Chapter 1: Introduction(Draft)

What is Transgender Individual?

A Research Paper Presented to

 the English Resource Center

Asia Pacific College

Magallanes, Makati

In Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements for the Course

RESWRITE-Research Writing

Mariel Ella Villaluz

December 2013

Chapter 1

Introduction

A. Background of the Study



 In the philippines, undergoing to the surgery is not yet legal that is why many of the transgender people are going to other country that allowing to change their sex like in Thailand, Japan and more. We also heard  some this  famous transgender people here in our country which some of them are give pride and honor regardless of their gender like "BB Gandang hari" who is a famous action star before and brother famous Robin Padilla which reveal his true identity in the show of abs cbn "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition". We also heard about Kevin Balot who is now very famous because of  becoming the 1st pilipino transgender who win the title MISS INTERNATIONAL QUEEN 2012 in the pageant in Thailand, she also one of the beautiful and famous trans today. Now, these two people are become inspiration and an icon to their fellow trans because of the confidence that they show in the people around them despite of their gender.

Aside from the famous trans above, Trans people are also visible in giving entertainment to the people and now some people are going there if they want to have fun. We see them in some famous comedy bar that we have like in The Library Malate in Manila which is owned by Andrew De Real and known to be first comedy bar in the Philippine also known to produces the famous comedian now in the television like AiAi Delas Alas, John Lapuz, Philip Lazaro, Allan K & many more. There is also Klownz & Zirkoh Comedy bar which owned by famous Dabarkadz Allan K. And also the Famous Punchline, Laffline & Metro Comedy Bar.


B. Statement of The Problem

     This study aims to answer this question:

      1. Whether becoming a Transgender is choice or not?


C. Significance of Study

 Parents of Trans people. This research will help to understand why their children want to become the person of the opposite sex and know the reason in changing their gender.

 People in Society. This research aims to help them to change their perception to to these people and treat them as decent human being.

The Law. This research aim to help them to understand that these people should give an equal and freedom right that an straight men or women have.


D. Scope and Delimitations 

This research aims to explore the particular issue that affect society wherein it develops into a debate whether being transgender is a choice or not. 

Due to time constraints, the researcher aims to focus on transgender and its issue. Certain issue such as the  discrimination, equality on human right and belief by the people that they could choose to be a transgender or stay what gender they have which is not fully explored, although it shall be upon in specific articles. 

The resources of the research will focus on the study to the reason or opinion of the society on this very controversial and sensitive issue.

E. Materials and Methods 

The research will follow a descriptive method, wherein the researcher’s aim to explore the different type of transgender people. It will give some several ideas and information on who are these trans people and what category do they belong.

This information will be gathered from the different sources and articles found in the internet, as well as from books and specific individuals with knowledge on the subject.

F. Definition of Terms

Transgender. Those people whose gender identity, expression and behavior is different from the sex that they were born. 

Transsexual. Those people whose gender identity is different from their assign sex and undergo  sex change surgery to match into their gender. 

Cross-dresser. Those people who are worn the dress of their opposite sex. 

Gender queer. People who identify neither male or female. 

Blogpost 10: The Marriage Equality

 

The Marriage for same sex couple is very sensitive issue in this society, not just for the straight people but also for the whole LGBT community. These issue are seem to be the remote from the daily concern of many members of these communities. Because all they want is an equal treatment for anything such as marriage and having a children which i think they can raise these children in the right way. Even if there are not straight people, they are have the right for the equal marriage in the eyes of church and laws, because these people are obeying the laws which all the people must also follow.

