS FOR LGBT

LINGAYEN—Barring any violent objection to its plan, the Sangguinan Panlalawigan is set to make Pangasinan the first province in the country, if not the first in the world, to require separate comfort room for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders (LGBTs) in all establishments catering to the public.

Noting the few opposition aired during the last public hearing, the ordinance is “already approved in principle,” this, according to Sixth District Board Member Alfonso Bince Jr., adding that it would be adopted in this week’s session of the provincial board.

Most resource persons invited to the hearing responded positively to the proposal, said Bince, who co-authored the measure with Fifth District Board Member Danilo Uy.

“The consensus is for us to proceed with this ordinance,” Bince said. And cited the need to set up an oversight committee to monitor compliance with the ordinance.

The comfort room, based on final agreement, would use the LGBT pride flag, which is a rainbow flag.

Pros and cons

Santy Layno, board of trustees of Ladlad partylist and an officer of Transsexual Society of the Philippines, said he is elated by the planned ordinance.

“A lot of transgender women are being harassed if they use the female toilets” said Layno and cited a TV news report where a transgender woman was dragged by a security guard outside for using the comfort room for women. Layno said he talked to the Human Resource manager of the mall where the incident happened and was told that people like him must use men’s restrooms.

“But we would be more humiliated and embarrassed if we are dressed like this (in white blouse and black mini skirt and stiletto shoes), identifying ourselves as women, (and) yet still being considered as a man,” Layno said.

He said transgenders like him are concerned for their own safety when using the male comfort room.

Layno said Baguio City made similar moves providing for separate comfort rooms for Babae, Lalaki, at Bakla (Female, Male and Gays) which became controversial in the city . He said the label “bakla” made them more vulnerable to humiliation.

He proposed that the third comfort room for LGBT be named instead as “gender neutral,” similar to moves in other coutnries.

He cited the move of some coffee shops and eateries that set up comfort rooms without labels either for male or female that anyone can use.

Board Member Uy cited his experience in a shopping mall in Pangasinan where a gay was confused which comfort room to use. But Layno said, “It’s not about us being confused but rather people not understanding our situation.”

Uy added that in his talk with several gays during gay pageants, they expressed their concerns about the use of comfort rooms.

This, he said, prompted him to push for this passage of such an ordinance.

Malou Manaois, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Dagupan branch), said she and her co-employees are in favor of putting up a separate comfort room for LGBTs. However, she did not indicate if BSP is inclined to construct one.

A representative from Robinsons Place in Calasiao town in this province said they already have three comfort rooms, the third being for persons with disabilities (PWDs) which can also be used by LGBTs.

Layno reacted: “If someone would ask me to use the comfort room for PWDs, I would refuse because I am not disabled.”

Roger Ordono, a representative from the Victory Liner said the company will construct comfort room in addition to their thee comfort rooms if ordered.

Dr. Don Doria, who represented Dr. Anna Ma. Teresa de Guzman, provincial health officer, said the Provincial Health Office welcomes the ordinance but aired the concern that it might create confusion among children who have yet to understand what LGBTs are about.

She added the proposal drew negative reactions from conservative groups that the province might be veiwed as encouraging or promoting the LGBT liffestyle, adding that it  may instead give rise to prejudice and discrimination, subjecting users to bullying.

Doria also cited the costs that could be a burden to business establishments.

Renato Posedio, vice president for central Pangasinan of the Pangasinan Council of Tourism, opposed the move, by affirming the sentiment that there is no “growing disrespect for LGBTs.”

Ranoy Macaranas, a representative of Magic Group of Companies confirmed his company is receptive to the proposal.

Art Velasquez of Jesus is Lord Church cited biblical quotes in opposing the plan, specifically that God created only two genders, male and a female.

But Sixth District Board Member Ranjit Ramos Shahani reminded Velasquez about the separation of church and state in the discussion.

“This is a discussion of state matters, this is not a discussion of religious beliefs, that is a fundamental facet of our Constitution otherwise we would be accused of being unconstitutional here,” he said.

He said LGBTs are also taxpayers.

“There is a no room for religious beliefs here,” he said, as he cautioned those who clapped for Velasquez.

Maricon Blas who represented Jollibee store in Lingayen said, “We are willing as we also believe, they, too deserve respect,” she said.

Philip Caramat, representative of CSI Group of Companies with 14 outlets in Pangasinan, said the management is also amenable to the proposal.

Board Member Sheila Perez-Galicia who represents the Pangasinan Councilors League said she is not against the move even as she quoted Pope Francis saying, “Who am I to judge?”

The representatives of small business owners, who reportedly are vehemently opposed to the planned requirement were not in the hearing. –Tita Roces, PIO.

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