Biography:
Geraldine Batista Roman, born on April 23, 1967, is a Filipina journalist and politician. She has been serving as the Representative of Bataan’s 1st district since 2016, making history as the first transgender person elected to the Congress of the Philippines. Roman’s journey has been marked by resilience, determination, and a commitment to fighting for equality and acceptance.
Geraldine Roman was born Gerry, assigned male at birth, and is the second of four children of Herminia Roman and Antonino Roman, Jr., a prominent political family in the Philippines. Growing up, she faced teasing from her classmates due to her gender identity, but her father taught her the importance of confidence and belief in oneself.
Roman pursued her elementary and high school studies at the basic education unit of Ateneo de Manila University. For her collegiate education, she attended the University of the Philippines Diliman. Determined to expand her horizons and pursue her passion for journalism, she secured a scholarship to study at the University of the Basque Country in Spain, where she obtained two master’s degrees.
After completing her studies, Roman worked as a senior editor for the Spanish News Agency in Spain. However, in 2012, she made the difficult decision to return to the Philippines to take care of her seriously ill father. This marked the beginning of her political career.
During the 2016 Philippine elections, Roman ran under the Liberal Party banner for the position of 1st District Representative for Bataan, competing against Hermosa mayor Danilo Malana of Aksyon Demokratiko. With more than 62% of the total votes, she emerged victorious, becoming the first transgender congresswoman in the history of the Philippines. Roman succeeded her mother, Hermina Roman, who had served a limited term.
As a congresswoman, Roman has been a trailblazer and an advocate for equality. She and other elected lawmakers, known as equality champs, spearheaded the passage of the anti-discrimination bill on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, now known as the SOGIE Equality Bill. Through her impassioned speech in the House of Representatives, she garnered international support for LGBT rights in the Philippines.
In addition to championing LGBT rights, Roman has filed several bills focused on her district’s advocacies. These bills address eco-tourism, livelihood enhancements, agriculture advancements, healthcare, and education. They align with the advocacies of her family, who have long served the first district of Bataan.
Roman’s contributions and impact have garnered recognition both locally and globally. In 2016, she was named one of the 13 Inspiring Women of 2016 by Time magazine, highlighting her role in shaping the future of the Philippines and advancing the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. She was also acknowledged as one of the 100 Leading Global Thinkers of 2016 by US-based Foreign Policy magazine.
Despite facing obstacles and challenges, Geraldine Roman’s dedication to public service and her unwavering commitment to equality have cemented her as a pioneer in Philippine politics. Her journey reflects not only her personal triumphs but also the continued struggle for acceptance and inclusivity. She remains an inspiration to countless individuals, challenging societal norms and breaking barriers along the way.
Awards:
– Named one of the 100 Leading Global Thinkers of 2016 by Foreign Policy magazine
– Named one of the 13 Inspiring Women of 2016 by Time magazine