Babae Kami: Lakas, Laban at Likha Forum reclaims the 'Babaylan' Spirit for Filipina Trans Women
Friday, March 27, 2026
In celebration of National Women's Month, Verde Creatives, under the leadership of Managing Director and veteran LGBTQIA+ advocate Ms. Bemz Benedito, held a forum and film showing, "BABAE KAMI: Lakas, Laban, at Likha - A Talkback featuring Filipina Trans Women Stories" at Dark Roast Coffee House located in Maginhawa, Quezon City.
The sub-theme of the said forum is "Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!" by centering tue narratives of transpinays (Filipina trans women), it seeks to reclaim the ancestral role of the Babaylan - the pre-colonial
spiritual and conmunity leaders whose authority was defined by wisdom, empathy, and social mediation.
Ms. Bemz Benedito, Director of Verde Creatives, veteran LGBTQIA+ advocate and a recipient of the Global Transgender Hero award shared that their ultimate goal is to challenge the stereotypical boxes of trans women and highlight their contributions through Lakas, Laban and Likha. 🏳️🌈
Before the open forum, there was a film showing, a documentary about a transpinay, "A Revolution of the Heart", created by students of the University of the Philippines (UP Diliman). The film explores the "revolution" of recognizing trans bodies as sites of inherent and creative potential.
The documentary was inspiring. It was thoughtfully created, touching the early life of a transpinay and how her journey was difficult because of the society who scrutinizes what should be the norm of every person. Her struggles oaved her way to what she is bravely pushing right now which is equality and for every transpinay and the LGBTQIA+ community.
After watching the said documentery and hearing the stories during the forum which was joined by the representatives from the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP), the nation's pioneer advocacy group for legal gender recognition, a grassroots group recognized for its livelihood program for trans persons deprived of liberty (PDL). Here are some of the points that I have learned.
The experiences of Transpinay (transgender women) in the Philippines involve several social, legal, and health-related issues. While Filipino culture is often perceived as relatively accepting of LGBTQ+ people, many structural challenges still exist. Addressing these requires coordinated action from government, communities, and institutions. 🌈
1. Lack of Comprehensive Legal Protection
One of the biggest concerns is the absence of nationwide legislation that explicitly protects LGBTQ+ people from discrimination. The long-proposed Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression Equality Bill (SOGIE Bill) aims to prohibit discrimination in employment, education, healthcare, housing, and public services.
How it can be addressed:
- Pass and implement the SOGIE Equality Bill.
- Strengthen local anti-discrimination ordinances in cities and municipalities.
- Provide legal support services for LGBTQ+ individuals facing discrimination.
2. Employment Discrimination
Many Transpinay experience difficulty finding formal employment because employers may judge them based on their gender identity rather than their qualifications. This pushes some into unstable work or informal sectors.
Solutions:
- Encourage inclusive workplace policies.
- Provide diversity and sensitivity training in companies.
- Create livelihood and entrepreneurship programs specifically supporting transgender communities.
3. Limited Access to Gender-Affirming Healthcare
Access to healthcare services that support transgender individuals—such as hormone therapy, mental health services, and gender-affirming care—is still limited and often expensive.
Possible actions:
- Train healthcare professionals on transgender health needs.
- Include gender-affirming healthcare services in national health programs through Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
- Establish community clinics that provide safe and respectful care.
4. Bullying and Discrimination in Schools
Transgender students often face bullying, harassment, and restrictions on uniforms or facilities that align with their gender identity.
What can be done:
- Enforce inclusive education policies through **Department of Education guidelines.
- Implement anti-bullying programs that include LGBTQ+ awareness.
- Allow gender-affirming school policies such as appropriate uniforms and facilities.
5. Violence and Safety Concerns
Some transgender women experience harassment, abuse, or violence in public spaces and even within families.
Steps to address this:
- Strengthen reporting mechanisms for hate crimes.
- Train law enforcement officers on LGBTQ+ sensitivity and human rights.
- Provide safe shelters and support services for transgender individuals experiencing abuse.
6. Social Stigma and Cultural Misunderstanding
Even though the Philippines is known for vibrant LGBTQ+ representation in entertainment and beauty pageants, many transgender women still face stigma in everyday life.
Ways forward:
- Promote inclusive media representation.
- Encourage public education campaigns about gender identity.
- Support community organizations and advocacy groups.
Overall, the most effective approach involves three pillars:
- Legal protection (passing national anti-discrimination laws)
- Education and awareness (schools, workplaces, media)
- Inclusive services (healthcare, employment, social support).
The experiences of Transpinay in the Philippines reveal both the progress that has been made and the challenges that still remain. While Filipino society has shown moments of acceptance and celebration of transgender women in media, fashion, and pageantry, many still face discrimination in employment, healthcare, education, and everyday life. The absence of comprehensive national protection, such as the proposed Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression Equality Bill, highlights the urgent need for stronger policies that safeguard the rights and dignity of transgender Filipinos.
Ultimately, the journey toward equality is not only about laws and policies—it is also about compassion, education, and understanding. As awareness grows and advocacy continues, the future holds the promise of a Philippines where Transpinay can live openly, safely, and proudly, contributing their talents and voices to a more inclusive and progressive nation. 🌈
Learn more about Verde Creatives and Ms. Bemz Benedito's advocacy via their Official Facebook page.
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