The layered life of Chelle Lhuillier

Gay rights advocate and socialite

Gay rights advocate and socialite

By Cristina DC Pastor

“I am a special girl.”
“I am the best of both worlds.”

These statements may seem friendly and non-threatening, but hard to articulate especially for a transgender woman looking to get to know a male stranger.

LGBTQ advocate Chelle Lhuillier made this observation as she called on fellow transgender women to be “honest and upfront” about who they are. Being honest, she stressed, will keep transgender women safe and lessen the risk of becoming a victim of a hate crime.

Marinduque-born Chelle was one of a dozen speakers who led the October 15 protest rally in front of the Philippine Consulate condemning the killing of transgender Filipina Jennifer Laude. Published reports have identified the suspect as U.S. Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton from Bedford, Massachusetts. The circumstances of their encounter are under investigation, but media reports are speculating it could either be a robbery attempt or a hate crime with the victim not being forward about her true gender.

A volunteer for the Human Rights Campaign of Greater New York working for equal rights for LGBT individuals, Chelle said honesty is truly a ‘best practice’ policy. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy for a transgender individual to do.

“It’s hard,” she said with pain in her voice as she recalled the story of her friend who almost lost her life in the hands of a Latino man during a sexual encounter. This happened around the time when hurricane Sandy hit the New York Tri-State in 2012.

“She did not divulge her true identity and she got beaten up with a beer bottle,” said Chelle speaking to The FilAm in a phone interview. “I got a call from her asking to bring her to the ICU. It’s terrible. ”

There are statements, both subtle and direct, that one can use, said Chelle. “You can say, ‘I am not a genetic girl’ or ‘I am the best of both worlds.’ The man, if he is enlightened or educated, will understand.”

Unfortunately, she said, not all men are open and accepting of diversity. Some, even after being told the truth, will get back at the transgender woman, insisting he’s been “fooled.”

Chelle has truly transformed. A regular at glamorous, Gatsby-esque charity balls and fundraising galas, she is now a voice for the marginalized transgender community both in the Philippines and New York. In Manila, she supports an organization that provides a home for aging gays. She has given them financial donations, she said. This year, she is preparing to send them gifts in a balikbayan box.

“I was already an advocate for gender equality even before (Jennifer Laude’s death),” she said, while conceding the Justice for Jennifer Laude campaign has catapulted her in the public eye. “This is the height for me.”

Being called “activist” makes her uncomfortable, she said.

As a matter of fact, Chelle may be part of a wider call to convict Jennifer’s killer, but unlike many grassroots organizations she is not in favor of the repeal of the Visiting Forces Agreement. The VFA governs the security relationship between the U.S. and the Philippines, including the rotational presence of U.S. troops. Pfc. Pemberton is in Olongapo, where Jennifer Laude was killed, as part of a military training exercise guaranteed under the agreement.

“The Philippines needs the support of the U.S. military in preparing for external threats and in strengthening our capabilities to help us defend our territory, like the South China Sea dispute,” she said. Hers is a comment shared by many Filipinos.

She is however open to a revision of the VFA agreement that would provide clearer legal guidelines on how to “protect Filipinos against crimes committed by U.S. military.”

Ah, if her friends could see her now.

“They’re so proud of me and they support me,” she laughed. “They are used to seeing me glamorous at social events and fashion shows, but they know I have a strong personality and I have leadership.”

An entrancing ballroom arrival

An enchanting ballroom entrance

Speaking before a meeting of the Human Rights Campaign of Greater New York.

Speaking before a meeting of the Human Rights Campaign of Greater New York.



One Comment

  1. […] “They’re so proud of me and they support me,” she laughed. “They are used to seeing me glamorous at social events and fashion shows, but they know I have a strong personality and I have leadership.” —The FilAm […]

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