A transgender woman, on Monday became the first openly LGBT person elected to the Philippine Congress. With nearly 90 percent of the votes tallied, Geraldine Roman defeated Danny Malana by a 96,004 – 59,428 vote margin in the race to represent the Bataan Second Legislative District in the Philippine House of Representatives.

Roman is a member of the center-left Liberal Party.

Dindi Tan, a former member of the Quezon City Pride Council board of directors, applauded Roman’s election in a statement to TransGriot.

“For a country that has yet to catch up with the significant LGBT rights developments and inroads around the world, the election victory of Congresswoman-elect Geraldine Roman is an inspiration by itself for a community that has long yearned for its own voice in the halls of Philippine Congress,” said Tan.

“Her election is a breath of fresh air and is welcomed with great optimism by the Philippine trans community,” she added. “Her being the first openly tranwoman voted into Congress is a clear testament that the tide is slowly shifting to our favor.”

Roman told Tan in a Facebook message that she is “looking forward to serving our people.”

Philippine voters on Monday also appear to have elected controversial Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who is a member of PDP-Laban party of which Roman is a part, to succeed President Benigno Aquino. Boxer Manny Pacquiao, who sparked outrage earlier this year when he said same-sex marriage is “more disgusting than (sex) between animals,” was also on the ballot for a seat in the Philippine Senate.

Source: www.washingtonblade.com