Iyah Mina, the first transgender woman to win Best Actress at a major Filipino award-giving body, has shared her perspective on the recent controversy involving a waiter who addressed a transgender customer as “sir” at a Cebu restaurant.

In a Facebook post, Mina emphasized that while educating people on gender sensitivity is important, it should not lead to public shaming. She recounted her own experiences of being misgendered, even when she is dressed and presented as a woman.

“Minsan nagagalit ako pag natatawag akong Sir, pero anu ba itsura ng Sir? Kaya ok lng naman minsan matawag kung hindi sinasadya , educate them.. yun lang un:..,” Mina shared.

She narrated an incident where a Grab driver repeatedly addressed her as “sir,” despite her feminine appearance. After she corrected him, the driver apologized profusely and offered her a free ride to make amends.

“Pag napagsibihan at nagalit sila yaan mo na kung lalake ang tumawag sayong sir… Tingin ka lang then, Sir ? Ibabalik naman nila agad un ng ay sorry po mam.. then patawa lang na eto sir kuya naman eh.. pag babae naman nagsabi ng sir at paulit ulit tawagin mo lng kuya titingin sayo un at sabihin mo sa knya senxa na muka kang lalake kasi .. eme!,” Mina advised.

Mina highlighted the struggle many transgender individuals face in seeking understanding and acceptance. “Hindi lahat maiintindhan di lahat matatanggap… OO ang hirap ng position namin…. Apaka daling sabihin Respeto, At Pagtanggap ang hirap lang nilang gawin… Anu ba pumipigil ?” she questioned.

“Tao din kami… TAOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! Hindi kami kakaiba paulit ulit nlng…. Acceptance lang ang kailangan…. Wooooo!!!!” she added passionately.

Meanwhile, Jude Bacalso, the person involved in the Cebu incident, has publicly apologized for the situation. Bacalso clarified that he did not demand the waiter to stand for an extended period while discussing the gender sensitivity issue.

The incident has sparked important conversations about gender sensitivity and the need for better education on LGBTQIA+ issues, underscoring the necessity of respect and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.