Why I must come out | Geena Rocero

When fashion model Geena Rocero first saw a professionally shot photo of herself clad in a bikini, she was beside herself. "I thought...you have arrived!" she says proudly. This might not be the typical experience, but, as Rocero reveals, that's because she was born with the gender assignment "boy." In a moving and personal talk, Rocero finds that transgender activism is giving her a whole new sense of pride and purpose.

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[sorrowtonin]

It's sad that the Filipino media doesn't even cover her and the wonderful work she has done for the LGBT community.

[sonderingkayla]

"That was my license to live..." So many chills at that moment. I am so happy for her and glad she is telling this story. ❤❤❤

[FyreCurl]

Geena is a beautiful, poignant, intelligent, young woman. She articulated the problem with the current gender paradigm so clearly and simply that everyone should understand that gender is not determined by anatomy. Wonderful presentation. Well done.

[callanklimts]

It's very admirable that she is doing this for everyone else and isn't concerned about herself. She put her career on the line to come out for everyone else

[jamiebabie]

i don't understand transgenders but i will respect them. i will use the pronouns they prefer. and i will regard them as humans who deserve to be treated with respect and kindness.

[BonoboD]

A very courageous public coming out, considering the hostility of so many still, as indicated in many of the comments here.

You are a beautiful soul Geena Rocero, thank you for doing your part to help educate and make the world a better and safer place for all of us.

[hanak]

The comments are disgusting here. "You don't decide what you are, *I* do". Please. I don't know how people could be so closeminded as to think they know others better than others know themselves.

[EvevanKaat]

She's an incredibly brave and kind person. Because of this video, I made the resolution that if any of my friends or family would come out as a gender different from the one assigned at their birth, I would support them and welcome them with open arms. As long as being who you are does not hurt anyone, I see no reason or even right of society to deny you that. Ms Rocero is beautiful inside and out, and I hope that her talk will inspire other people as it has me.

[virginiapearson]

Might I remind everyone that trans people aren't hurting anyone by being trans, and that respect costs you nothing?❤️

[richardrises]

Look at the dislikes. Look at the small lot them -- the close-minded, the self-righteous, the judgmental, the uncomfortable. They are the ones who, unfortunately, may never grow to accept people like Geena for being themselves, for living in a way that does not affect anyone else's lives. They refuse to reconcile with themselves. They burden a tolerant, scientific society. They burden others, and themselves.

Now look at the likes. A vast majority, of people who appreciate development. They are tolerant, and welcoming, and emotionally secure. They are a majority that carries promise forward, and hopefully outnumbers the lost few above. They are free thinkers, calm and rational. They are our future. If you are one of these, carry on knowing how important you are.

[chibi]

If you aren't transgender, you don't get to speak for this woman. You don't to tell her she is wrong or really a boy and anything. She is here to show that being trans does not have to end in tragedy. Nobody cares about your personal bigotry on the matter. It's about basic human dignity, and if you can't give it, what does that say about you?

[TheMiaMelrose]

I will never completely understand transgender people, but I will always treat them like the human beings they are and with the respect they deserve. People who are commenting with narrow-minded views on this topic have the gender binary internalized, and refuse to accept anything outside this code of "normalcy." Sad, but true.

[PJParan]

this is such an eye-opener. captivating, honest, and revolutionizing. as a fellow Filipino, I am proud of you!

[imgoingonholidaytovietnam]

I just turned 14 this weekend and I'm transgender. At the moment, I'm just grateful there are people like her in the world. I'm ftm, though.

[aylinitzel.]

I’m so proud that she has the courage to come out in stage, and I’m glad she’s finally who she always knew she was.

[AceUyzeusx]

I say: Let the Human live in peace and freedom. Down with the close minded dogmatic idealists and more acceptance and less hate.

[winterlee]

this made me cry. as a transgender kid this means so much to see her living her truth and doing it for others. she is powerful.

[abubblez]

I grew up with an aunt that was Trans, she is a wonderful person I wouldn't her love if she never changed. I'm greatful for it. The only thing I don't understand is how my dad can accept her with all his heart but can't accept me being bi. But I stand by Trans and respect them to the fullest.

[rfeyman]

Excellent speech.
From a medical perspective many things have to go just right for a baby to be born as either a boy or a girl, so it is actually quite amazing that most people are NOT transgender or intersex.

That said gender testing in most sports/Olympics have stopped as too many contestants had unusual results.
XX developing as male, XY developing as female, XXY and XXXY, and Mosaic gender where a person is both XX and XY.

[effeffiagonalick]

"Mom! This is my hair!" Children are so precious oh my god