Social media outcry over transwoman being denied use of women’s fitting room at Zara shop
Social media blazed with indignation when a video of a transwoman narrating her unfortunate experience of being barred from using a woman’s fitting room at a popular fashion boutique went viral on October 19.
The transwoman, Louis Marasigan, shared a TikTok video detailing her humiliating experience of discrimination at the Zara branch in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. In her video, she described how she was barred from entering the women’s fitting room even after explaining that she was a transwoman.
“Pumasok ako sa fitting room ng babae. May lumapit sa’kin na babae, sabi nya ‘Sir, sa taas po kayo.’ Sabi ko, ‘Bakit po?” Sabi nya na yung fitting room ng mga lalaki nasa taas,” Marasigan narrates.
The woman, who appeared to be a store employee, was then informed by Louis that she was a transwoman and that she was in the proper fitting room. Even though they were the only customers in the vicinity at the time, the store assistant insisted that she not enter the room, claiming that other customers would object.
Later, Marasigan claimed that just she and her sister were in the women’s dressing room. Despite claiming to be a trans woman, the staffer kept addressing her as “Sir.”
“Tumaas ako, binayaran ko yung damit ko, nagreklamo ako doon sa nasa counter,” she continues.
Marasigan complained to the store manager, who she assumed was also a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. The manager only enquired as to if the matter had already been resolved rather than providing her with any consolation or a guarantee that they would train the store associate. Louis exited the shop feeling ashamed.
Her video became a trending topic on social media, with netizens expressing their indignation at Zara’s discriminatory behavior towards a transwoman. Many called on Zara to issue a public statement, while others enjoined the buying public to boycott the fashion brand.
