M1ss Jade So calls out Makati hotel security’s alleged gender-based discrimination

When she asked why, one security staff member told Jade: “Bawal po nakahubad sa lobby, sir.” She quickly corrected the guard who, according to Jade’s statement, failed to apologize for misgendering her.

Jade demanded for the specific hotel policy prohibiting her from wearing her outfit in public. Another security staff informed her that it was not rule-specific, reminding her of children nearby.

“Wdym may bata? I am not disrespecting any kids right now because this is my identity, that’s a parent’s job to explain to their kids that people like me exist, and there should not be any malice,” the drag artist wrote in her Instagram post.

Security staff informed Jade that even guests in swimming attire were prohibited to enter the lobby, as well as asking her to cover up at the risk of getting cold. Jade maintained that her outfit was for Pride Night, and that she was feeling warm. The confrontation ended when their vehicle arrived.

“Body can be a canvas to your art, and as a drag artist, my ability is to craft artistry to my body. And these remarks are not acceptable to me and to my art because it is not nudity nor disrespecting anyone,” she explained.

Jade asserted the parent’s responsibility to explain to their child, “If it’s a Queen wearing a look, explain it well by saying ‘baby, she is a queen who looks different than usual, alternative queens exist.'”

“If we have that kind of parenting, our kids will grow in kindness, not hateful person. The thing that needs adjusting is not my body, it’s societal judgment and malicious minds.”

The drag artist asked the hotel management to implement gender sensitivity training for their staff, as well as a call to end discrimination.

Victims may file a formal complaint through the proper legal channels, in consideration of the Safe Spaces Act or RA 11313 and the Makati City Gender and Development (GAD) Code, or any local anti-discrimination ordinances.

“This is a reminder that we need the SOGIE Equality Bill because the oppressors are still not stopping. I am MISS JADE SO, proudly living very well in my morena skin, a Trans Woman-Non-Binary. I LIVE AND I EXIST.”

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