Mikko DG

Tadeo BSM AS
3A
Gender and Society

A Position Paper
The gender-fluid history of the Philippines | France
Villarta

The video started with a real world example, an example many Filipinos can relate to. The story of
Lenie, a trans-woman who's been servicing at her parlor in their baranggay. It is very relatable
because ever single baranggay in our country has its own lenie. The video also gave a trivia that
even though before, there was already a womanlike-man. It is the male version of babaylan,
France stated that these men are acting and dressed as women. They do what a female babaylan
do, and do what a normal female does. The main thing that France stated that marks in my mind is
that the church, who we believe the most sacred organization/group is the ones who are
responsible for narrowing our minds to believe that gender is only limited into two.
In my own opinion, it is true that the churches are the ones who are responsible. They limit their
minds into what they think is right. But they can't accept the fact that we are now in a new era
where the only constant thing in the world is change. I believe that the day will come that they're
gonna accept these new concepts of gender without hesitation and without reservations.
In conclusion, the video was very helpful for us to remember the fact from the past, to understand
what the present gives us, and to accept what future may come. Let us remember that we are all
Lenie in our own reasons. Not just by gender but also by being a person who deserves to be
recognized as a normal human being, and deserves a chance to prove and earn everyone's
respect.