Geena Rocero

Because of my success, I never had the courage to share my story.

Not because I thought what I am is wrong, but because how the world treats those of us who wish to break free.

I'm here at this stage because it's a long history of people who fought and stood up for injustice.

Today, this very moment is my real coming out.

The world makes you something that you're not.

But you know inside what you are.

And that question burns in your heart.

How will you become that?

I may be someone unique in this, but I am not alone.

Not alone at all.

So when I became a fashion model, I felt that I finally achieved the dream that I've always wanted since I was a young child.

My outside self finally matched my inner truth.

My inner self.

At that time, I felt like, Gina, you've done it.

You've made it.

You have arrived.

But this past October, I realized that I'm only just beginning.

All of us are put in boxes by our family, by our religion, by our society, our moment in history, even our own bodies.

Some people have the courage to break free, not to accept the limitations imposed by the color of their skin or by the beliefs by those that surround them.

Those people are always the threat to the status quo, to what is considered acceptable.