Horse Barbie: A Memoir of Reclamation

(Paperback)

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As a young femme in 1990s Manila, Geena Rocero heard, "Bakla, bakla!," a taunt aimed at her feminine sway, whenever she left the tiny universe of her eskinita. Eventually, she found her place in trans pageants, the Philippines' informal national sport. When her competitors mocked her as a "horse Barbie" due to her statuesque physique, tumbling hair, long neck, and dark skin, she leaned into the epithet. By seventeen, she was the Philippines' highest-earning trans pageant queen. A year later, Geena moved to the United States where she could change her name and gender marker on her documents. But legal recognition didn't mean safety. In order to survive, Geena went stealth and hid her trans identity, gaining one type of freedom at the expense of another. For a while, it worked. She became an in-demand model. But as her star rose, her sense of self eroded. She craved acceptance as her authentic self yet had to remain vigilant in order to protect her dream career. The high-stakes double life finally forced Geena to ask herself if she wanted to reclaim the power of Horse Barbie once and for all- radiant, head held high, and unabashedly herself. A radiant testimony from an icon who sits at the center of transgender history and activism, Horse Barbie is a celebratory and universal story of survival, love, and pure joy. "A moving chronicle of trans resilience and joy" (Vogue)fromone of Out100's Most Impactful and Influential LGBTQ+ Storytellers "Groundbreaking . . . Rocero quite literally models what triumph can look like."-Glamour (Women of the Year) WINNER OF THEM'S AWARD FOR LITERATURE . A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR- Book Riot, Elle, Esquire As a young femme in 1990s Manila, Geena Rocero heard, "Bakla, bakla!," a taunt aimed at her feminine sway, whenever she left the tiny universe of her eskinita. Eventually, she found her place in trans pageants, the Philippines' informal national sport. When her competitors mocked her as a "horse Barbie" due to her statuesque physique, tumbling hair, long neck, and dark skin, she leaned into the epithet. By seventeen, she was the Philippines' highest-earning trans pageant queen. A year later, Geena moved to the United States where she could change her name and gender marker on her documents. But legal recognition didn't mean safety. In order to survive, Geena went stealth and hid her trans identity, gaining one type of freedom at the expense of another. For a while, it worked. She became an in-demand model. But as her star rose, her sense of self eroded. She craved acceptance as her authentic self yet had to remain vigilant in order to protect her dream career. The high-stakes double life finally forced Geena to decide herself if she wanted to reclaim the power of Horse Barbie once and for all- radiant, head held high, and unabashedly herself. A dazzling testimony from an icon who sits at the center of transgender history and activism, Horse Barbie is a celebratory and universal story of survival, love, and pure joy.

Reviews

Inherently American... Geena Roceros enthralling, redemptive, and heartfelt journey forces me to see the world through newly bright and hopeful eyes.America Ferrera, Emmy-winning actor and producer, and author of American Like Me

Interspersed with vivid, captivating, and often hilarious behind-the-scenes stories about the pursuit of fameon music-video sets, gaining entry into exclusive clubs and partiesHorse Barbie recounts Roceros painful decision to hide her trans identity as she pursued a modeling career in New York, and her empowering journey toward reclaiming her true self.Vulture

Candid... Rocero [is] no longer hiding. Her memoir does not shy away from topics like colorism, gender disclosure, sex work and the nuts and bolts of medical transition.The New York Times

Rocero writes with openness and humor.Vanity Fair

Roceros tender recollections... exemplify the creative loopholes that trans people always find to live our lives. We find them because weve always had to find them.... But persistently, Rocero nurtures sisterhood and solidarity to create not only safety but love and care.... Horse Barbie joins a constellation of recent stories told by queer people and especially trans women navigating the world with vigor and style.Datebook

[Roceros] story is a reminder of the importance of living authentically and being true to oneself, despite the obstacles that may arise. Her memoir is sure to inspire readers to embrace their unique identities and stand up for what they believe in, no matter the cost.Galore

Vivid, hilarious, exhilarating... thrillingly perceptive and honest.Jia Tolentino, author of Trick Mirror

A propulsive read, animated by the authors honesty, wit, and indomitable spirit of self-acceptance.Ronan Farrow, journalist and author of the Pulitzer Prizewinning Catch and Kill

Powerfully introspective and wildly entertaining.Bowen Yang, actor and comedian

A groundbreaking book befitting a groundbreaking icon... In these chaotic, uncaring, incoherent times, this memoir shines as a beacon of courage and empathy.Jose Antonio Vargas, Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist and author of Dear America

Witty, heartbreaking, and vivid, Horse Barbie is a must-readfor anyone looking to know more about self-acceptance in the face of profound struggle, what it means to be trans, and Geenas outstanding impact as a groundbreaking advocate, model, writer, and inspiring woman.Sarah Kate Ellis, President & CEO of GLAAD

Horse Barbie is an emotionally engaging read. Roceros pride in her success as both a fashion model and a highly visible trans woman of color is hard won, and having the chance to read about it feels like a privilege.BookPage (starred review)

Author Bio

Born and raised in the Philippines, Geena Rocero is an award-winning producer, director, model, public speaker, trans rights advocate, and television host, and was named one of Gold House's 2020 #A100 most impactful Asians and Pacific Islanders. Her directorial debut Caretakers (PBS), a docuseries about Filipinos in care work, received four Emmy nominations.