Editor’s note: This story originally appeared on Playboy.com in 2020. Geena Rocero was Playboy’s August 2019 Playmate, as well as the first trans AAPI woman to hold that title.
Geena Rocero refuses to be silent about the issues that are important to her. The trans activist, who began her journey as a trans pageant queen in her homeland of the Philippines, travels the globe on behalf of her award-winning production company Gender Proud, advocating for the rights of trans and non-binary people. “I go to all of these decision-making rooms in the biggest entities of the world, whether it be the United Nations or other global groups, and I’m usually the only trans person in the room,” Rocero says. Rather than let that discourage her, she allows it to fuel her advocacy. For Pride this year, Geena is encouraging her fans to reach out and support LGBTQ people during the COVID-19 crisis and to always remember to “pass the mic.”
Playboy: What’s your coming out story?
Geena Rocero: My transition happened in waves; it was political, social, cultural, physical and spiritual. When I was 15, I started joining the trans pageants, which are a huge part of our culture in the Philippines. I became a prominent trans beauty queen in my country, but legally I wasn’t recognized as a woman. When I moved to the U.S. to start modeling, it was the other way around. I was legally recognized as a woman, but culturally I had to retreat into the closet. When I turned 30, I was coming to terms with the next phase of my life, and I decided that I had had enough. I was tired of living with shame and internalized transphobia. I wanted to find the biggest platform I could and tell the whole world my story. So I gave a TED Talk and opened up about my experience. It was so freeing.
Playboy: What advice would you give a fan struggling with their sexual identity or gender identity?
Geena Rocero: When I was growing up I had an amazing support system that nurtured me, loved me and supported me. For people who are beginning to transition, a support system means everything. So I would tell fans to find even just one person that will support their full being and their dreams without judgment.
Playboy: What is one of the most annoying misconceptions you face as an LGBTQ person?
Geena Rocero: We’re full human beings that watch probably the same Netflix shows as any other person. We’re fully realized people who have a lot to say about a wide range of topics. I love speaking about LGBTQ rights, but there’s more to me than that.
Playboy: What is your favorite thing about being a part of the LGBTQ community?
Geena Rocero: Despite all the unfortunate struggles trans people endure, particularly trans women of color, we are strong and resilient. It’s so powerful, and it’s so beautiful, and that’s what I love most about being part of this community.
Playboy: Who is your favorite LGBTQ icon?
Geena Rocero: Caroline “Tula” Cossey, the first trans woman to pose for Playboy, has been such an icon for me for such a long time. She inspired me to become a model. I used to say, “I want to be like Caroline. I want to be like Tula.” And now here I am. Sometimes I pinch myself. I’m living my dream.
I’m also inspired by Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, two trans activists who led the way during the Stonewall revolution who are finally getting recognized for their efforts.
Playboy: What is the biggest roadblock for the LGBTQ community in 2020?
Geena Rocero: Right now, COVID-19 has really magnified a lot of issues within the LGBTQ community. Trans people are three times more likely to be unemployed in the United States, and if you’re a trans person of color, you’re four times more likely. This was true before COVID-19 hit the U.S. I can’t even imagine what those numbers look like now. So many trans people don’t have access to basic health care or mental health care, and those things are so crucial.
I launched a production company because I wanted to bring storytelling to the forefront of these conversations. When you hear someone’s story, you can’t help but to feel empathy. The goal is to humanize and bring nuance to these statistics with the personal, lived experiences of people.
Playboy: If someone wants to be an ally to the LGBTQ community, how can they do that?
Geena Rocero: It’s simple. Reach out and pass the mic. It is time for trans people of color to lead this revolution!