“Homosexual people have a right to be in a family,” stated Pope Francis in a clip released from his upcoming documentary, Francesco. “They are children of God and have a right to a family. Nobody should be thrown out or be made miserable over it.” These groundbreaking words expressed by the head of the Catholic Church resonated profoundly with the congresswoman for Bataan’s first district, Representative Geraldine Roman. “With his statement, the Pope is teaching us that one is truly Christian not by being more right or righteous, but by being kinder and more compassionate,” she shares. “The underlying message is not about doctrine but about love for fellow human beings, including LGBTQ persons.”
Following in the political footsteps of her parents, both former congressmen, Roman ran in 2016 and won by an impressive 67 per cent, making history by becoming the first ever transgender person elected to the Congress of the Philippines. The elegant and sophisticated congresswoman is devoutly Catholic and proudly transgender. Although traditionally irreconcilable, Roman found solace in her church and faith very early on in her journey.
“The understanding of transgender is very recent. So, at the time, I just knew that I enjoyed doing things that others considered as feminine,” she shares of her childhood. “Deep inside, you’re more inclined to certain things and yet, the expectations of others are in the opposite direction. Then you realise that ‘Hey, my mind and my heart don’t seem to belong to this’. At first, I did not really accept myself. That’s the truth because I tried to fit in and meet the expectations of my parents and my family. Every child craves acceptance, and every child wants to belong.”
Denne historien er fra December 2020-utgaven av Tatler Philippines.
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Denne historien er fra December 2020-utgaven av Tatler Philippines.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
ON THE HIGH SEAS
Experience luxury and elegance on Silversea's Mediterranean cruise, an extraordinary journey crafted for unforgettable adventures and memories.
HOLLYWOOD DREAMS
Get to know the Filipinos who are making a dent in the world's entertainment capital-each striving to empower fellow Filipino filmmakers to shine globally
THE SECOND PITASE
What was once an impossible dream of cleaning up the notorious Pasig River has now become a beacon of hope and praise. We look into the next stage as the rehabilitation moves forward
SPARKLING DIAMOND
Anchored on faith and her father's guidance, Annette Gozon Valdes reflects on the evolution of the media industry, the end of network wars and the critical factors behind GMA Network's 75 meaningful years
THE PRESIDENT'S SANCTUARY
Renovated in 2022, the official residence of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos offers glimpses into the past and future of the Philippines' seat of power
THE ENDURING NOISIA
Legendary American designer Thom Browne, known for reinventing tailoring and combining it with the wildest imagination, reflects on how he's excelled over his 20-plusyear career by doing what he truly loves
Sculpted in Million Gold
Step into the golden sphere of Rabanne and define yourself with a fragrance that speaks to your confident self
No Shortcuts
The Lexus UX300e all-electric vehicle is proudly crafted with the utmost attention to detail and consideration for the environment
Night in the Sky
Taste of Luxe is Insular Life's (InLife) recurring culinary lifestyle event, delighting members of its Amorsolo Circle with delectable meals paired with fine wine
Wine Not?
One of the key figures behind New York's Michelin-starred restaurants Atomix, Atoboy, and Naro is Jhonel Faelnar, a Filipino sommelier who admits his passion for wine came as a pleasant surprise