KaladKaren during Cosmopolitan Philippines’ Women of Influence awards night. Images: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net, Instagram/@kaladkaren
KaladKaren was emotional as she thanked God for giving her the “responsibility” to represent the LGBTQIA+ communities in mainstream media, as she hoped her story would inspire the trans youth to “become who they want to be.”
KaladKaren said in her acceptance speech during the Cosmopolitan Philippines’ Women of Influence awards on March 21 that winning Best Supporting Actress at the Summer Metro Manila Film Festival and being the first transgender news anchor made her realize the bounden duty bestowed on her by God.
“When I won my award as the first transgender woman for Best Supporting Actress and became the first transgender news anchor, I think the Lord paved the way for me to have this kind of responsibility to represent the LGBTQIA+ and the transgender community, so the trans youth have someone to look up to,” she said.
READ: KaladKaren says ‘transwomen are women,’ bares her ‘dream role’ as superhero
The “Here Comes the Groom” star also looked back at the time when she wanted to feel represented in mainstream media when she was young, noting the hardships of being a transwoman.
“I’m honored to be here [as] a woman. It’s very difficult to be a transgender woman in this society. Every day, we face so many challenges and tribulations,” she said. “In fact, when I posted my Women of Influence 2024 announcement, there were some who asked, why was she there? She’s not a woman. I think she’s taking up space not meant for her, but meant for other women.”
Inclusivity for all
Despite this, KaladKaren remained firm in her goal to be seen as “hope and inspiration” for the LGBTQIA+ and trans youth, saying she is the “living testament” that it is possible.
“I am standing here in front of all of you as myself and my true self. I am so proud of that. Nothing can take that away from me. No matter what other people say, I am me. I am KaladKaren and I’m proud to be myself,” she said.
On the sidelines of the event, KaladKaren told INQUIRER.net that she’s “so happy” to be recognized as a woman while noting that this was “how inclusivity should be.”
“This is exactly what it feels like to be included. This is how inclusivity should be, and it should happen because it empowers people and it makes the world a better place if everyone is included,” she said. “I thought it was impossible. I didn’t have a role model and I hope na marami tayong kabataan na maiinspire to be who they are.”
The news anchor also urged the LGBTQIA+ and trans youth to find hope that “nothing is impossible” for them to go for their dreams.
“I just want to tell and show them that nothing is impossible. I’m here. A lot of LGBTQIA+ personalities are achieving their goals in life like Vice Ganda, Mela Habijan, and other people. It can happen to them,” she said.