As a young femme in 1990s Manila, Geena Rocero heard, “Bakla, bakla!,” a taunt aimed at her feminine sway. Eventually, she found her place in trans pageants, the Philippines’ informal national sport. When competitors mocked her as a "horse barbie" due to her statuesque physique, tumbling hair, long neck, and dark skin, she leaned into the epithet and by seventeen was the Philippines’ highest-earning trans pageant queen. A year later, Geena moved to the United States where she could change her name and gender marker on her documents. But legal recognition didn't mean safety—to survive, Geena went stealth and hid her trans identity, gaining one type of freedom at the expense of another. For a while, it worked. She became an in-demand model. But as her star rose, her sense of self eroded. She craved acceptance as her authentic self yet had to remain vigilant to protect her dream career. The high-stakes double life finally forced Geena to ask herself if she wanted to reclaim the power of Horse Barbie once and for all: radiant, head held high, and unabashedly herself.
Geena Rocero is a trailblazing Filipina-American transgender model, actress, and transgender rights advocate. Born in Manila, Philippines, Geena's early experiences of gender identity led her to embrace the world of trans pageants, where she quickly rose to prominence as the highest-earning trans pageant queen in the Philippines. Her journey continued as she moved to the United States to pursue her dreams and secure legal recognition of her gender identity. Geena's career as a sought-after model and actress soared, but she grappled with the complexities of living a double life. Today, Geena Rocero is a prominent advocate for transgender rights, using her platform to raise awareness, promote acceptance, and empower transgender individuals worldwide. Her memoir, "Horse Barbie," is a powerful testament to her remarkable journey of self-discovery and resilience.