Pride Month Feature: Queer Orthopedic Surgeon & Athlete Dr. Fille Claudine Cainglet
Dr. Cainglet in Full PPE during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dr. Fille Claudine Cainglet is an orthopedic surgery resident, was the first overall pick for the Women's National Basketball League Draft in early 2021, and is a former UP Women's Basketball Team player.
AT WHAT AGE DID YOU COME OUT?
I guess I really didn’t come out like announcing it to everyone but at first those who were close to me knew and when I was asked I just told them the truth. I feel like “Coming out” for me was like just being true to myself and just comfortable with who I am. I think that was around college.
Dr. Cainglet Representing UP in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines
WHAT WAS IT LIKE BEING LGBTQ+ IN AN ALL GIRLS HIGH SCHOOLS COMPARED TO WHEN YOU WERE STUDYING IN UP DILIMAN IN COLLEGE?
Dr. Cainglet Representing UP in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines
WHAT WAS IT LIKE BEING LGBTQ+ IN AN ALL GIRLS HIGH SCHOOLS COMPARED TO WHEN YOU WERE STUDYING IN UP DILIMAN IN COLLEGE?
Well as I said, people close to me already knew. During HS I think it was more of an open secret where everyone knew but didn't talk about it since it felt like it was a taboo or something to talk about it but during college in UP, I guess I got more comfortable with myself and talking about it since people in UP were more open minded.
Dr. Cainglet Performing Surgery
AS AN ATHLETE AND DOCTOR, HAVE YOU EVER FELT LIKE PEOPLE TREATED YOU DIFFERENTLY OR SHOWED PREJUDICE TOWARDS YOU BECAUSE OF YOUR GENDER IDENTITY?
Dr. Cainglet Performing Surgery
AS AN ATHLETE AND DOCTOR, HAVE YOU EVER FELT LIKE PEOPLE TREATED YOU DIFFERENTLY OR SHOWED PREJUDICE TOWARDS YOU BECAUSE OF YOUR GENDER IDENTITY?
I don’t really have an experience that stuck to me in terms of being treated differently or maybe most of the time I would just brush it off and really didn't care what other people thought and was just focused on being myself. 😊
With Fellow Doctors during the COVID-19 Pandemic
DO YOU FEEL LIKE THE TREATMENT OF THE LOCAL LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY HAS IMPROVED SINCE YOUR ADOLESCENCE?
With Fellow Doctors during the COVID-19 Pandemic
DO YOU FEEL LIKE THE TREATMENT OF THE LOCAL LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY HAS IMPROVED SINCE YOUR ADOLESCENCE?
Yes! Super big difference now as compared to before. People are less prejudice now and are more accepting.
At a College Basketball Game
HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR FELLOW FILIPINOS CAN BE BETTER ALLIES?
I think they can be better allies by being more accepting and less prejudice. Listening to what we have to say about our preference and being open minded is also important for our fellow Filipinos to understand us better.
Dr. Cainglet with her Social Distancing Club Case
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE OR WANT PEOPLE TO BE MORE AWARE OF IN REGARDS TO THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY?
Just be yourself and you just do you regardless of what other people say. Always choose what makes you happy.
Get to know Fille Claudine better by following her on Instagram and staying tuned for her future basketball games!
At a College Basketball Game
HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR FELLOW FILIPINOS CAN BE BETTER ALLIES?
I think they can be better allies by being more accepting and less prejudice. Listening to what we have to say about our preference and being open minded is also important for our fellow Filipinos to understand us better.
Dr. Cainglet with her Social Distancing Club Case
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE OR WANT PEOPLE TO BE MORE AWARE OF IN REGARDS TO THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY?
Just be yourself and you just do you regardless of what other people say. Always choose what makes you happy.
Get to know Fille Claudine better by following her on Instagram and staying tuned for her future basketball games!