Ogie Diaz Slams Jude Bacalso Punishing Waiter for Calling Her “Sir”

Recently, social media has been abuzz with a controversy involving a Cebu-based writer named Jude Bacalso. According to reports, Bacalso made a waiter stand for two hours after being addressed as “sir” instead of “ma’am.” Bacalso, a member of the LGBT community, was dressed as a woman at the time. This incident quickly trended, and Bacalso became the subject of criticism.

One of the prominent personalities who expressed their opinion was Ogie Diaz, a well-known comedian and talent manager. In a sharp statement shared on social media, Diaz criticized Bacalso’s reaction to the waiter. According to Diaz, Bacalso seemed insulted because she was not called “ma’am” despite being dressed as a woman. However, for Diaz, Bacalso should not have blown the issue out of proportion and should have accepted the waiter’s apology.

Diaz emphasized that if Bacalso wanted to be called “ma’am,” she should have provided proof that she was a woman, such as a birth certificate showing her gender as “female.” In his opinion, Bacalso’s expectations for people to immediately adjust to her change in appearance were too high. Diaz added that it was unfair for Bacalso to demand that everyone quickly adapt to her decision to change her identity.

“Nainsulto ka kasi, nakaayos-babae ka, pero hindi mo na-achieve na tawagin kang ‘ma’am.’ Ganun naman pala na babae ang tingin mo sa sarili mo, eh di sana, pinakitaan mo ng pruweba na magpapatunay na babae ka talaga bukod sa pagpapakita ng keps. Katulad kunwari ng birth certificate. Ipakita mo na FEMALE ang nakalagay sa gender mo doon para mas maintindihan ka ng waiter kung saan nanggagaling yung ngitngit mo,” Diaz said.

He further added that people should adjust gradually to Bacalso’s change. It was not fair to demand immediate adjustment from everyone. Diaz stressed that after the waiter apologized, Bacalso should have forgiven him and not escalated the issue further. According to Diaz, Bacalso should have shown the same gender sensitivity she demanded from others and been sensitive to the feelings of others.

In summary, this controversy has opened a broader discussion on gender sensitivity and how society should adjust to members of the LGBT community. While recognizing and respecting each individual’s gender identity is essential, understanding and empathizing with the feelings of others is equally important.