Sins of the Rebels (Lush Trans Series #1)

Chapter 9

So we went back to my room for me to change my outfit that Manang Agnes prepared this morning, I'd actually seen the white silk dress inside my closet. I really didn't have time to take a brisk shower since the Marasigan family were already on their way here to Hacienda de Salcedo.

I don't smell, okay? I showered last night but still... ang init init kaya rito sa Pilipinas! Natuyoan na nga ako ng pawis. Shocks!

Ang bango bango ko kaya kahit na hindi ako maligo nang tatlong araw. Eme. Not me promoting ka-dugyotan!

"Sinasabi ko na nga ba na bagay iyan sa'yo, Reese," Puna ni Manang Agnes nang umikot-ikot ako sa harap ng salamin. Para akong isang anghel sa suot ko. Like Juliet! Kulang nalang ay may suot akong pakpak katulad doon sa fish tank scene.

"Mukha akong anghel, Manang! Gosh!" Hagikhik ko habang hinahaplos ang aking mga pisngi. I had not even worn makeup but my cheeks were naturally blushing, probably because of the heat and my heart-shaped lips looked plump yet wet and kissable. I am thanking Vaseline Jelly and Castor Oil for growing out my lashes naturally, now, they're longer than ever.

Manang Agnes let out a hearty chuckle as she observed me doing my kikay thing in front of the mirror.

"Si Kitty ang pumili niyan, aniya, nang makita ang mga litrato mo sa Facebook ay sinamahan niya ang mga kapatid mo na bilhin iyan sa Daet,"

"Hay naku! Iyang si Ate Kitty, Manang, ha? Gusto ko na ma-meet in person!" Pabiro akong umirap kaya natawa siya. Jusko! From Kristopher to Kitty? Taray!

Friend ko ang apo ni Manang Agnes sa tuhod, sa Facebook, na isang Trans din. However, I really don't see her that much in person since Manang Agnes is originally from Pili, Camarines Sur. Pero madalas nilang bisitahin si Manang dito sa Hacienda.

Though, nakaka-usap ko siya sa Messenger minsan kapag nag-rereply siya sa mga stories ko. At ka-vibe ko siya kahit na mas matanda siya sa akin! She gives off that empowerment energy for us Trans women because of her course, Journalism. I have read some of her reports. Her articles are so good, even though I was not even interested in reading commentaries, but she, her writing skills about the rainbow community, gave me a spark.

She made me reflect on my life as a little kid, that was told confused, gay, and Trans slurs by mostly straight men.

Her efforts are being made to improve media coverage of Trans issues, with some journalists and media organizations actively working to provide more accurate, nuanced, and in-depth reporting about Transgenders. She's joined advocacy groups and initiatives focused on media representation which also plays a role in raising awareness about the importance of fair and comprehensive coverage of Trans issues.

It's essential for audiences to seek out diverse sources of information and support media outlets that prioritize responsible, inclusive reporting. Engaging in open dialogue and encouraging media organizations to cover a broad spectrum of topics can contribute to more comprehensive reporting on Trans issues and other underrepresented subjects.

Most Trans people have tried to be what society tells them they should be. At least the older ones. The young Trans people who are able and comfortable enough to be themselves and transition as a child, I am grateful that they haven't been forced into a life that is inauthentic to who they are and that they have parents who see them and not who they want them to be.

Trans people are just regular people. And when I say regular people, we are no different from Cis women and men. I'm only stating that to show that if left alone we are the same as everyone else. We only want to be happy, whether we choose to transition or not.