There was a website that i found titled " Psychology today" with article " Why Not Allow Gay Marriage" by Brian Mustanski which talks about the equality of marriage within these people. The article stated that, the opponent of the marriage right for same sex couple is an argue that their marriage can take away the traditional form of marriage. They are also arguing that these couple are confers in many rights that they may get like the ability to inherit property, visit a sick partner in the hospital, and provide citizenship for non-citizen spouses. It was also stated in the article about arguing about the children raised by these couple whose supposed to get an psychological and health benefits are also denied. The author say  that " I'm not a historian, but a quick read of the history of marriage makes it clear that it has evolved and changed throughout history and that the current version is a relatively recent phenomenon."  He also added that, the current version of marriage today is not traditional. Showing some scientific evidence showing the positive effect of same sex marriage, and the harm that caused on eliminating marriage equality for these couple is no foundation or argue for them to have equal marriage. In my opinion, whether it is positive or negative reaction from other people on their marriage, they still need to get this kind of equality just like same normal couple,

Blogpost 9: The Marriage!

They say that marriage symbolize the recognition of the union and obligation for both partners.How did it differ from same sex marriage? what is difference of this marriage to normal marriage? They say the same sex marriage is marriage between two persons of the same sex or same gender identity.  It is also present in fictional story arcs, mythology and video games including Fable II, The Elder Scroll V: Skyrim , Fallout2 and the Sims which is famous games played by children. 

When i was browsing, i found an site "Journals" with article "Same-Sex Marriage and Religion: An Inappropriate Relationship" which talk about The debate over same-sex marriage has been a prominent issue in our society. The article stated that, in allowing same sex marriage in the institution brought out an many emotion and reaction from different group. It was also stated that most of religious group are the most influential force in  allowing same sex marriage. Before, marriage was almost wrapped in the religion, specifically the christian faith. Even if marriage is not specifically a contract, both man and woman must agree to the relationship. According to the christian tradition, marriage is not created a role for each spouse within the relationship, but it is created for legal status for both couple. Now, in the legal terms, both man and woman are equal within the marriage.it is also stated that many member of these gay  community are argue that they must allowed these marriage for them in order to the rights and benefit of a married couple. I think that Americans are beginning to see the debate of same-sex marriage for what it is? an issue of equality and rights?  We are a nation that prides itself on freedom and equality for its citizens, and I do not think we can continue on in such a rejection of these ideals from a single group of people

Blogpost 8: Same Sex Affair!

The same sex relationship is very common issue today for these lgbt people. Of course, when we talk about same sex relationship, it is a relationship between two persons of the same sex and it can categorize in  many forms like from romantic and sexual,to non-romantic close relationships. During the ancient time, there are some of  the historical figures like Socrates, Alexander the Great, Lord Byron, Edward II, Hadrian, Julius Caesar, Michelangelo, Donatello, Leonardo da Vinci, Oscar Wilde, Vita Sackville-West, Alfonsina Storni and Christopher Marlowe are into the  love and sexual relationships with their own sex. The so called "male homoerotic" are visible in the art of the ancient greek. Today, In the US same sex relationship is allowed in ten US countries like Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, South Africa, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland, Denmark, Argentina, Mexico City and the U.S. states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, and the District of Columbia. The issue are also found in the art and literature during this ancient time.. I found an site titled " Science of Relationship"  with an interesting article " Will Same-Sex Marriage Reduce Equality in Gay Relationships?" by Justin Lehmiller. the article is all about the how marriage can reduce to these same sex couples. 

The article state that the level of equality for these same sex couple is high compared to these heterosexual couple. Because gay and lesbian couple are romantic partners which both them are share the power with each other and to other things. And the other reason is that it is been historically denied the recognition for these relationship. In the legal marriage, they provide incentives for both partner in adopting a role in their relationship. In most same-sex relationships, both partners must remain employed and sufficient enough in protecting their own interest. and if the relationship end, there is no obligation to do within the partner. However, the availability of same sex marriage may change of all this. I suggest that marriage may allow gay and lesbian partners to adopt more specialized roles within their relationships and as a result, we may see a corresponding drop on some measures of relationship equality as same-sex marriage becomes more widespread.

