A woman in the Philippines has become the first ever transgender candidate to be elected by the House of Representatives in the country. Photo: Romeo Ranoco/Reuters Geraldine Roman received 62 percent of the vote, winning the seat in the northern province of Bataan, a seat previously held by her mother. Facing humiliating attacks on her gender by opponents, Roman told Reuters ahead of voting day that “The ideal situation is where gender is not an issue and we can focus on the platform, the agenda and the personality and the character of each candidate. “That’s what is important, not the gender really.” She told the Associated Press following her victory "By winning, I'm sending a statement to Philippine society that even people of my condition can contribute in nation-building and serving the people. Formerly an editor of a Spanish news agency, Roman says she will work to pass bills on eduction, health care, anti-discrimination, agriculture and transparency in government.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 12th May 2016 - 2:16pm