On August 13, Tuesday, Trans-woman Gretchen Custodio Diez was reportedly pulled out by force from the ladies’ room by the Farmer’s Plaza staff and was accompanied to Camp Karingal.
Watch the live video Gretchen Custodio Diez posted below:
According to @mmprideorg, “This is in direct violation of Quezon City’s Anti-Discrimination Ordinance that prohibits discrimination on the basis of SOGIE.”
DEVELOPING: Gretchen Custodio, a trans woman, was brought to Camp Caringal after Farmer's Plaza staff violently removed her from the women's toilets. This is in direct violation of Quezon City's Anti-Discrimination Ordinance that prohibits discrimination on the basis of SOGIE. https://t.co/CmfjQvTxKw
— Metro Manila Pride 🏳️🌈 (@mmprideorg) August 13, 2019
Fellow members of the LGBTQ community have shared their stand on the matter:
SHARED FROM FB:
Our trans-sister, Gretchen Custodio Diez, is CURRENTLY IN HANDCUFFS at CAMP KARINGAL for exercising her right to go to the WOMEN’S RESTROOM. She was BLATANTLY DISCRIMINATED for SIMPLY LIVING HER TRUTH.
THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. WE WILL FIGHT. pic.twitter.com/H1sZ4oATyL
— Gigi 🩷 (@gigiesguerra) August 13, 2019
Twitter user @gigiesguerra further narrates that Gretchen was dragged towards the admin office where it is considered as physical assault. She stated that Diez was the victim in the case as she was harmed physically and yet she was facing jail time.
“WE CANNOT LET THIS HAPPEN TO OUR TRANSISTERS,” Gigi on Youtube states.
Advocates are already with her. @LagablabNetwork is already there. I’m also on my way. The others are also on their way, we wont let this pass. Gretchen is a paravan 🌈✊🏻
— Vince Liban 🏳️🌈🌹 #LoveLaban #TayoAngKulayaan (@vinceliban) August 13, 2019
Also, @selfloseo posted a video showing the janitress that allegedly physically abused Gretchen.
https://twitter.com/sefloseo/status/1161289072515489792
In reply to the tweet above, @jaicabajar expressed his doubt regarding the janitress’ state in the video:
There's something in this that I'm not buying. Eyes are closed, head's bobbing, but you can see her moving her legs. No upper motor strength, pero merong lower? Might have been more convincing kung humiga siya.
— Jai Cabajar (@jaicabajar) August 13, 2019
LATEST UPDATE: Reportedly, all charges have been dropped. Also, a letter of apology has been issued regarding the matter.
“The Farmer’s Plaza management has dropped the unjust vexation case against Gretchen,” according to Rappler.
UPDATE: Gretchen is going home!
All charges have been dropped and an apology has been issued via a letter.
This is thanks to Gretchen's bravery and the work of advocates who served as legal counsel and showed support on the ground and online. https://t.co/bm7XB6o8uQ
— Metro Manila Pride 🏳️🌈 (@mmprideorg) August 13, 2019
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