Ice Seguerra calls for implementation of gender-neutral comfort rooms

Singer Ice Seguerra took to social media on Saturday to share her perspective on the heated debate over the inclusive restroom policy being pushed by groups from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) sector where transgender people are allowed to use the restroom of their choice.

In light of the ongoing discussion on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality bill, a measure that seeks to protect members of the LGBTQ community from all forms of discrimination, following the controversial arrest of transgender woman Gretchen Diez for using the women’s toilet at a known Quezon City mall early this month.

On Facebook, Ice said that the comfort room issue is a bigger concern for those like himself who still have yet to fully transition, more than it is for transgender people who have already “blended in” and, accordingly, have been free to use their preferred restrooms even before the issue came out. 

 “The comfort room issue is a concern for those of us who haven’t fully transitioned. Concern ito for those of us who know we are transgender but are being clocked (or looked at) because our features don’t look man or woman enough sa standards ng karamihan. Like I said, it is a concern that one cannot fully understand unless you’ve been in this position,” he added.

Ice said that it “pains” him seeing friends, especially from the LGBTQ community, who are hostile towards transgender people for simply demanding equal rights. 

 “Swerte kayo kasi whenever you feel like going to the toilet, you can easily go without people questioning you. Hindi niyo kailangan magpigil uminom ng tubig sa pag nasa labas kasi may trauma ka na mag banyo.”

The “Pagdating Ng Panahon” hitmaker then openly expressed his support for the implementation of gender-neutral comfort rooms, citing: “We are not disregarding your feelings or reservations about this issue. Kaya nga ang hiling namin ay sana may gender-neutral comfort rooms din. Para walang mailang on both sides. And siguro, malawakang pag intindi sa kung ano ba ang kaibahan ng sexual orientation at gender identity. (Push)