Moving to Spain, a country with laws that recognize and protect the LGBTQIA+ community, has given Sparks Camp host Mela Habijan a different perspective on what is possible for her as a trans woman.
In an interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, Mela reflected on her life in Madrid, where she said she has experienced protections and recognition that she has long hoped to see in the Philippines.
“Life is lifeing. There are definitely ups and downs but moving to Madrid allowed me to see what possibilities there are outside of the Philippines,” she said.
“One important possibility that was given to me was to be able to live in a society with laws that protect me. The SOGIE Equality law that we have been fighting for in the Philippines, Spain has it,” she added.
Mela shared how Spain's laws have allowed her to live more freely while recognizing her rights as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“They have a comprehensive anti-discrimination law that protects all people from marginalized communities, especially queer communities. Marriage equality law? (Spain) was the third country in the world to legislate marriage equality. There’s gender recognition law (also),” she shared.
One development she is particularly looking forward to is being able to change her name on her identification documents.
“I’m excited to actually learn the process of changing my name and my identification because a new law has been passed by the first trans senator. She was the first one who initiated it in which we, migrants, who are still not citizens of Spain, can change our names already,” she said.
“I’m excited that hopefully this year, I can now see my name ‘Malaya Erika’ on my identification card,” Mela added.
For Mela, the experience goes beyond simply having legal protection, saying: “There’s a law specific to trans people so I feel like Spain allowed me to become more (of myself) because it is not just protects me but also recognizes and celebrates me as I am.”
Despite building a life abroad, Mela remains connected to her Filipino roots and hopes her experience can show Filipinos how laws can affect the lives of marginalized communities.
“Of course, I will never forget my Filipino roots and my Filipino spirit. That’s why I’m telling this to Filipino people, na it is possible and this is what laws are transforming. They’re transforming lives, opportunities. They are transforming cultures and societies,” she explained. “It is something that I am really proud of: telling the story of how it’s like to live in Spain as a trans immigrant.”
Life in Spain, however, also comes with its own challenges. Mela admitted that she continues to miss her family in the Philippines, but said the possibilities ahead make the move worthwhile.
“Definitely, highs and lows are present. There are moments when I miss my family but at the same time, the dream is big,” she said.
She went on: “I am now in the space in which I can reach for the stars even more and if that happens, definitely I will be raising three flags - the Philippine flag, the Spanish flag and the queer flag. It’s something that I look forward to.”
As she continues building her life in Spain, Mela is also preparing to share more of her experience as a trans immigrant on her podcast even while continuing her role as ‘Mother Sparker’ in Sparks Camp Season 4.
“Now, I’m starting my podcast, The M-Power Podcast. I will also be telling my story of what it’s like to live as a trans immigrant to a country that recognizes me. It's really an exciting time,” she said. “And I look forward to being the next Oprah. That’s the dream.”