KaladKaren says ‘transwomen are women,’ bares her ‘dream role’ as superhero
Jervi Li or KaladKaren. Image: Joseph Pascual and assisted by Joey Alvero for Preen
KaladKaren is firm that transwomen are women. The award-winning actress, news anchor, and media personality is one of the rising stars in the local entertainment scene today and for her, she hopes that her career milestones will pave the way for LGBTQIA+ community to fearlessly carve their chosen path.
“It’s always nice to blaze the trail not for yourself but for other people as well. Masaya ako na nauna because kapag may nauna, may susunod,” she told Preen, INQUIRER.net Entertainment, and Inquirer Bandera in an exclusive interview just weeks before Pride Month. Despite having multiple achievements under her belt, she hopes that one day, members of the LGBTQIA+ will shine, regardless of their gender.
“That’s what I pray for because kapag may nabuksang pinto, lahat tayo makakapasok. Kasi walang sense na may nakapasok na t’as walang susunod. I’m very happy to somehow the pave the way. Gusto ko rin na ‘yung mga katulad ko ay makaranas din ng ganung klaseng achievements,” she said.
On people scared to come out
Apart from her milestones, it’s clear that KaladKaren, born as Jervi Li, has such a huge love for her community that when we asked her thoughts about people being scared to come out, she stressed that while being free “is priceless,” coming out is solely based on someone’s decision alone.
“Coming out is a person’s decision,” she firmly said. “We have to respect their decision, whether to stay in the closet or to be out in the world,” as she pointed out the importance of respect in dealing with the members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
But she believes in the beauty of being free, which she said, is a “priceless” thing.
“I always say [that] being free is priceless. Being who you are in the eyes of people, especially if you’re in the public persona, means a lot for yourself. Kasi ikaw ‘yun eh. Kapag wala kang tinatago, ang saya-saya mabuhay,” she said.
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Yet her expression turned wistful as she addressed celebrities and public figures who remain in the closet, where she expressed her support — which almost felt like a big sister giving a big hug to those in need.
“Huwag kayong matakot. Kung handa na kayo, nandito kami para suportahan kayo. Kung lumabas man kayo sa madla, being the authentic person that you are, laban lang kasi maraming handang sumuporta sa inyo,” she said.
On SOGIE bill
The actress also reaffirmed the importance of passing the proposed Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) equality bill, pointing out that it “protects” everyone as they have their respective sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, and sex characteristics.
“What are we waiting for? It’s about time na tuloy-tuloy na ang pagpasa ng SOGIE bill kasi lagi namang iniisip ng mga tao that it’s a special privilege for the LGBTQIA+ community. But like I always say in my interviews, it’s for everybody,” she said. “It will actually protect all of us. All citizens of this country will be protected because of that bill. Sana ipasa na siya.”
Thousands of LGBTQIA+ members and allies also called for the passage of the bill. The House of Representatives approved the chamber’s version of the SOGIE bill earlier this month. However, the Senate version was brought back to committee level as it faced grave opposition from religious sectors.
“Kahit heterosexual cis-gender woman ka, kapag na-discrinimate ka because of your SOGIESC, this law would protect you from discrimination. Kahit sinong tao, so it’s not a special privilege given to the members of the community only,” KaladKaren said, as her animated expression turned serious.
“Like we always say, kapag binibigay ang pantay na karapatan, wala namang mawawala sa iba eh. Equal rights is for everybody to share,” she added.
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On her dream role
The conversation then shifted to a more lighthearted note when KaladKaren was asked about her dream role, to which she replied, “Gusto ko talagang maging bold star,” which drew laughs from the people at the studio. “If it’s for art, why not? I’ll do it,” she added.
“Pero kung meron man akong gustong genre, gusto ko ng superhero flick. Gusto kong maging superhero,” the actress said, while smiling. As if she’s daydreaming about herself as an iron-clad woman with a mission to save humanity.
“Diba, maganda rin makakita ng isang transgender woman superhero? Of course, meron na because Zsazsa Zaturnnah is a transgender woman,” she said. “But ang saya makakita ng superhero na LGBTQIA+ kasi it empowers the community na kaya nating mag-save ng buhay ng tao at mundo. Ang hero naman, wala namang pinipiling sekswalidad. Ang saya lang makakita ng, ‘Ay bakla siya, transgender siya — pero superhero din siya.’ I think that’s one of my dream roles.”
On the other hand, KaladKaren revealed that she’s open to showing off some skin in her upcoming projects, as long as it’s necessary to the storyline. “Kaya ko pa ‘yan! Nothing stops a person naman from doing things for work and for art, or when the character or story needs it. Siyempre, ibibigay natin ‘yan,” she added.
The topic then shifted to her dream leading man which made the actress swoon like an excited fangirl. Among the actors she sees herself sharing romantic scenes with are Enchong Dee, Gerald Anderson, and Ian Veneracion — which earned responses like “Ay!” or “Bongga!” from other people in the room.
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“Basta hanggang ka-edad ko lang,” she clarified. She also revealed that she doesn’t see herself being paired with a younger man because of her younger sibling who’s currently 21 years old.
“Hindi ko kayang i-leading man sina Seth Fedelin at Donny Pangilinan kasi masyadong bata. Kasi may kapatid akong 21 years old, gusto ko naman nang mas matanda sa’kin. And I like guys who are older than me,” she added, while giggling.
As the interview ends, it’s clear that KaladKaren is a star emerging as one of the forefronts for a new generation of stars. But despite this, she believes that success is not for herself. Her journey is a hopeful one that transgender women and men have always been here — and more of them deserve to share their stories.
Check out KaladKaren’s cover story with Preen.ph. EDV
