A trans woman fights for equality in the workplace and beyond

Jamel Escalante, 27,  known at work as Jham, is a molding operator at MEC Electronics, a producer of wiring harnesses and power cables for major electronics brands globally, such as Dyson, a famous brand of vacuum cleaners and purifiers. 

Just like any other worker in export processing zones in the Philippines, Jham entered the workforce experiencing low wages, insecure jobs and unsafe working conditions. In fact, in her first two years working, she experienced below minimum wages. Only when she entered MEC and became a member of the union did she realized that things can change and be better. 

As much as she is proud to be an active unionist, Jham is loud and proud to share that she is a trans woman – a product of a lifelong journey of discovering her identity and understanding what she can bring to the world. To her, the union’s work for labor rights and gender equality goes hand in hand.

A Trans child in conservative Philippines

Jham was assigned male at birth. She was born to a father who was a military man, and a mother who you could call a traditional housewife. She says she knew early on that being a woman was her true self, but was too afraid to show it because of the expectations of her family, her school, and society. She experienced bullying, discrimination, and even violence, prompting her to keep her true self in the closet for some time.

Jham attended grade school in the early 2000s, a period when gender expression outside the binary was not welcomed in schools. She recounts having to sport a “male” haircut, just to avoid the humiliating punishment called “katkat,” when teachers forcibly cut hair above the ears to comply with what is deemed proper. 

Only when she lived with her grandmother did she dare to express herself more freely by growing her hair long. She also found comfort with other family members who were also LGBTQIA+ with their experiences being familiar and related to each other. 

“Ang swerte ng generation ngayon kasi unti-unting nagiging bukas ang isipan ng society sa mga LGBTQ. Ang saya naman nila kasi na-express nila ang totoong pagkatao nila.” (This generation is very lucky because society gradually opens up to LGBTQ people. They must be happy because they get to express their true identity.), comparing her experience to younger children today who, in some cases, are being allowed to wear female uniforms and grow their hair long. 

Discrimination at work, standing up for oneself

When she finished high school, Jham was more assured about her identity and became braver in expressing herself.  This was also the time when she started working to earn a living. Apart from earning money for daily needs, Jham believed that achieving something at work would also earn the respect of her relatives.

She cites a distinct situation in her family with respect and the right to express being dependent on the capacity to provide. “Pag professional ka, parang okay lang kahit kung bisexual ka o gay, basta professional ka, go! Pero ‘pag parang hindi ka wala kang narating sa buhay, tapos gay ka pa or transgender, may ganoong discrimination sa Filipino families.” (When you are a professional, it’s okay to be bisexual or gay. But if you can’t show off success, and you’re gay or transgender, you still experience discrimination in Filipino families.)

While Jham had progress in being safe and assured with her womanhood, the workplace is no paradise for trans people. She started working in 2017 in another company where, yet again, long hair was only allowed for biological females. 

When she entered MEC in 2019, she was enthusiastic about a gender-sensitive company policy, which the union had won in negotiations prior. “Fit sa akin itong kumpanya. Kaya ayun, dun ako nag-bloom. Parang BINIverse!” (This company is a good fit. That was when I bloomed. Like BINIverse!” 

While the policy is a union victory, Jham reports that there are still cases of discrimination and microaggression towards queer and trans people in their factory. Employing over 1000 people, a huge section of MEC’s workforce identifies as LGBTQIA*. 

She shared about an instance when she felt harassed with the kapkap (frisking) at the security booth. While identifying as a woman, Jham was still categorized as male in the system, forcing her to be inspected by a male guard. She shares her other workmates' experiences, such as lesbians with short hair being forced to wear hairnets, something not required of their male counterparts.

Trans women are also barred from wearing earrings, while biological females are allowed. “Minsan, ang tono nila ay pinapayagan na nga kayo sa buhok, gusto niyo pa pati hikaw, na parang pabor at hindi karapatan.” (Sometimes, it seems like they are saying that we are already allowed with the hair, and now we want more with the earrings, as if it’s a favor and not a right.), citing the company’s reactions to their pleas.

“Okay sana kung bawal na lang sa lahat, dahil nga electronics company kami, safety hazard ang earrings eh.” (It would have been better if they barred it for everyone, since we are in an electronics company and earrings are a safety hazard.) While there are openings for them, restrictions remain. 

Union strength, union pride

But despite these persisting challenges, the union has had small but impactful victories as well. Through a petition, the MEC Electronics Workers Union had pushed the company to construct two gender-neutral restrooms to accommodate queer people who experience unease or discrimination when using binary-assigned restrooms. 

Jham credits these reforms to the strength and unity of the union. Their union has formed a committee to address the particular and distinct concerns of the LGBTQIA+ workers, which Jham happily leads. Their long-term goal is to formalize a bilateral worker-management council on LGBTQIA+ affairs, similar to the youth and occupational safety councils they have already established.

Building upon the workers’ victories inside MEC, she prepares proposals for programs and services to advance LGBTQIA+ rights and welfare, including an HIV awareness program for all workers and testing services to be accessible to those who prefer and need it. Aside from education and awareness, Jham hopes for workers’ organizations to also be capable of extending legal aid to victims of gender-based discrimination and violence.

Jham said these were ideas she got from attending seminars and learning exchanges with other unions and LGBTQIA+ workers through Bahaghari Manggagawa, a network of queer workers from different unions and workplaces. 

Last Mayo Uno, they joined the Labor Day march under the network’s banner to highlight and amplify queer workers’ demands as integral to the overall struggle of Filipino workers, and even across the globe.

A proud Trans in the struggle

When asked about how she handles discriminatory remarks from workplace peers, she said that she handles it with care and mutual respect. She said that she understands that such remarks are borne out of her workmates’ upbringing. 

In her view, in such respectful conversations, her co-workers would also see and highlight their positive traits as LGBTQIA+ workers participating in the union. Jham observes that she and her fellow queers are “naturally friendly, enthusiastic, and engaging.” She said that she is very proud of having shown great initiative in activities and campaigns.

“Active na active ako sumama sa pamimigay ng polyeto, sa pag-address ng concerns. Gusto ko ‘yung ‘pag nakikita ako sa company - ang banggit ay “Ay, unyonista ‘yan!” (I am very much active in leafleteering, addressing concerns. I like that when I am seen inside the company, people say, “Oh, she’s a unionist!”

A call: Come out and proud, break the chains

Jham wants to tell young queer people to know themselves deeply and express themselves freely, and to be brave and steadfast amid challenges. 

“Malayo na, pero malayo pa. Kahit papaano, mayroon nang mga nakakaintindi at sumusuporta sa atin. Express niyo lang kung anong gusto ninyong maging. Wag kayo matakot.” (We have come far, but we have a long way to go. Little by little, there are people who understand and support us. Just express what you want to be. Do not be afraid.)

And to LGBTQIA+ workers experiencing discrimination, be it economic or because of their gender identities, Jham leaves them with a challenge.

“Dapat magkaroon ng pagkakaisa ang mga LGBTQ na manggagawa. Kung kaya natin mag-unyon, itayo na natin. Kung may mga kakilala tayong marunong, magpatulong po tayo. Kung gusto niyo ilaban ang karapatan at kapakanan, unyon ang sagot. Kapag may unyon, ligtas at pantay-pantay na matatamasa ang karapatan, lalaki, babae o LGBTQ ka man. Happy Pride sa lahat!” (LGBTQ workers must be united. If we can form a union, let’s do it. If we know someone who knows, let’s ask for help. If we want to fight for our rights and welfare, a union is the answer. When there is a union, we are safe and equal in asserting our rights, man, woman or LGBTQ. Happy Pride to all!”