Content creator and talent manager Ogie Diaz has expressed his strong opinions on a viral post about a waiter who was allegedly punished by a customer for calling them “sir” instead of “ma’am.”
The incident gained attention after a Facebook user revealed that a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, named Jude Bacalso, allegedly made the waiter stand for nearly two hours as a result of the misgendering. Netizens criticized Bacalso, calling the action unjustified and harsh.
In response to the backlash, Bacalso clarified the situation, denying any punishment or intimidation of the waiter. “What transpired between me and the staff at a restaurant was a series of errors. Yes, I was addressed as sir. No, I did not scream or shout at the wait staff who did,” Bacalso explained. He added, “Did the staff stand there for hours? Yes, we were waiting to resolve it with the owners. Did I demand that he stand there as punishment? No.”
Ogie Diaz did not hold back his thoughts on the matter. In a Facebook post, he questioned the necessity of making the waiter stand for two hours, especially after the waiter had already apologized. “Nag-sorry na nga yung waiter, di pa rin sapat at pinatayo mo pa talaga nang dalawang oras?” Diaz wrote.
Diaz also challenged Bacalso’s expectations for immediate adjustment from others, emphasizing the need for understanding and gradual acceptance. “Nagdesisyon kang ibahin ang pagkatao mo, tapos ang gusto mo, mag-adjust lahat ang mga tao sa pagbabago mo ng anyo. Agad-agad? Di ba pwedeng dahan-dahan lang, Ateng?” he stated.
Further, Diaz pointed out the importance of being sensitive to others’ feelings, especially when advocating for gender sensitivity within the LGBTQIA+ community. “Gusto mo pairalin ang gender sensitivity ng mga tao sa LGBTQIA+ community, pero hindi ka naman sensitive sa nararamdaman ng ibang tao,” he added.
The incident has sparked a broader discussion on social media about respect, understanding, and the proper handling of misgendering situations.