Horse Barbie

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This heartfelt memoir chronicles the journey of a trans pageant queen from the Philippines who initially concealed her identity to pursue modeling in New York City, only to realize that embracing her true self was essential to her empowerment. Growing up in Manila during the 1990s, Geena Rocero faced taunts for her femininity but found solace in trans pageants, which were as culturally significant as a national sport. Balancing high school by day and competitions by night, she transformed derogatory nicknames into a source of confidence, ultimately becoming the Philippines' most prominent trans pageant queen by seventeen. Upon moving to the U.S., Geena changed her name and gender marker, a privilege not available to trans individuals in her home country. However, this legal recognition did not guarantee safety, leading her to live stealthily and hide her identity. While this allowed her to thrive as a sought-after model, it came at the cost of her true self. As her career flourished, her inner conflict deepened, prompting a critical decision to reclaim her identity as "Horse Barbie"—radiant and unapologetically authentic. This memoir serves as a powerful testament to survival, love, and joy, highlighting Geena's significant role in transgender history and activism.