CBS celebrates Geena Rocero, a model and trans rights activist, for coming out as transgender at 14 as featured in their new memoir. Praising the visibility of trans people and its importance in progressing towards equity, CBS ignores the potential risks of underage transgender transitions.
Geena Rocero, a Filipino model and trans rights activist appeared on CBS Mornings to discuss the release of their memoir, Horse Barbie, detailing their journey since deciding to become transgender at 14 years old. The CBS hosts praised Rocero’s story and their TED talk, which divulged their hidden transgender identity after nine years. Equating the visibility of trans individuals to progress, Rocero and CBS disregard the potential dangers of advocating for children to self-identify and undergo medical transition.
Cost Tony Dokoupil and Democratic donor Gayle King enthused over Rocero’s experience, with King highlighting the importance of affirmation through legal recognition, something Rocero had not experienced in the Philippines. Meanwhile, Dokoupil prompted Rocero to discuss the “nightmarish” experience of being transgender in the United States. Rocero acknowledged the visibility of trans people as a positive step forward but lamented the lack of cultural familiarity and the persistent “attacks.”
CBS and Rocero agreed that books like Horse Barbie work to inspire and educate individuals, promoting the message that “trans joy can never be fully extinguished.” Rocero emphasized the courageous nature of being openly transgender and gained the support of the co-hosts in celebrating their story as a resource.
In glamorizing Rocero’s journey and ignoring the potential risks of embracing underage transgender transitions, CBS contributes to the normalization of castration and dangerous decisions for vulnerable youths.
