TRANS actress and comedian Iyah Mina said a recent misunderstanding at a Starbucks branch on West Ave., Quezon City has already been settled after she spoke with the store manager, following online discussion about her being misgendered by one of its workers.
In a Facebook post, Iyah clarified that she did not seek for anyone to lose their job over the incident, saying her only request was for respectful communication.
“Sinabihan ko din na ayaw kong may matanggal sa trabaho,” she wrote. “Hindi dahil gusto ko lang na tawagin akong ma’am. Naiintindihan ng manager na tama naman pag hindi alam ang pronoun — name basis or in other respectful ways.”
Iyah added that she believes the issue stemmed from “kulang-kulang” information among some staff members at the time, and emphasized the importance of proper orientation on gender sensitivity. She also cited Quezon City’s Gender-Fair Ordinance of 2014, which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression in workplaces and commercial establishments.
According to Iyah, the conversation with the café manager was cordial. She said the manager even recognized her and addressed her affectionately.
“Tinawag pa akong ‘Mamu’ kasi kilala niya pala ako. Pero thanks po sa pakikinig… basta sa mabuting pag-uusap,” she added.
Iyah also addressed some social media users who accused her of acting entitled.
“Hindi ako being entitled na sinasabi niyo. Reading comprehension talaga problema now,” she wrote.
The actress ended her post by expressing appreciation to Starbucks Philippines and jokingly requesting her favorite drink: “Ah I want Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Venti eme. Charot lang.”
