Ryan Christopher Claveria

Beautiful Transgender Icons in the Local Beauty Scene

Article (news)

<p>Etched in the vivid colors of the rainbow are the subtle colors that represent men and women by choice, not dictated through societal standards but innate awareness discovered since childhood. Beyond the gays and lesbians, their predecessors have always pioneered the Pride March, fighting for fairness through equal opportunities and freedom to creative expression. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782799640239METRO.STYLE BEAUTY BANNER.png" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Beautiful transgender icons in the Philippines</span></span></span></div><p>From carrying the pastel-colored flag to wearing their crowns, they are not only queens in their own right; they also left a remarkable legacy that made the transgender community proud and loud. They inspire others never to box themselves into stereotypes and to go beyond their limits, as being transgender is never finite. Meet the beautiful modern transgender icons who left a remarkable mark on the LGBTQIA+ community.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Kevin Balot</strong></div><p>First on the list was none other than the icon herself, Kevin Balot. When she became the first Filipina to win the “<strong>Miss International Queen</strong>” title, she instantly became an inspiration. She captivated many, particularly young, aspiring LGBTQ+ youth, who were drawn to her beauty, wit, and remarkable brilliance.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782798492304Kevin Balot.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo via @kevinbalot</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Fuschia Anne Ravena</strong></div><p>Her recent sashay at the inaugural <strong>Miss Grand International All Stars</strong> firmly cemented her status as a bona fide beauty icon. Throughout the competition, Fuschia’s magnetic personality consistently took center stage. Beyond her charm, her aesthetic—a striking fusion of rich Morena features and high-octane Latina glam—redefined the standard of beauty for transgender women.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782798597145fuschia_ravena.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo via @fuschia_ravena</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Jervi Wrightson (Kaladkaren) </strong></div><p>Journalist by morning, icon by night. Kaladkaren has proven that she is far more than just an inspiration; she is a trailblazer showing the country that transgender women excel far beyond pageantry and glamorous events. By consistently shattering glass ceilings, she has raised the bar and shown the next generation that your gender will never limit what you can achieve. She is, without a doubt, a true icon.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782798685206Jervi.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo via @kaladkaren</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Keylyn Trajano</strong></div><p>She may have left a recent remarkable stint in MGI All Stars, but we can’t forget her iconic moment as the first transgender woman to walk in <strong>Bench Fashion Week</strong> in the Philippines back in 2024. She’s also the first transgender woman crowned as Universal Woman Arabia in 2025. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782798779946Keylyn Trajano.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo by @philipvitor from @keylyntrajano</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>M1ss Jade So<br/></strong></div><p>&quot;I am the pinnacle one-of-one&#x27;—Miss Jade So, one of the top four finalists in Drag Race Philippines Season 2, shimmered and undoubtedly made an avant-garde beauty statement on her season: Bratz-esque and pure dollification! Now, she’s ready to conquer the international drag stage, competing as one of the queens for <strong>Drag Race Down Under vs. The World</strong>.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782798899126M1ss Jade.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo via @m1ssjadeso</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Lars Pacheco</strong></div><p>Lars’ first remarkable appearance was when she competed for the renowned ‘It’s Showtime’ segment ‘Miss Q &amp; A.’ She immediately got recognized for her natural beauty that encompasses femininity and softness. This status was further augmented when she joined <strong>Miss International Queen Philippines 2023</strong> and won the title to represent the local trans community on the global pageant stage. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782799032868Lars Pacheco.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo via @@rapyuphotos from @pachecolars</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Kirk Popiolek </strong></div><p>Another beauty queen on the list, Kirk Popiolek was crowned <strong>Queen Philippines Universe 2024</strong> and consistently showcases a carousel of stunning photographs on her socials. Kirk’s visuals feature a modern Filipina: porcelain skin, rounded, rich pupils, and a slim figure. She’s so pretty that her visage, oftentimes, becomes an inspiration to the young trans kids. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782799138029Kirk.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo via @kirk.popiolek</span></span></span></div><div><br/><strong>Rui Mariano</strong></div><p>Back in the early days, when HRT wasn’t as popular as today, Rui Mariano was one of the pioneers who introduced bio-identical hormones and other feminization treatments in the country. Her clinic, ‘<strong>The Fairygodbarbie</strong>,&#x27; now expanded into six branches, catering to not only to transgender women but to all genders too. Plus, Rui has timeless beauty; she doesn’t even look like her age! </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782799213011Rui Mariano.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo via @iam_ruimariano</span></span></span></div>

<p>To cap off Pride Month, we listed beautiful transgender women and their lasting impact on the local beauty scene!</p>

To cap off Pride Month, we listed beautiful transgender women and their lasting impact on the local beauty scene!

Beautiful Transgender Icons in the Philippine Beauty Scene

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Beautiful Transgender Icons in the Philippine Beauty Scene

Arci Claveria

Published June 30, 2026 03:00 PM PHT

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Updated June 30, 2026 03:19 PM PHT

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