ORANI, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – In the United States, the state of North Carolina faces backlash for a new  law that blocks local governments from enacting ordinances to allow transgender people to use public bathrooms that match their gender identities. In the Philippines, a transgender woman is running for elective office to install gender-neutral bathrooms in Congress.

A 49-year-old transgender woman is seeking Bataan province’s first congressional district seat, and could become the first openly LGBT  lawmaker. Geraldine Roman comes from a family of politicians, being the daughter of outgoing Bataan Representative Herminia Roman and the late Assemblyman Antonino Roman, Jr.

Roman champions gender equality and has promised to revive an antidiscrimination bill. She recently verbalized her campaign platform, saying,  “My problem upon reaching Congress is which comfort room (bathroom) I am allowed to use.”

So, is the Philippines ready for a transgender congresswoman, and is congress ready for gender-neutral bathrooms?

We will find out on May 9, the date of the country’s 2016 elections.