Geena Rocero is a prominent Filipino-born American model, TED speaker, and transgender advocate whose career has significantly impacted the fashion and LGBTQ+ communities. After being discovered by a fashion photographer at a restaurant in Manhattan, she signed with NEXT Model Management and spent over a decade modeling for prestigious international swimsuit and beauty editorials. Rocero made history in 2020 as the first trans woman to be part of the iconic Playboy Playmates of the Year, showcasing her trailblazing presence in the modeling industry.
In addition to her modeling success, Rocero has made substantial contributions to media and advocacy. She served as the Executive Producer for “Beautiful As I Want To Be,” a digital series on Logo that highlights the experiences of transgender youth, pairing them with mentors from the community. Her work in this series emphasizes her commitment to uplifting young voices and fostering representation in media. Furthermore, she became one of the first openly transgender models to grace the cover of Harper’s Bazaar in 2016, further solidifying her role as a pioneer in the industry.
Rocero is also the founder of Gender Proud, a media production company dedicated to advancing the rights of transgender individuals through storytelling. Her TED talk in 2014, where she publicly came out as transgender, has inspired many and was featured on NPR’s TED Radio Hour, amplifying her message of visibility and acceptance.
Through her activism, Rocero has produced impactful films like “Willing and Able,” which addresses transgender employment and athletics, winning a GLAAD Media Award for its contributions to LGBTQ+ representation. As a board member of the NY LGBT Center and an ambassador for The Stonewall, Rocero continues to advocate for justice and equality, making her a vital figure in the ongoing fight for transgender rights.