From Laughter to Realization: A Gay Man’s Reaction to a Misgendering Video

 While casually scrolling through my FYP on social media, I stumbled upon a short vertical video that caught my attention. It was lighthearted and comical — a satirical take on a transwoman being misgendered here in the Philippines. I admit, it made me laugh. The humor was entertaining, the delivery was fun, and at first glance, it felt like just another viral skit.

But as the video replayed in my head, something shifted.

Though I'm a gay man and not a trans person myself, I started to feel uneasy. That seemingly harmless moment of laughter led to a quiet reflection. I realized that for someone else, that kind of scenario might not be funny — it might be hurtful, triggering, or simply exhausting.

There was a time when I, too, misunderstood transgenderism. I didn’t grasp the depth of what it meant to be misgendered, nor did I fully understand how important it is to affirm someone's identity. It wasn't until I became close to a few trans friends that I truly opened my mind. Their stories, their struggles, and their quiet strength helped me unlearn biases and grow a deeper sense of empathy.

This experience reminded me how powerful and complicated humor can be. What makes some of us laugh might also make others feel invisible. And as members of the LGBTQ+ community, we have a responsibility not only to support each other but to continuously educate ourselves — even when it’s uncomfortable.

So today, I’m thankful for that random video. It entertained me, yes, but more importantly, it challenged me. It reminded me that growth often begins where laughter ends.

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