Blospost 7: The Social Movement

Each and everyone of us is have the right to be treated in a decent way, express our feelings that's why i am lucky because i live in the country that is everyone have a freedom in everything. But i think  it is not same feeling for these lgbt people in our country and other country. because they are still fighting for the acceptance and equality of everyone member of their community. Sometimes, they do these movement they call it LGBT social movement or LGBT rights to advocate their full acceptance to the society. One of their goal is to fight for social equality. I found an article entitled "Why Gay Rights Are Civil Rights and Simply Right" in the website" The american conservative"  by David Lampo. It was about the brutal treatment and lack of human right to the gays and lesbians. 

The article stated that, this gay right movement are made enormous in the past decade, and the unthinkable concept for the same sex marriage in the american culture. It was also stated that this issue is different from the past 50s and 60s year, where some of the gays and lesbians are still involve in the american society movement. It was also stated that while these lesbian and gay movement are improved, there are still workplace discrimination because of the sexual orientation and many of these local state and government are not legally imposed the law against discrimination. Most of the states limit not only the marriage equality for them but also the recognition of same sex couples and the adoption by gay couple is still illegal. The author also stated that there is an fundamentally and conservative libertarian cases these gay rights, including the same sex marriage. He also added that gay rights are not just for liberal, but some poll show that even majority of republican support their agenda even if there are some people continue to argue about these issue of gay rights and gay marriage. There are many ways to define government oppression of its citizens, and certainly many examples of it in the U.S. history. And i am no doubt that  some government impositions on individual freedom have been broader than others . 

Blogpost 6: LGBT Community Rise

What is LGBT community? LGBT for some people who know them, these community  is for a group of lesbian, gays, bisexual and transgender people. These people are known in celebrating their pride, diversity, individuality and their sexuality. They call these event as  pride parade or gay parade.  They also refer these term as expressing their positive attitudes towards the violence and discrimination to them. They  held during the LGBT Pride Month of different country. There are several groups like  gay villages, LGBT rights organizations, LGBT employee groups at companies, LGBT student groups in schools and universities and LGBT-affirming religious groups that is consider part of their community. As i browse in the net, i found an article titled " Examiner " with an article " Introduction to LGBT Culture"  by Leah Adams-Schoen. It talks about the culture of LGBT and how it differ to the traditional culture of every country.  

According to the article, the LGBT community has is own culture that is depending on our variables such as location, age, and ethnic makeup. It was also stated in the article that LGBT culture is a response to the heterosexual and gender conforming culture which many of people in the society are againts for. For example in describing a "tomboy", when we describe them we say that they are boy, and if someone is "gay" we call them gay. The article also tell about the movie " But I am a Cheerleader". The movie was all about the girl named Megan, who is apparently a heterosexual high school cheerleader. When her parent discover her lesbianism, they sent megan to straight camp a therapy camp to cure lesbianism. And when megan realizes that she is a lesbian, despite of the therapy, she would rather embrace her sexual orientation. Even if i don't watch this movie, i think it is a great movie that everyone should watch when they want to know about these culture. The article also stated that in the struggle for their human rights, celebrating their unique and vibrant culture is crucial. They all encompass to the ethnicities, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.knowing their culture is not only helping them to diverse the wound expression that we do, but to give peace and love to every individual including these people that is need to have peaceful world. 

Blogpost 5: The LGBT

LGBT, According to merriam webster, the term refers to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people. This is the common term that use before in year 1990 and up to this present times. Back to history, during the ancient civilization there was reported instance of same sex love and sexuality among some historical figures. Some of them are known to have a relation with their own sex whether it is exclusively or together, while some are have a relation with opposite sex considering that the transgender and the third sex are part of this history. When i browse the net, there is a website titled "INC" with article "LGBT Employees Still Face Discrimination"  by Courtney Rubin stated that " toward equal treatment, lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) employees continue frequently to report discrimination and harassment in the workplace" 

