Transgender model Geena Rocero on coming out at TED2014 (video)

by Stephen Hui on April 1st, 2014 at 10:51 AM

1 of 1 2 of 1

At Vancouver's TED2014 conference, transgender model and activist Geena Rocero shared her story of growing up in the Philippines as a "boy", becoming a fashion model, and coming out to the world.

"Today, this very moment, is my real coming out," Rocero said. "I could no longer live my truth for and by myself. I want to do my best to help others live their truth without shame and terror. I am here, exposed, so that one day there will never be a need for a November 20th vigil. My deepest truth allowed me to accept who I am. Will you?"

The Transgender Day of Remembrance is held every year on November 20 every year to memorialize people killed due to anti-transgender prejudice.

Rocero has launched Gender Proud, which is billed as an "advocacy & awareness campaign that aims to advance the rights of all transgender individuals".