Geena Rocero: Why I must come out

This story begins on a beach in Tulum, Mexico, last October. It was my 30th birthday, and I was dancing on the beach with my then partner. As he spun me around, he asked me, ‘What does turning 30 mean to you?’ I replied, ‘It means letting go. It means no more secrets.’
After the surgeries, and after legally changing my name and gender marker, I felt like I finally had the safe space to fulfill my dream, which was to become a fashion model.

I also felt like I had an obligation to the LGBT communities, especially the Trans community in the Philippines, who had embraced me so openly when I was younger, and given me so much early strength.
I also felt like I had an obligation to the LGBT communities, especially the Trans community in the Philippines, who had embraced me so openly when I was younger, and given me so much early strength.

I gave my TED Talk on March 19th, and got a standing ovation. The outpouring of support was incredible. The TED experience was elevating – both literally and figuratively.

Then on March 31st, TED posted my talk online, to celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility. It was also the day we launched Gender Proud.

As of right now, the talk has over 900,000 views. We’ve garnered media support from publications all over the world – from Vancouver (where it all began!) to Manila to London – and back again.
Check for Geena TED Talk