Trans representation, indeed.
Party-list organization Akbayan Partylist has named Cebu-based transgender woman Magdalena Robinson as its sixth nominee for the elections next year.
This is the first such step done by any political organization running for a post in the House of Representatives via the country’s party-list system; and this follows the earlier appointment of LGBTQIA community leader Perci Cendaña, who was recently sworn in as Akbayan’s representative in Congress.
“As a transgender woman, being nominated by a political party with multisectoral membership structure is a significant milestone. I have been with Akbayan since 2012, and I never expected this nomination. It is humbling to be selected not as a transgender person, but (because) my work and advocacy were considered by my peers in the party,” Robinson said to Outrage Magazine. “This nomination is not just about me; it represents the transgender community and our ability to be a voice in solidarity with the various sectors that make up our party.”
For Robinson, political representation remains crucial for the LGBTQIA community because “it ensures our voices are heard and our issues are addressed. It is essential to create spaces where transgender individuals, a minority in society even in political parties, can engage and participate politically. The principles of active citizenship that Akbayan upholds align perfectly with my advocacy for the LGBTQIA community. Representation helps in fostering inclusivity and equality.”
Robinson’s inclusion among the nominees is thanks to the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) new election guideline that requires party-list organizations to submit 10 nominees to represent them. This is a new development in Republic Act 7941 ( Party-list System Act) that increased the number from five to 10 nominees.
For Robinson, the sixth nominee is not guaranteed to get a seat in Congress, but this is not token participation per se.
“While I may not be as well-known to other sectors compared to other nominees, my active involvement with the Akbayan LGBTQIA+ Collective speaks volumes. The Comelec rules require 10 nominees for a party-list, so my placement is far from token participation. I am proud to represent Akbayan as the sixth nominee and will continue to campaign vigorously for our party as I have in the previous elections.”
In the end, for Robinson, while “I consider the future to be always uncertain, but I am committed to serving when the opportunity arises. If a greater platform for my advocacy presents itself at the right time, I will embrace it wholeheartedly. My dedication to advocating for the LGBTQIA community and other marginalized sectors remains steadfast.”
