Lapid edgy over trans women in ladies’ rooms, wants four toilets at establishments

Senator Lito Lapid sees no need to pass a law against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.

He, however, saw the need for four public toilets in public places, one each for "lalaki, babae, bakla, tomboy."

Lapid expressed apprehension over the idea of a man dressing up as a woman and entering a women's restroom to harass its occupants.

“Kung itutuloy ang sinasabi nila na ang mga kapatid na bakla pupunta dun sa babae, eh ang dami magaling na magbakla-baklaan," Lapid said.

Lapid made the remark in the wake of an incident involving a trans woman, Gretchen Diez, who was not allowed to use the women's restroom in a Quezon City mall.

However, "bakla" is a Filipino word referring to a gay man, not a transgender woman.

"Sabi ko nga kay SP (Senate President Vicente Sotto III), 'Eh, yung Tito, Vic, and Joey ang galing n’yo nga dyan',” Lapid added.

“Bale apat na yan. Tig-isa sila—lalaki, babae, bakla, tomboy,” Lapid said.

Lapid said there was no need to pass a measure against discrimination as there were ordinances addressing the concerns of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“Hindi na siguro. Katulad ng Quezon City, lokal lamang nagawa nila hindi lang na implement, dapat maimplement. Napalaki ang issue dahil may nasaktan, may naagrabyado, hindi alam na me batas na pala,” Lapid said.

After being barred from the women's restroom, Diez was detained and handcuffed after she took a video of the maintenance staff member who told her to use the men's room.

Quezon City has an existing Gender Fair Ordinance which would have given Diez the right to use the ladies' room. —NB/BM, GMA News