According to the article, the William Institute at UCLA law school reported an evidence on employment discrimination based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. Based on the findings of  the report by  federally-funded general survey, show that there are 42% lgbt respondent is experiencing discrimination in their life. The author tells that employment discrimination are common among these people who are open about their gender identity to their workplace than those who are not showing their real identity. The analysis of william institute show that most of the lgbt employee are hiding their real gender identity and get fewer job than the those who are not lgbt and they are paid less. The analysis also tells that these men who are in same sex relationship are are earn less than those men who are in heterosexual marriage. The author also added that  these people who are experiencing employment discrimination is have a higher level of psychological stress and some related health problems, they also experiencing less job satisfaction, they also have the higher rate of absenteeism and they more likely to think of quit in their job because of these discrimination. Why do these people suffer these kind of harm? do they don't have a chance to reach their dream?. For me there's nothing wrong if they work, because sometimes these people are the most intelligent people, because they can immediately think of something that is good for your company. Because for me, i see these people love what they are doing in their life. 

Blogpost 4: The Trans and Psychology

Have you ever think what is the connection of psychology to these people? they say that in 20th century, the psychology view Homosexuality terms of pathological models as a mental illness. What is homosexuality? when i search the meaning about it, Merriam Webster Dictionary define the  homosexuality as showing an sexual attraction to people of the same sex. Some people view it as an disorder, but when some researchers are failed to prove any basis, they can't say that it is really an disorder or abnormality of these transgender people. Since year 1970s ,some psychologist and mental health professional tells  that homosexuality is not an disorder but it is a normal variation of human sexual orientation. As i was browsing the net,  i found an website titled "Life Site News" with an article " Psychiatry Expert: Scientifically, there is no such thing as Transgender" by Thaddeus Baklinski the author of article, he stated that " A prominent Toronto psychiatrist has severely criticized the assumptions underlying what has been dubbed by critics as the Canadian federal government's "bathroom bill", that is, Bill C-279, a private member’s bill that would afford special protection to so-called "transgender" men and women."

According to the article, there was a psychiatrist in toronto named  Dr Joseph Berger that say,  in the medical and science view, there is no term as "transgender" person, and that term used in the bill are more emotional appeal than the scientific fact. Berger also say that these people who call themselves transgender are mentally ill or unhappy person, he pointed out also that the hormone comes from therapy and surgery are not the treatment for their happiness. Dr berger also added that the meaning of transgender, he say that transgender people are the one who claim they really wish to be the person of the opposite sex to which they born. He say that sometimes, these people claim that they are a woman who is trapped in man's body or vise versa. The doctor also explained that these surgery that they wish to undergo will not help them to change of their human being in making them a man to become a women who are capable of having menstruation just like in the real women and have a children, or a women change into man who is capable of generating an sperm cells same as real men to the woman. Berger  stated that there is no basis on the issue about advocating the rights for their gender to these people who are still curious or questioning their gender identity. Berger also say that the confusion about their sexuality is psychological. For me, these people who seek or do surgery is many reason why they doing it, maybe because they want to change the perception to them of this people who can't still accept who they are. And show to the world, that there gender identity is not an illness that can harm people. 

Blogpost 3 : In the Entertainment World

In the terms of entertainment, many of gays or trans people are good in entertaining people. We can see them performing in the stage and recites a fast paced grouping of humorous stories, short jokes called "bits", and one-liners typically called a monologue, routine or act they call it a  "Stand up Comedy". And the people that speak in the stage are  the "Stand up Comedian" which speak some funny jokes or sometimes sing to audience who are watching them. In the our country we also have some known comedy bar in the city that people can go to when we want to have some fun with friends or maybe celebrate any occasion in this places.

I remember when i first enter into comedy bar, at first i feel nervous because its my first time to enter in that place i don't have any idea of what is happening when you a show. When the show ended i realize that it is really fun watching those comedian performing, so when we back there again i don't expect that these people will talk to us and entertain us. So as time goes by we able to talk to them at the backstage after their show. And now i am happy because i get a chance to know these people and be their friends    and treat us like a real friends aside from being a regular customer of that bar. Until now i really can't imagine that they become my friends because i was really amazed by their good heart and a talent that only them can do. In manila there is a very famous bar that people go through when they want to have fun, and that is the "The  Library Comedy Bar" , it is established in June 21, 1986 & owned by Mr. Andew De Real.It is known to be be the first and original comedy bar established in the Philippines. Some famous comedian in the television today like Ms. AiAi Delas Alas, Arnel Ignacio, Allan k, Rey Kilay, Teri Onor,  Anton Diva, Philip Lazaro, Wally Bayola and a lot more are came from this bar before get discover in the showbiz.  Until now Library are continue to discover many talented comedian that we can admire.

