She has achieved a major milestone for the PH trans community!
Just in time for the celebration of Pride month, KaladKaren has become the Philippines’ first out and proud transgender news anchor.
She is the anchor for entertainment and trivia on TV5’s “Frontline Pilipinas.” Her debut happened on June 12, coinciding with Philippine Independence day.
KaladKaren, whose real name is Jervi Li, is no stranger to the camera. She is famously known for her impersonation of journalist Karen Davila. The transgender actress, host, and activist first became a household name after a viral video where she impersonated Davila. The two have since met, with the latter even featuring KaladKaren on her vlog.
Prior to getting the news anchor gig, KaladKaren has been on “Umagang Kay Ganda”, “Philippines Got Talent Exclusives”, “I Can See Your Voice,” and “Drag Race Philippines.”
She is the second-ever transwoman to win an acting award in the Philippines, for her performance in the 1st Summer Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Here Comes The Groom.”
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While this is her first permanent slot, this is not her very first time as an anchor. She has been a guest Star Patroller on ABS-CBN’s “TV Patrol” before.
KaladKaren’s Big Step
When she made the announcement on her Twitter account, KaladKaren also posted photos of her signing her contract alongside Guido Zabello, TV5 President, and Luchi Cruz-Valdez, chief of News, as well as behind-the-scenes shots.
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Current TV5 news anchors Gretchen Ho and Jes Delos Santos expressed their excitement to work with her in Tweets of their own.
In further Tweets, KaladKaren emphasized that competence, not sexuality, is the most important part of doing a job. That said, she hopes this big step would open more doors for fellow transpeople in the country.
Banner Image Paulo Correa
