By Kate Montecarlo Cordova
Founder and Chairwoman
Association of Transgender People in the Philippines
Transgender advocacy has long been at the forefront of challenging the rigid cis-heteronormative concept of gender as a strict binary. This defiance of traditional norms has had profound effects, not only in advancing human rights but also in fostering discussions about liberation, personal freedom, and the authenticity of self-identity. The movement has paved the way for groundbreaking research into human biology, neurodevelopment, and the role of sexual differentiation in identity formation.
Studies have increasingly highlighted the incongruence between “biological sex” and “brain sex,” reinforcing the argument that gender identity is not simply a matter of physical anatomy but is deeply rooted in neurology and psychology. The recognition of this complexity has led to crucial discussions about gender dysphoria, medical interventions such as hormone therapy and surgeries, and the social and legal recognition of transgender identities.
However, while academia and legislation have made strides in validating transgender identities, the challenge remains in disseminating this knowledge effectively, particularly within grassroots communities.
Over the years, research and advocacy have driven significant policy changes that support transgender rights. Many countries have adopted anti-discrimination laws, workplace protections, and even gender recognition policies. What was once deemed radical is now steadily gaining acceptance, even in traditionally conservative nations with deep-seated cultural and religious beliefs.
Workplace policies are increasingly inclusive of transgender employees, and while healthcare remains a major battleground, there have been tangible improvements in access to hormone replacement therapy, gender-affirming surgeries, and mental health support. However, the pace of progress remains inconsistent, with some countries pushing forward while others lag behind or even regress due to political shifts.
Despite these advancements, a troubling gap exists between high-level advocacy and community-level education. While legislative victories are celebrated, many transgender individuals remain unaware of their rights or the very foundation of their identity beyond the broad term “transgender.” This lack of knowledge within the community itself presents a significant hurdle to sustainable progress.
In the Philippines, for instance, many transgender individuals equate being transgender solely with gender identity without deeper comprehension of the biological, psychological, and sociological aspects that underpin it. This oversimplification is dangerous, as it leaves them vulnerable to misinformation, discrimination, and internalized stigma. To fully grasp what it means to be transgender, one must delve into the complexities of human sexual development, the differentiation of biological sex, and the philosophical debate on essentialism versus social constructionism.
Unfortunately, societal norms and religious dogma continue to reinforce outdated perceptions of gender, making it even harder for transgender individuals to embrace their identity confidently. Without proper education, many trans people struggle to articulate their experiences, advocate for themselves, or counter arguments against their rights effectively.
While transgender advocacy has achieved significant milestones—such as the inclusion of transgender women in international beauty pageants like Miss Universe and the growing acceptance of transgender athletes in sports—these victories have also sparked backlash. Ironically, much of this resistance comes from within the transgender community itself.
Many transgender women oppose the inclusion of trans women in Miss Universe, arguing that they are not “real” women and should instead compete in their own category. Similarly, some trans individuals reject the participation of transgender athletes in sports divisions that align with their gender identity. These internal divisions weaken the movement, making it easier for opponents to dismiss transgender rights as controversial or non-universal.
A house divided against itself cannot stand. If progress in transgender rights faces backlash, whom should we blame? Is it the anti-transgender advocates? Not necessarily—they are merely defending their own understanding of gender, even if it is outdated. Should we blame transgender activists and allies who pushed for inclusion in Miss Universe and sports? No, because their efforts are backed by years of research, lobbying, and advocacy. The real issue lies in the lack of community-wide education and solidarity. Many transgender individuals simply have not been equipped with the knowledge or confidence to support these advances fully.
Numerous international organizations and global funding initiatives exist to support transgender advocacy. However, these efforts often fail to reach the people who need them the most. The question remains: why?
One major issue is the focus of these initiatives. While high-level lobbying and policy changes are crucial, they are ineffective if the grassroots community remains uninformed. Many transgender individuals are unaware of anti-discrimination ordinances that protect them, even as local politicians pass these laws. It is paradoxical that cisgender people sometimes understand transgender rights better than transgender individuals themselves.
This disconnect must be addressed. Global funders, LGBTQIA+ leaders, and allies must prioritize community education and empowerment over policy-driven achievements. Laws and policies are meaningless if the people they are meant to protect do not understand or appreciate them.
One clear example of the risks is the United States. During his presidency, Donald Trump attempted to reverse many transgender-inclusive policies. While some might attribute this to personal bias, the reality is that these reversals were politically motivated and capitalized on the lack of widespread understanding of transgender issues.
Had transgender rights been more deeply ingrained in public consciousness, such policy rollbacks would have been met with stronger resistance. When society at large becomes familiar with and accepting of a concept, challenging it appears irrational. Thus, the key to long-term success is not just passing laws but ensuring that the general public—including transgender individuals themselves—fully understands and embraces these changes.
Speed is not the enemy. Progress should happen as quickly as possible because lives and livelihoods depend on it. However, moving fast without the right prioritization can be detrimental. Community empowerment and leadership development must come first.
Transgender individuals should not only be visible but also knowledgeable and empowered to advocate for themselves. A movement driven by well-informed leaders and community members will have a far greater impact than one dependent on external allies and policymakers. If transgender individuals take ownership of their narrative, progress will no longer be dictated by political whims but by the strength of an educated, unified community.
The ultimate goal should be self-sustaining advocacy. When trans individuals become champions in their own right—whether in education, healthcare, law, or other fields—the movement will no longer rely on external validation. Instead, it will be propelled by its own strength, ensuring that future victories are not just symbolic but deeply rooted in lasting change.
International Transgender Day of Visibility is more than just a celebration of existence; it is a call to action. Visibility alone is not enough if it does not translate into empowerment, education, and unity.
The transgender movement must address its internal divisions, prioritize grassroots education, and ensure that every trans person understands their rights, identity, and the broader implications of the fight for equality. Only then can we achieve genuine progress—one that is not just seen but deeply felt, understood, and upheld by the very people it seeks to liberate.
