'Sharmaine bill' seeking to recognize lived identities of trans, intersex Filipinos filed in House
The Akbayan Partylist has filed a bill at the House of Representatives seeking recognition for the lived identities of trans, intersex Filipinos.
In time for Pride Month, Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña shared details about House Bill No. 9929, or the Lived Identities and Recognition Act. It is also known as the "Sharmaine Bill" in reference to a viral skit wherein an orange wants to be known for a different name.
"For many trans and intersex Filipinos, their names cause ridicule and discrimination. Madalas silang kinukutsa at pinagtatawanan dahil sa pangalan na nasa mga legal documents nila," Cendaña said.
"This is why we filed the Sharmaine Bill. Kung gets natin agad na Sharmaine ang gustong pangalan ng isang orange sa TikTok, kayang-kaya rin natin i-extend ang ganitong pag-unawa sa mga trans at intersex nating kapatid. Deserve nilang kilalanin ng batas sa pangalang nakasanayan nila at sa kung sino talaga sila.
Under the measure, a simple and accessible administrative process will recognize the lived identities of transgender, intersex, and non-binary Filipinos. They will also be allowed to align details in their legal documents, like their name and gender marker, to their authentic selves "without the need for lengthy and costly court proceedings."
Cendaña supported this proposal with a provision in the Clerical Error Law (Republic Act 9048, as amended by RA 10172), which states grounds for change of first name or nickname. Under this law, a petition to change one's first name or nickname may be allowed if the new name "has been habitually and continuously used by the petitioner and he has been publicly known by that [name] in the community."
The lawmaker added that the bill will also cover survivors of gender-based violence and child abuse who seek a name change for their safety and well-being.
Other LGBTQ+-inclusive measures in Congress include the SOGIESC Equality Bill filed by Rep. Leila de Lima before the House and Sen. Risa Hontiveros before the Senate, the Civil Partnership Bill filed by Sen. Robin Padilla, and the Right to Care Bill filed by de Lima.
ICYDK, the "Sharmaine" trend stems from skits popularized by TikTok user Baet. In one of his videos, an orange laments being named after its color, joking that it deserves a more creative name. Another video showed a fly wanting to be called "Vanessa."