STEPH EVARDONE: "FTS Lobo Helped Me Find My Purpose as a Transgender Woman."

“In FTS, I didn’t just find acceptance, I found purpose. I found a family that believes in who I am and what I can become.”

When I first joined Flock of the Third Sex Organization, Inc. (FTS) way back 2022, I was simply searching for belonging, a space where I could be seen, heard, and understood. As a transgender woman, that kind of acceptance isn’t always easy to find. But the moment I became part of FTS, something in me changed. I found people who welcomed me not just for who I am, but for everything I stand for. I found a community that embraced diversity, celebrated individuality, and lived with pride and purpose.

FTS is not just any organization. It’s a SEC-registered, DOLE-Accredited, CSO-recognized locally and provincially LGBT group that actively serves the community through various projects such as brigada eskwela, gender and development programs, free haircut services, HIV awareness campaigns, coastal clean up and other initiatives that promote gender equality and inclusivity.

Within FTS, I learned that advocacy is more than just raising a flag or making a statement. It’s about service, extending your hands, opening your heart, and touching lives. Through our outreach programs, I witnessed the beauty of teamwork and compassion. Whether we’re repainting classrooms, giving free haircuts, or spreading HIV awareness, every act is rooted in love and purpose. And in those moments, I realized that small gestures can create big changes, especially when done together. Being surrounded by passionate, kind, and courageous people in FTS taught me the real essence of leadership. It’s not about standing above others, but standing with them guiding, listening, and inspiring.

One of the most unforgettable moments in my life was being crowned the first-ever FTS Ambassadress in 2023. That night was more than just a coronation; it was a celebration of identity, resilience, and self-acceptance. Holding that title reminded me of my responsibility, not just to represent the organization, but to amplify our advocacy which is beauty with a purpose; I am the beauty that defines purpose and I am the beauty inside and out. I promised to use my voice for those who are still afraid to speak, and to lend my strength to those still discovering theirs. Since then, I’ve offered my time, effort, and heart to every cause that FTS stands for. I continue to be an active advocate for equality, awareness, and empowerment, because I believe that change begins when we choose to show up for others.

At the heart of our organization lies a message that captures everything we believe in:  Your voice. Your color. Your home. These words are more than a slogan, they are our promise. They remind us that everyone deserves to be heard, to be celebrated, and to belong. FTS has become that home for me and for many others who once felt unseen. It’s a space where every color shines, every story matters, and every voice  counts.

Looking back, I can say with all my heart that being part of Flock of the Third Sex Organization, Inc. has changed me completely. It gave me confidence to speak, courage to lead, and compassion to serve. It taught me that being a transgender woman is not a limitation, it’s a strength, a story worth telling, and a light worth sharing.

Today, I stand proudly as a member and Ambassadress of FTS Lobo Organization Inc., forever grateful for the home that embraced me, and the family that continues to inspire me.

Because here, in FTS Lobo, I found more than acceptance, I found purpose, I found pride and I found home.

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STEPH EVARDONE: "FTS Lobo Helped Me Find My Purpose as a Transgender Woman."

A Written Memoir by: Steph Driz Evardone

FTS Ambassadress 2023

Steph Driz Evardone is a content creator who uses entertainment and motivational storytelling to inspire others. She's a proud advocate of gender awareness and equality, and continues to raise her voice for inclusivity through her platforms. She has always loved public speaking, creative expression, and connecting with people. She’s a pageant contessera and she earned multiple titles and recognitions that reflect her dedication and advocacy.

Get to know the author more:

Youtube channel: @itsmebungesa

Facebook: Steph Driz Evardone

Instagram: @itsmebungesa

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