"When a popular broadcaster and former Vice-President mocks a transgender
man, he is not only offending LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender)
people, he is also setting a bad example to his audience specially to the
youth.”
This was the reaction of Commissioner Perci Cendaña, Chairperson of the
Committee on Social Inclusion and Equity of the National Youth Commission
(NYC), to the on-air banter of TV Patrol anchor and former Vice President
“Kabayan” Noli De Castro. Towards the end of their broadcast last Monday
evening, July 10, 2017, he jokingly referred to the transitioning of Jake Zyrus
as “climate change”. Commissioner Cendaña said that jokes made at the expense
of transgender people intensifies stigma and prejudice.
According to the NYC official, sexual orientation, gender identity and
expression (SOGIE) is no laughing matter, and it should be treated seriously
and with sensitivity. “Such remarks reinforce discrimination against LGBT
people. This is very alarming as young LGBTs are extremely vulnerable to stigma
and discrimination. Bullying, ridicule, and abuse not only psychologically
affect the youth, but also deter their development and growth are.”
In the interest of promoting inclusivity and respect for diversity, the
NYC official urged De Castro to issue a public apology. “By rectifying the
offensive and discriminatory remarks, the former Vice-President will set a good
example to his audience specially the youth. We urge him to be an ally for
acceptance and equality.”
The NYC ultimately encouraged media companies to hold gender
sensitivity and SOGIE workshops in their institutions in order to facilitate a
better understanding of LGBT issues. PR/.(posted by Becky D. de Asis-The Rdline News)
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