By Kate Montecarlo Cordova
Founder and Chairwoman
Association of Transgender People in the Philippines
History demonstrates that domination, control, and manipulation inevitably breed resistance and backlash, especially from those who perceive themselves as oppressed. This dynamic is critical to understand if true progress is the goal. Manipulation, control, and domination aren’t always overt; they often manifest subtly through politics and favoritism, even within small organizations. Once politics takes root in any institution — no matter how noble its vision — its longevity is compromised.
Politics thrives on numbers and connections. When this strategy prevails, no agenda will truly succeed, for it corrodes competence and the ability to address real issues. It deprives capable individuals of opportunities to lead, silences sound opinions lacking the power to assert themselves, and pushes valuable members — especially those in the minority — to the sidelines or, worse, out of the group entirely. This weakens the foundation of any organization, leaving it vulnerable.
A power-driven game serves no organization unless its leader embodies the highest version of vision, philosophy, values, principles, and an unwavering commitment to the greater good.
Communities operating under a power-play system do not foster a fair playing field where the most competent emerge as leaders. Instead, they elevate those who merely possess the charm to lead but lack the depth to sustain it.
Consider USAID. While established to empower communities, its primary goal has always been to prevent the rise of dictators. Though the objective appears noble, its success depends on elevating the most competent leaders in their respective fields. If it fails to do so, the outcome will be the opposite of what was intended. If USAID aims to support groups working on LGBTQIA issues, its primary responsibility is to identify and empower the most capable leaders.
Furthermore, it must diversify its support across various organizations working toward the same goals, regardless of personal or organizational conflicts. Only then can it serve the broader community, ensuring that no potential leader is wasted.
The LGBTQIA movement, despite small victories, remains largely ineffective because it has failed to unify its community and elevate the best representatives of its cause. By concentrating resources on a select few, it has deprived itself of the brilliance that could have strengthened its foundation.
As a result, while discussions at higher levels progress, the deeper layers of the grassroots remain disconnected, leading to internal clashes whenever an issue is raised. The movement lacks cohesion, and without a shared vision, progress remains fragmented.
This concentration of power at the top creates a fragile structure, susceptible to internal dissent and external pressures.
Power games may offer short-term gains, but in the long run, they are a slow poison. They sideline those with the greatest potential to make an impact and invite resistance instead of cooperation, leading to division and stagnation. Power, when played as a game, is nothing but a house of cards—impressive in height but fragile in its foundation. It may stand for a moment, casting its shadow over the worthy, but the winds of resistance will always rise. And when they do, that house will collapse, not by the hands of its enemies, but by the weight of its own deceit.
True progress requires collaboration, inclusivity, and the elevation of competence over control. Only then can organizations and movements build a solid foundation for lasting change.
