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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Resort bashed for banning transgenders

Resort bashed for banning transgenders

Published May 12, 2021 03:58 pm

DAVAO CITY — A beach resort in Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) in Davao del Norte drew flak on social media for making “homophobic” remarks that it would no longer accommodate transgender guests.

GETTING BASHED. A screenshot of the controversial social media post of Isla Reta Beach Resort which drew the ire of netizens. (Isla Reta Beach Resort Facebook page / MANILA BULLETIN)

In a statement on Wednesday, the management of Isla Reta Beach Resort said members of the third sex are no longer welcome to visit the white sand beach resort because it lacks facilities to cater them.

GETTING BASHED. A screenshot of the controversial social media post of Isla Reta Beach Resort which drew the ire of netizens. (Isla Reta Beach Resort Facebook page / MANILA BULLETIN)

“We inform to the public we cannot accommodate transgender because we have no facility for them to avoid issues of discrimination,” the statement read.

This came after Shannon R. Gonzaga, a transgender, complained of being subject to discrimination and ridicule by the management and staff of the resort that refused her to use the shower area for female guests, asking her to show her private parts as proof that she had gender reassignment during their family’s visit last May 8.

She explained to the worker that she was not a “gay” but a “transgender” who has been taking hormones since the age of 18.

“Around 6 p.m. I wanted to wash off, so I went to the female’s bath because that’s where I was comfortable, which I thought was okay, because my figure was already female, and that’s allowed in other establishments,” Gonzaga said.

The staffer was relentless and insisted that she use the shower area for male guests.

“I did not argue, so I quickly proceeded to the men's room to see if there were no people inside. But there were already many topless male guests who were taking a shower. So, I could not bear to wash off there as I did not want to get intimidated nor make them feel uncomfortable because, sis, I have a cleavage,” Gonzaga said.

Gonzaga said she walked out, changed clothes at their tent and proceeded to the management supposedly to complain about the resort staff who embarrassed her.

But instead of being attended to, she said was subject to another “homophobic” remarks as the management insisted on its “policy” that gays are not allowed to use the female’s shower area.

The resort is located in Barangay Santa Cruz, Talikud Island. IGACOS is popular tourist destination in Davao Region for its white sand beach resorts and dive spots.

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