TATLONG TRANSGENDER NA LOLA, DEKADA-DEKADA NANG NAKIKIPAGSAPALARAN SA BUHAY| Reel Time

Overview

The documentary revisits the lives of three older transgender women—Dory, Lucy and Monching—as they make a living and seek companionship amid poverty, discrimination and family rejection.

Their Stories

• Dory describes being rejected by relatives because she was gay and running away while young. She worked as a laundry helper and maid, continued her studies, and later learned salon work. In old age, she still cuts customers’ hair, though her income is uncertain and she worries about daily expenses.
• Lucy gets by through work such as selling mangoes and doing manicures. She lives with little company and treats her dogs as family. She also discusses having diabetes and struggling with illness and the cost of medicine.
• Monching, who identifies as Ram Ramos, recalls facing hardship and earning money through customers. She contributes what she can to her family and describes a close relationship with a partner, despite difficulties in their home life.

Their stories show the effects of stigma, violence and economic insecurity, as well as their persistence, affection for loved ones and animals, and efforts to support themselves.

Practical Advice and Health

One practical piece of advice in the subtitles is for people without work to learn manicure skills as a way to earn income. The women also discuss illness and medication, but the video does not present a specific health routine.

Notable Details

• Locations: Tondo, Manila; a trip to Natubas to look for a dog (the place name is unclear in the subtitles)
• Products and services: Haircuts, manicures, rice and medicine
• Speakers: Dory, Lucy (Lucilo Elric) and Monching (Ram Ramos)