A proposed House measure dubbed the “Sharmaine Bill” seeks to simplify legal gender recognition for transgender, intersex, and non-binary Filipinos.
Filed on June 23 by Akbayan lawmakers, the Lived Identities Recognition Act was inspired by a viral TikTok meme about an orange wanting to be named “Sharmaine.”
The bill proposes an administrative process for updating a person’s legal name and gender marker without going through court proceedings.
It also aims to recognize individuals’ lived identities while protecting their privacy and rights against discrimination.
The measure is awaiting committee deliberations in the House.
Source: PhilNews24 | June 28, 2026
