‘LGBT hopefuls welcome; must wear uniform based on gender at birth’

While the military welcomes LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) applicants, they should adhere to the standards of the gender they were assigned at birth in wearing the uniform.

“We have to go by the gender of the applicant as reflected in the certificate of live birth,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said on Wednesday.

His statement comes after Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman, the country’s first transgender congresswoman, expressed interest to join the AFP’s reserve force.

READ: Transgender solon to join AFP reserve corps

She also expressed hope that as a transgender woman, she will be wearing a military woman’s uniform and haircut.

Arevalo said this was the first time they have dealt with this kind of situation concerning an applicant, but said Roman will be a “welcome addition to the work force.”

“In the process of training prospective members, the AFP inculcates on them that that they are entering an institution placed in high esteem,” he said.
“As such, we admonish them to maintain the dignity of the uniform; observe discipline, propriety and decorum; and measure up to the steep standards of the service,” he added. RAM