Trigger warning: discussions of assault, homophobia
Drag performer John Mac Lane Coronel, more popularly known as Taylor Sheesh, had an unforgettable performance recently. Unfortunately, the night ended traumatically.
Taylor Sheesh, who thrives by impersonating Taylor Swift, performed during a local event in Bayambang, Pangasinan. On X (formerly Twitter), she recalled the moment by quoting a post about it and expressed, "This is traumatic. Literally. I’m shaking rn."
When she was performing and closely mingling with the sea of people, one individual deliberately hit Taylor Sheesh's neck. A lot of people noticed the aggressive action towards Taylor Sheesh as it was done in the middle of her performance.
Bayambang Mayor reacts to Taylor Sheesh being assaulted
As the public outcry poured for Taylor Sheesh, the mayor of Bayambang, Mayor Niña Jose-Quiambao, strongly called out the incident via a Facebook post.
"I will not tolerate homophobia and physical abuse in my town," she began her post. The mayor soon reported that the suspect of the incident was already under the local government's custody and would be sanctioned accordingly.
"I will make sure that JUSTICE will be dealt with. I am sorry to Taylor Sheesh that someone assaulted her during her performance! Don’t worry. Authorities have the person in question and this matter and incident will be dealt with accordingly," her statement read.
She continued (as published as is), "BYB [Bayambang] is a peaceful and safe town and I CaNNot CONDONE this stupidious act! I am so mad and so angry!!!! SHAME on YOU!!!!"
MUST READ: Yes, Taylor Sheesh Getting Assaulted Is a Blatant Act of Homophobia
Netizens react to Taylor Sheesh's traumatic incident
Many netizens strongly expressed their dissent against what happened to Taylor Sheesh. Some commenters who responded to Taylor Sheesh's post were also at the same concert where it happened. A few reached out and apologized on behalf of the crowd.
"Sorry Taylor Sheesh you experienced this. We are not tolerating people from our town to disrespect anyone. We are really sorry and please know that we had a great time and you did perform well," one netizen kindly wrote.
Another said, "I'm really sorry for what they did to you [...] as a Pangasinense myself. Praying for your recovery and let karma do the rest."
The incident that occurred was an act of violence and discrimination toward the LGBTQIA+ community. And although we have come to love the culture of drag queens, opened up to the world of the LGBQTQIA+, and organized numerous Pride events nationwide, the Philippines has a long way to go in becoming an inclusive country.
Bataan First District Rep. Geraldine Roman once noted, "Although it is claimed the Philippine society is tolerant and accepting of members of the LGBT community, in practice and in terms of legal protection, there are no specific national laws that address this kind of discrimination from which this sector of society suffers."
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That's why as we all should know, the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill has been in talks for more than a decade already. It was only in May 2023 that the Philippine House Committee on Women and Gender Equality approved the aforementioned act.
The country now awaits the day that the bill will be fully implemented into law, to give the members of our LGBTQIA+ community a safe and inclusive society in which they can freely express themselves.
***Experiencing sexual and/or physical assault is an incredibly difficult and traumatic experience. However, it is important to remember that you are not alone, and support is available to help you navigate the path to healing and seek justice. If you feel that you need counseling and/or legal advice for yourself or anyone else, please contact the Violence Against Women (VAW) Desk of the Philippine Commission on Women at (02) 8735-1654 or (02) 8736-5249. You can also reach out to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) to file a complaint by calling (0966) 725-5961 (Globe) or (0919) 777-7377 (Smart).
