Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman, the country’s first transgender congresswoman, on Wednesday commended the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for allowing military applicants from the LGBT sector.
The congresswoman announced that she will also be applying for the AFP reserve corps.
“I will also be applying to become a military officer in the AFP Reserve Force to become the first transgender military officer of the Philippine Republic.,” Roman said in a statement.
“This will complement their appreciation for the LGBT community for they will see that we can exemplify the same sense of discipline, the same military professionalism, and the same love of country that the current men and women in uniform embody,” she said.
LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.
Roman expressed delight over the “positive and historic development” and hopes that the authorities are aware that as a transgender woman, she will be wearing a military woman’s uniform and haircut.
The solon also supported the revival of mandatory Reserved Officers Training Course (ROTC) for Grades 11 and 12, saying that she will encourage the youth to join and promote the course. RAM