*July 21, 2024, 6 PM*
Greetings everyone,
I'm sure many of you have heard about the incident at Ulli's Ayala Center Cebu where a customer allegedly forced an employee to stand for two hours because they were called "Sir." Let me recount what happened based on eyewitness accounts and my own observations.
Around 4 PM, my mom and I arrived at Ayala Center Cebu and noticed an unusual scene near Leylam's elevator. There, an employee of Ulli's was standing at parade rest, looking tense and uncomfortable. Initially, we assumed he was the owner or a manager discussing business with the employee, so we continued exploring the mall.
By 6 PM, it became evident that something was wrong as the employee, identified as Jude Bacalso, remained in that posture for nearly two hours. Concerned, I approached Jude and asked if he was a customer or an employee. His response was dismissive, directing me to ask the server involved in the incident.
Upon speaking with the server, who was visibly distressed and tearful, I learned that Jude insisted on being addressed correctly and had not allowed the server to leave until they apologized for misgendering him. It's important to note that throughout this ordeal, other Ulli's employees attempted to console the server, but Jude persisted in his stance.
What struck me most was the lack of intervention from others dining nearby. Customers witnessed this unsettling situation without questioning why an employee was made to stand for such a prolonged period. Management was notably absent during the incident, leaving employees to manage the emotional aftermath themselves.
As a member of the LGBTQ community myself, I find Jude Bacalso's actions reprehensible and damaging to our community's reputation. No one has the right to treat another human being with such disrespect and disregard for their dignity. Mistakes happen, and while correcting pronouns is important, humiliating someone in public is never justified.
This incident raises critical questions about customer behavior and the responsibilities of businesses to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all employees. It's crucial for Ulli's Ayala Center Cebu and similar establishments to implement training on LGBTQ+ sensitivity and conflict resolution to prevent such incidents in the future.
Let's stand together in condemning acts of discrimination and holding individuals like Jude Bacalso accountable for their actions. Our voices matter in ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender identity, is treated with dignity and respect.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Share your opinions and let's continue to advocate for inclusivity and equality.
📸 Photo Credit: to the Owner.
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