 One of their best performers is "The Charms"  group of 3 trans women named Erra Espiritu, Angel Sanggalang & Mariko ledesma. The three came to be known as "Charms" when the owner (Mr. andrew) saw their potential in singing and dancing and have been honored by the years they spent in japan. Actually these three pretty ladies are one of my closest friend in this bar because they are so kind and we don't really have a hard time approaching them from the first time that we see them. For me they are super talented aside from being a beautiful trans. Another performer of them is the "Drag-ons" they are the multi-talented gorup of drag queen that casing their talent in impersonating famous group, personalities and broadway production like Pussycat Dolls, Destiny's Child, Britney Spears, Madonna and many more. 

 Aside from the Library, we also have "Klownz Comedy Bar & Zirkoh Comedy Bar" in Quezon City which owned by famous dabarkadz, Allan K. and one of the famous comedy bar today. We also have "Laffline" and "Punchline" and "Metrobar" comedy bar which i think the most famous comedy bar now because of Vice Ganda who is one of the famous comedian now.

I also remember watching these show of GMA 7 "Comedy Bar". Hosted by  comedian Allan K & Eugene Domingo, that feature the same on happening on comedy bar. We also been entertain by these famous show of ABS CBN the "GGV" or "Gandang Gabi VIce " hosted by one & only Vice Ganda. There also a new segment of ABS CBN show SHOWTIME "That's My Tomboy" which some of the handsome lesbian in the country are joining.

 

Blogpost 2: The Truth behind "Her"

Now a days, we can hear some of the known trans in the Philippines and other country. Some of them give pride and honor to their country they live in, like in the Philippines there are some transgender people who are been admire and idolize by people because of the their beauty that they have. They are called "Transpinay" or a Filipino transgender in the Philippines. Some of them have started creating their names in showbiz especially in the field of beauty pageant. Because as we all know these gender are known by joining a pageant in their community.Some of the famous transgender that known in the philippines are; Rica Paras of PBB Double up edition. Rica is  known to be the first and only transgender housemate of the ABS CBN show Pinoy Big Brother Double Up 2. Another controversial Transgender person in showbiz is Justine Ferrer  first transgender cast away contestant that join in show of GMA 7 entitled "SURVIVOR PHILIPPINES". 

The famous and one of the prettiest faces of a transgender person that most idolize by women because of her beauty and also most admire by some men. She is Kevin Balot transgender who crowned to be Miss International Queen 2012 in Miss Tiffany Universe in Thailand  that made her famous in the other country. She become more famous after featuring her life story on ABS CBN "Maalala Mo Kaya" which role played  by Martin Del Rosario and made her trend in twitter locally and worldwide after the show. 

 Who can forget this beauty pageant segment of Eat Bulaga entitled "Super Sireyna". It is a beauty pageant for all beautiful gay or trans women. Among many candidates that join and 8 grand finalist  FRANCINE "IMUS" GARCIA aka "Kim Chui" was  crowned to be the SUPER SIREYNA "QUEEN OF QUEEN". Francine won the title because of her controversial answer to the  Q and A question and she got an standing ovation from the judges because of her answer. The show are also become trending in their grand finals segment. I really vows to these people because of their so much self confidence in their self facing the world again's those people still don't accept their gender in the society.

