MANILA, Philippines – New York-based transgender model and activist Geena Rocero will march down one of the Philippines’ most anticipated fashion shows: Bench’s The Naked Truth: Denim and Underwear Show. The show is expected to be a star-studded event, with the participation of local A-list celebrities under the Bench roster. 

The founder of Gender Proud confirmed her participation to Rappler, when she sent a photo of her at the rehearsal in the Mall of Asia Arena.

“I am honored and humbled, I can’t wait to serve fierce on stage,” Rocero tells Rappler in a text message. (READ: 15 stars to watch for at Bench ‘Naked Truth’ underwear show)

This is the first time a transgender person has participated in Bench’s fashion show. 

Rocero, a Rappler Profile, who was flown in to Manila, spoke about media and gender issues at the Social Good Summit on Tuesday. She said that while the LGBT is culturally celebrated in the country, it is not yet politically recognized. 

“It is so important for me to highlight how proud I am with this culture,” Rocero said referring to the transgender community. 

Watch her segment below: 

In an interview with Rappler in April, Rocero said that through Gender Proud, they hope to create a global unified message for a new policy in gender recognition law.  (READ: #GenderProud: Filipina model Geena Rocero LIVE on Rappler)

“What we’re trying to propose is for countries for individuals to be allowed to gender their name and gender marking on legal documents without being forced to go through surgeries, forced sterilizations or other demonizing barriers.”

Rocero shared her story during a TED 2014 talk, narrating her journey to womanhood. She has  since travelled around the world to promote the equal treatment of of the LGBT community. 

“Visibility is important for the transgender community,” explains Rocero. Her participation in the Bench show is certainly a statement. Dindi Tan, a local transgender leader wrote on Facebook, “BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING…SHOWING THE “NAKED TRUTH.” ETO ANG TUNAY NA PASABOG!!! The very first transpinay to have been included in this year’s casting of celebrities modeling for BENCH’s most-celebrated and anticipated fashion show this coming Friday.” 

Rocero is also scheduled to speak at the New York Social Good Summit happening on September 21 and 22.  – Rappler.com