Philippines

FNF PH and Loveyourself presents: Together in Transition: Commemorating Lives, Love, and Inclusive Solidarity

The event opened with Zoe Black of Love Yourself Inc., who welcomed the audience and introduced Jhay Dee Ruanto, the organization’s Director of External Affairs. He expressed his sincere gratitude to everyone in attendance and delivered a message that set the tone for the entire event: “No trans person should stand alone. We must build a safer future, a better future, that every person deserves.” His words served as a promise; a reminder that although the fight is difficult, the hope for a better future remains alive as long as people continue pushing for change.

Following this, Ms. Yanyan Araña, Project Manager for FNF PH, delivered her keynote speech. She highlighted that transitioning is not only a personal journey but also a shared social responsibility. She emphasized: “Transitioning is not only a personal journey but a collective effort… Society must be supportive and accepting to those who transition.”

With all of the welcoming messages out of the way, the floor would be opened to the event’s four guest speakers. The first speaker, Dr. Lou Anthony Noblefranca, MD, discussed the urgent need to improve healthcare accessibility for the transgender community, especially for vulnerable trans women. He also talked about effective strategies for preventing sexually transmitted diseases. A strong advocate for inclusive healthcare, Dr. Noblefranca highlighted how medical discrimination and violence against the trans community continue to persist in the Philippines.

Building on this discussion of transgender healthcare and needs, the next speaker, Dr. Ruben Valeza, a senior medical doctor at Luxecare, focused on the role of aesthetic procedures such as hormone therapy, facial rejuvenation, and acne treatment, in supporting gender affirmation. He advocated for a more respectful, understanding community where individuals can build confidence and freely express the identity they choose, with the help of accessible and affirming treatments.

To cap off the guest speakers’ portion of the event, the final speaker, Ms. Tanya Laguing, President of the Decent Image of South Signal Association, introduced Project Lakambini. This initiative aims to reduce transgender stigmatization and raise awareness on HIV prevention among trans men and women. She emphasized the data gaps in transgender-focused research; gaps that exist because transgender people are often excluded or erased from national health programs.

After the talks, the event opened a panel discussion, giving the audience a chance to ask further questions.

One audience member asked Dr. Valeza: “How do you deal with someone who, after going through surgery, experiences body dysmorphia?” He explained that before undergoing any medical procedure, clients should consult a mental health professional, ideally someone supportive of the transgender community, and should also have a supportive family member or friend with them. This ensures that they fully understand the expected outcomes and potential risks before moving forward.

Another audience member asked: “What do you think is the current progress of transgender healthcare in the Philippines?” Dr. Noblefranca responded first, saying that progress remains slow. He cited the lack of transgender health topics in medical schools as an example. Dr. Valeza added that transgender healthcare is still relatively new in the Philippines, even though it began gaining attention a decade ago. While progress is gradual, he assured the audience that far more options exist today than in the past.

To close the event, Ms. Yanyan led a solemn candlelit ceremony where attendees prayed for victims of trans violence. It was a bittersweet yet powerful moment. As candles glowed softly in the room, the audience mourned the lives lost, but also strengthened their resolve to fight for a safer, more just world for the trans community, and to ensure that such violence never happens again.

The night eventually wrapped up with grand performances from five drag queens: Kween G, Italya, Gabriela Shelang, Maria Cristina, and Maria Pepita, each delivering high-energy numbers filled with powerful messages of pride, resilience, and celebration.