There also some Trans people outside the country that are freely accepted in their country unlike in the philippines. the controversial Jenna Talackova a  canadian model and personality  who join the Miss Universe Canada but been disqualifiedfor being a transgender. and Nong Poy a post modern model from Thailand she is consider also one of the beautiful trans in Thailand. Besides these pretty gay transgender in and out of the country, people also talks about these two controversial lesbian in the Philippines. Aiza Seguerra  is known to be  a filipina-actress, song writer and guitarist, also a Eat Bulaga's Litte Miss Phillipine in 1987. But now we can see her in a boy image. And Charice Pempengco whose become popular through youtube, and become controversial after her coming out to the public about her true gender. 

 

 

Blogpost 1: The "Trans"

For some people including me before don't have any idea about these "Trans" or short for "Transgender people". But when i hear about them and get to know some of them i already been interested to more about them that's why i choose this topic because i'm really interested to know more their history, the issues that they face in our society and how do they handle this discrimination that cause by these people who are judging their identity. In my research, a transgender is the state of one's gender identity or self-identification as woman, man, neither or both which does not match their assigned sex whose identify  by others as male, female or intersex based on physical or genetic sex.They can identify as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual,pansexual, polysexual, or asexual. There was a history about the discovery of the first transgender person. It was during 2500 B.C in Czech Republic when they buried a  women body but when it was examined they found out that it was a body of men. Also in early civilization places like Europe and Middle East. In the mid 1970s, both trans-gender and trans people were in use as umbrella terms for these people, The term "Transgenderist" was used to describe people who wanted to live cross-gender without sex reassignment surgery. People in society sometimes identify these transgender umbrella in different category like transsexual; transvestite or cross-dresser, genderqueer, androgyne, bigender. drag queen and drag kings. The Transsexual  is the gay people that undergo gender transition which a  process of aligning one's gender expression or presentation with their internal gender identity.The Transvestite or a gay people who dresses in clothes of the opposite sex, while the Cross-Dresser are gay people that wears the clothing of the opposite sex because it is the clothing of the opposite sex. The Genderqueer that  refers to a combination of gender identities and sexual orientations. Androgyne  is gay  person who does not fit cleanly into the typical gender roles of their society. Bigender is gay people individua who moves between masculine and feminine gender roles. And the Drag Queen & King whose gay performers that wear cross-dress for the purpose of entertaining. 

As i browse in the net, i found an website entitled " TimesUnion" with the article " It's Biological, Not a Mental Health Issue" by Byrgen Finkelman,  stated that " In utero, the body develops genitals before gender develops in the brain. Because these two do not happen concurrently, the interaction of testosterone with proteins, enzymes, and whatnot can cause the brain to develop a gender that does not match the sex." According also to the article, The person whose gender is misaligned with their sex is transgender. Whether that person is in  transitions and lives in their gender depends of many factors, but  not the least of which is the fear that people have about coming out to family, friends and employers as transgender. The article tells  that these people are doing many things in an effort to avoid loss and stigmatization. One of example is when these people are serve in the military, many of them try to become the men of  their genitals, many also  leave the military quickly, and many have successful careers as male military personnel. Both of these groups of “men” often come out as transgender after leaving the service. Unfortunately, even though the term Gender Identity Disorder has been removed from the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), the  transgender individuals  in order to get medical help with their transition to their correct gender, they must still be diagnosed by a mental health provider with “Gender Dysphoria".These identity disorder is diagnosis used by psychologists and physicians to describe people who experience significant discontent with the sex they were assigned at birth and/or the gender roles associated with that sex. In modern times today, the life of a transgender person can vary a good bit depending on what country they live in. In places such as Iran, transgender people are accepted and "sex change" more commonly referred to as gender reassignment, surgery is provided as homosexuality is illegal. By allowing a change in gender, that person is considered their new sex and no longer homosexual. Because of this, there are gay men who are not transgender who undergo gender reassignment anyway, simply to avoid being persecuted and likely killed for being gay. In the United States, Canada, and Europe, transgender people are becoming more visible as they are feeling more confident in their ability to speak out about their situations, although many are still treated poorly, including being murdered for being who they are. Higher levels of acceptance are developing though, particularly once cisgender people are educated about what being transgender actually means.