Silan, Miguel Alejandro A.
Trans on Trains: lined experiences of Filipina transgender women on the MRT
This study sought to explore the overall lived experiences of transgender women in riding the MRT using a qualitative field research design and conducting short interviews with one MRT official, three security guards, and in-depth interviews with five transgender women. Findings show that there is no official policy for transwomen in the existing MRT segregation scheme, which places the exclusion or inclusion of the women to be primarily dependent on security guards and personnel who have varying attitudes and conduct towards transwomen. Transwomen participants place primacy on the general hassles of the MRT system (long lines, congestion, and unpleasant environmental conditions), the experience of which seems to be influenced by the phase of transition and apparent femininity of the transwomen, with transitioning and less feminine-looking transwomen being more likely to be excluded and receive harsher reactions. All transwomen participants experienced sexual harassment in one form or another. The importance of changing the attitudes of people and the wider culture before structural and policy changes is recognized. Narratives of transwomen's coping strategies, experiences with officials and fellow passengers, and their outlook on various MRT issues are also presented.
Male-to-female transsexuals
Transgender women
Trans on Trains: lined experiences of Filipina transgender women on the MRT
This study sought to explore the overall lived experiences of transgender women in riding the MRT using a qualitative field research design and conducting short interviews with one MRT official, three security guards, and in-depth interviews with five transgender women. Findings show that there is no official policy for transwomen in the existing MRT segregation scheme, which places the exclusion or inclusion of the women to be primarily dependent on security guards and personnel who have varying attitudes and conduct towards transwomen. Transwomen participants place primacy on the general hassles of the MRT system (long lines, congestion, and unpleasant environmental conditions), the experience of which seems to be influenced by the phase of transition and apparent femininity of the transwomen, with transitioning and less feminine-looking transwomen being more likely to be excluded and receive harsher reactions. All transwomen participants experienced sexual harassment in one form or another. The importance of changing the attitudes of people and the wider culture before structural and policy changes is recognized. Narratives of transwomen's coping strategies, experiences with officials and fellow passengers, and their outlook on various MRT issues are also presented.
Male-to-female transsexuals
Transgender women