Playboy
Geena Rocero has been working in the modeling industry since she was discovered at 21 years old. She’s shot with countless fashion brands, landed aHarpers Bazaar Indiamagazine coverand even made an appearance in the Weeknd’s music video “The Knowing.” But she says her latest achievement is a “dream come true.”
Rocero, 35, was just namedPlayboy‘s August 2019 Playmate, which makes her the first transgender Asian Pacific Islander Playmate to appear in the magazine.
“As the first Trans Asian Pacific Islander Playmate, I feel that I’m making it possible for someone to reach for their biggest dreams just like the people who came before me,” Rocero said in a statement. “I also hope that for anyone who’s been deemed ‘other’ to know that what makes you different, is your power, especially the unapologetic expression of your sexuality, gender and the value of your unique perspective.”
Ever since Rocero came out as transgender to a national audience during herTED Talk, which quickly went viral, five years ago, she’s been a leading voice in transgender advocacy, thanks to her platform Gender Proud.
Gender Proud started out focused on transgender rights, specifically gender recognition laws, then branched into a production company to help tell people’s stories of the transgender experience.
Now, she’s hoping this latest achievement spreads her message even further. Below, we chatted exclusively with Rocero about finding her identity as a woman in the modeling industry, the strides she is making for the transgender community and more.
Describe what it means to you to be named the first Transgender Asian Pacific Islander Playmate?
GR:It’s such a huge honor to be the first Transgender Asian Pacific Islander Playmate. To now be part of the iconicPlayboyfamily is a dream come true, especially to be working with a brand that has long stood for freedom, individuality and unapologetic expression of oneself. I can’t help but think when I was growing up in the Philippines and to now be aPlayboyPlaymate is truly magical!
Who was the first person that you called when you found out?
GR:I called my best friend, Keo! I was screaming so loud from excitement!
What has the response been like?
GR:The response has been so amazing. I’ve heard from people who had never bought aPlayboymagazine before and to hear that they’re running to the nearest Barnes and Noble to pick up copies puts a smile on my face. I’ve been tagged on Instagram in videos of Filipina Titas (Aunties) looking at my centerfold, to messages from trans people who still can’t come out to their partners, to my friends from childhood in the Philippines, I’ve heard from everybody. But most importantly, people keep telling me that because of my story and the Playmate visibility, they themselves feel seen and validated.
Why do you think it has taken this long for the industry to become more inclusive?
GR:I think it has taken this long because most people with the decision power didn’t want to take a chance in a different narrative. As a media producer myself, it’s important to surround myself with allies that are willing to listen and use their privilege to share their access. At least give us a chance to show the incredibly talented pool of trans people whether as directors, actors, producers, writers and the whole spectrum of artistic expression. I believe the world is craving stories and characters that have never been seen before.
How do you feel inclusivity is increasing and in what ways can it improve?
What do you think ofVictoria’s Secret casting its first transgender model?
How do you hope the modeling world grows in the next decade?
GR:For the next decade, I hope that we’ve moved beyond the conversation where including a trans person in an adverting campaign will not be questioned or cause a headline. I hope it just becomes a norm. The same holds true for diverse body types and abilities.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
GR:I see myself continuing to produce media in fashion, travel, lifestyle or anything that feeds my curiosity. I just want to keep telling stories.
Tell me more about those swimsuits you make! Would you ever launch your own swim line? What are you working on now?
source: people.com
