In October 2014, Jennifer Laude, 26, was found naked and lifeless on the floor of a comfort room in Celzone Lodge in Olongapo City.
It was a long justice-seeking journey for the bereaved family of Laude and the whole LGBTQ+ community. Laude’s murderer, Joseph Scott Pemberton, was convicted guilty of homicide on December 2015.
Laude’s case was referred to as a form of “hate crime” since Pemberton’s alleged motive to kill her was her identity as a transwoman.
But why would Laude’s gender identity be a reason for Pemberton to kill her?
Is discrimination really that evident in the present time to the point where it would lead to the loss of human lives?
Duterte’s Betrayal
As Pemberton continuously seeked an appeal to lessen his jail sentence. In March 2016, Pemberton’s jail term was reduced from 12 years to 10 years. Moreover, the Olongapo Trial Court began hearing Pemberton’s motion to avail Good Conduct Time Allowance (GTCA) in August 2020 and later on September the same year was granted absolute pardon by President Duterte.
As Pemberton’s release process continues, Laude’s mother, Julita Laude, did not hide her dismay over Duterte’s decision.
“Ayos lang sana kung hindi siya nagbigay ng absolute pardon, para kahit papaano ay may laban naman kami – 10 taong pagkakakulong lang sana ang hinihingi naming kabayaran para sa buhay ng anak ko. Napakaiksing panahong kabayarang pagkakakulong para sa buhay ng anak ko,”Julita added.
Duterte’s decision to grant Pemberton absolute pardon is a form of betrayal not just for Laude’s family and the LBGTQ+ community but the whole Filipino people.
US Imperialism
Laude’s case ignited the fire of feminists groups to call for action on the continuous rising of sexual assaults and harassment cases in Olongapo City.
It is important to contextualize and look at the bigger picture in relation to power that made the violence possible. This will lead us to the question — how did this happen?
Olongapo City can be found in the vicinity of the Subic Naval Base and Clark Air Base — both a US Naval Base. The US Military were able to preserve their presence in the Philippines, specifically in the Olongapo City area, through the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
The presence of US Military, such as Pemberton, heightened the sexual exploitation of women, children, and the vulnerable in Olongapo City — this racialized violence manifested in the killing of Laude.
Laude isn’t just a mere collateral damage from the sexual exploitation that is happening in our country brought by US Imperialism — it is also yielded by the administration that is rooted in a macho feudal system that doesn’t seem to bat an eye over the harassment and crimes experienced by minorities; the LGBTQ+ community, women, and children.
Gender discrimination is a battle that LGBTQ+ community continuously fought all throughout their lives — from the hate crimes to the never ending ill- judgement of other people, they are all too familiar with such experiences.
Transphobia, like any other form of discrimination, is rooted from the lack of proper knowledge and education in the society. It is important that the government plays a leading role in spreading awareness and combating the absence of understanding on gender issues.
Celebrating Pride Month is not just about colors, smiles, and flags. It is also about the stories and plights that the LGBTQ+ community experiences. Pride Month is a life-long fight towards the oppressive system that produces a system of hate towards the minorities and hinders them from getting the justice that they deserve.
Pride is a protest that isn’t centered only to cater the needs of the LGBTQ+ community but also to the freedom of the masses. As we commemorate the death of Jennifer Laude, let us be one with her family and the whole LGBTQ+ community as they continuously cry for justice.
Featured image courtesy of Nathan Padilla.
