Geena Rocero

She said, Did you know that if you moved to the United States, you could change your name and gender marker?

That was all I needed to hear.

My mom also told me to put two E's in the spelling of my name.

She also came with me when I had my surgery in Thailand at 19 years old.

It's interesting, in some of the most rural cities in Thailand, they perform some of the most prestigious, safe, and sophisticated surgery.

At that time in the United States, you needed to have a surgery before you could change your name and gender marker.

So in 2001, I moved to San Francisco, and I remember looking at my California driver's license with the name Gina and gender marker F.

That was a powerful moment.

I mean, for some people, their ID is their license to drive or even to get a drink.

But for me, that was my license to live, to feel dignified.

I mean, all of a sudden, my fears were minimized.

I felt that I could conquer my dream and move to New York and be a model.

Many are not so fortunate.

I think of this woman named Isla Nettles.

She's from New York.

She's a young woman who, courageously living her truth, but hatred ended her life.

For most of my community, this is the reality in which we live.

Our suicide rate is nine times higher than that of a general population.

Every November 20th, we have a global vigil for Transgender Day of Remembrance.

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