Starting Point
Lawyer Regal Oliva is the first transgender woman to become President of the Cebu Lady Lawyers Association (CELLA). Lawyer Oliva is also the Internal Vice President of Women’s Advocacy Organisation, Zonta Club of Cebu II.
Peace Journey
As the first transgender woman to become President of CELLA, she has not only broken new ground in the legal community but also made history by becoming the first transgender woman to lead a lady lawyers' organisation in the Philippines. Her election to this prestigious position marks a milestone not just for the Cebu legal community but also for the broader LGBTQ+ community, signalling greater inclusivity and acceptance within professional spaces.
In addition to her leadership role in CELLA, Lawyer Oliva is also the Internal Vice President of the Zonta Club of Cebu II, a women’s advocacy organisation committed to advancing the status of women through service and advocacy. The club focuses on issues like gender equality, education, and the empowerment of women, and her role in the organisation further highlights her dedication to advancing women’s rights and gender justice. Her work with the Zonta Club enables her to extend her advocacy beyond the legal profession, focusing on broader societal challenges, including those faced by women across all sectors.
Success Stories
Lawyer Oliva’s rise to leadership in both CELLA and Zonta Club has set an important precedent in a traditionally conservative society, where LGBTQ+ individuals have historically faced significant barriers to acceptance and inclusion in many professional and social contexts. By breaking these barriers, she not only paves the way for greater LGBTQ+ representation in leadership positions but also challenges existing norms regarding gender and professional identity. Lawyer Oliva has made significant strides in both the legal profession and in advocating for the rights and empowerment of women and marginalised groups.
Her achievements also send a powerful message to the legal profession and society as a whole about the importance of inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities. Being the first transgender woman to hold a leadership role in CELLA, she became a role model for other transgender individuals, demonstrating that they, too, can overcome barriers and excel in their chosen fields.
Throughout her career, Lawyer Oliva has worked to champion the interests of women in the legal profession, promoting initiatives that support gender equality, professional development, and advocacy for women’s rights. Through her leadership, she strives to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women lawyers in Cebu, while ensuring that LGBTQ+ voices and concerns are heard and addressed within the organisation.