KaladKaren, a well-known personality within the LGBTQIA+ community, passionately discussed the topic of SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression) and inclusivity, shedding light on the progress that has been made so far.
“Malayo na, pero malayo pa,” KaladKaren, or Jervi Li in real life, told Manila Standard Entertainment. “We still have a long way to go, but we’ve come a long way. We have made many efforts that have borne fruit, but there is still much more to be done to achieve our goals in society.”
While acknowledging the strides that have been taken, KaladKaren emphasized that there is still a significant distance to cover on the path to true equality.
“We need to consider many things. We have conservative lawmakers, and we are a Catholic country, but before anything else, we should focus on equal rights for everyone before addressing civil partnerships or same-sex unions. Let’s first address discrimination against all types of people, not just members of the LGBTQIA+ community who have gender identities and sexual characteristics,” she said.
With unwavering determination, KaladKaren highlighted the efforts that have yielded positive outcomes but also emphasized the need for continued action to achieve the community’s aspirations within society. It was acknowledged that there is much work to be done in order to fulfill the goals and ideals that the LGBTQIA+ community envisions.
In the interview, KaladKaren emphasized the importance of considering various factors in navigating these challenges. The presence of conservative lawmakers and the cultural context of being a predominantly Catholic country were acknowledged. However, KaladKaren urged for the prioritization of equal rights for all individuals before delving into discussions surrounding civil partnerships or same-sex unions.
KaladKaren also pointed out that the focus should be on addressing discrimination in all its forms, extending beyond just the LGBTQIA+ community, as people from diverse backgrounds also experience issues related to gender identity and sexual characteristics.
The interview took place during her signing with Star Magic, the talent management arm of ABS-CBN, on June 26.
“Star Magic has produced the A-listers of the industry since time immemorial. Parang lahat ng sikat at pinag-uusapan, napaka-talented na tao, nangggaling sa Star Magic. It’s such an honor and privilege for me to be a part of this family,” Jervi said during her contract signing.
She also shared that she will be part of an upcoming series, a reality show, and a movie as a Star Magic artist.
Meanwhile, Laurenti Dyogi, head of Star Magic, praised KaladKaren’s character during the contract signing.
“Alam mo naman, Jervi, you embody the attributes of what a Star Magic artist is. You stand for excellence, you’re very talented, you stand for other people,” Dyogi told KaladKaren.
KaladKaren rose to fame for her impersonation of TV Patrol and ANC Headstart anchor Karen Davila. But now, she is slowly making a name for herself as an actor after she was named the first transwoman to become a winner at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
Currently, KaladKaren is part of iWantTFC’s Drag You & Me and the upcoming ABS-CBN and Prime Video series, Fit Check.
Apart from her win as Best Supporting Actress at the MMFF this year, KaladKaren is also the first transwoman news anchor in the country.