Ian Christopher “Ianne” Gamboa’s remarkable journey stands as a source of inspiration for the LGBTQIA+ community today.
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From PUP Valedictorian to Transwoman Bar Topnotcher
In 2018, Ianne made history by becoming the first openly transgender woman to graduate as valedictorian from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP).
Photo courtesy: Ianne Gamboa (FB)
Now, she has achieved her dream of becoming a lawyer, successfully passing the 2023 Bar Examinations, with the results announced on December 5, 2023.
Before this milestone, Ianne graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from PUP.
Grateful Heart
In a heartfelt Facebook post on December 5, she expressed her deep gratitude.
“Thank you very much to God. Thank you, Mama Mary and to all those who prayed for me. I will not be able to achieve this miracle without the help of your prayers,” she said.
“Thank you to my Mama and Papa. You are the first persons who instilled in me the value of education. Without your guidance, this feat will not be possible.”
“Thank you to my siblings, Ate Tin, Ate Pau, Kuya CP and Tonie Mae for all of your support. Especially to Ate Tin for supporting me financially and morally since my law school journey until the Bar.”
“Thank you to Ate Daya and Cyril for always lending your hands for me. Thank you for doing things that are important for me but I cannot do because of my studies.”
“Thank you to my bestfriends, Andretti, Ninna and Donne for being my constant bedrock of support. For listening to all of my law school and Bar journey rants. Thank you for believing in me.”
“I may have been short in achieving my goal as the first openly transgender woman Philippine Bar topnotcher, but that is a challenge to the younger generation of transgender women.”
Photo courtesy: Ianne Gamboa (FB)
Her father encourages her to pursue law
After earning her undergraduate degree, Ianne pursued law at Jose Rizal University with the encouragement of her father, Senior Police Officer Paul Gamboa, who shared her dream of becoming a lawyer.
Her father not only supported her legal aspirations but also fully embraced her identity as a transwoman.
Ianne acknowledged the challenges she faced as a transwoman student, including instances of gender discrimination, even from some professors. Despite this, she chose to respect differing opinions, recognizing that some individuals hold the belief that transwomen are not “real” women, regardless of any surgeries they undergo.
The dedication, leading to success
Determined to rise above prejudice, she worked twice as hard to demonstrate that one’s abilities should never be defined by sexual identity or preferences.
Through her remarkable achievements, Ianne has undoubtedly succeeded in making “herstory” at her alma mater.
