Rica Salomon is a young and inspiring voice from Manila, Philippines, whose journey as a video blogger has touched many lives. At only 24, she has already carved out a space where she openly documents her transition on YouTube, using her platform not just to share personal milestones but also to encourage others who may be facing similar struggles. A graduate of a Jesuit university, where she studied Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on communications and psychology, Rica combines academic insight with personal experience to create thoughtful, relatable content. Her channel, which began as a small experiment, has since grown into a meaningful commitment, supported by viewers from different walks of life and by her boyfriend, who has been her strongest motivator and cheerleader. Beyond her online presence, Rica is also exploring entrepreneurial dreams. With a creative spirit and a determination to build something of her own, she is weighing the possibilities of franchising her father’s restaurant or starting a beauty salon, reflecting her passion for both family and self-expression.
What sets Rica apart is her honesty in addressing even the most difficult topics, such as her early discomfort with her past and the courage it took to share her transition publicly. By embracing her history rather than hiding it, she has become a symbol of resilience and self-love. Her voice also extends beyond her personal story to broader issues faced by transgender women in the Philippines. Rica is candid about the gap between tolerance and true acceptance in her country, speaking out on the challenges of discrimination, stigma within the LGBT community, and the need for authentic representation in media. At the same time, she acknowledges progress and continues to advocate through her presence and her story. Rica admires trailblazing figures such as Nong Poy, Geena Rocero, and Laverne Cox, yet she has also become a role model herself, particularly for young trans women who are just beginning their own journeys. Whether she is reflecting on her first empowering moment in a bikini, sharing her love for fashion with a sporty twist, or speaking about the importance of love and belonging, Rica radiates authenticity. She dreams not only of writing a book but even of making a movie about her life, joking that she is “that iconic,” yet with a sincerity that shows she understands the value of her story.
Above all, Rica offers a message of patience, courage, and self-discovery to transgender girls navigating gender dysphoria, reminding them that their journey does not have to be rushed and that they are never alone. Her story is one of strength, determination, and joy, a reminder that every challenge can become a stepping stone toward living openly and proudly. Rica Salomon continues to inspire by showing what it means to embrace one’s true self while dreaming boldly about the future.
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| A promotional photo that Rica did for a pageant. Shot by: Cholo Dela Vega. |
Rica: Hi Monika, thank you so much for having me!
Monika: Rica, could you please introduce yourself to our readers?
Rica: Hi! My name is Rica Salomon, I am 24 years old, and I was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. I recently graduated from a Jesuit university here in my country, where I took up AB Interdisciplinary Studies with communications and psychology as my main tracks.
Right now, I am focusing on my YouTube channel while also exploring the idea of starting my own business. I am considering either franchising my father’s restaurant or opening my own beauty salon.
Monika: Your YouTube channel has gained a lot of followers, and you often share very personal aspects of your transition. What has been the most difficult topic for you to talk about?
Rica: The hardest would probably be my transition video, solely because it shows everything about my past, which at the time I was uncomfortable sharing with others. When I transitioned after graduating from high school, I untagged and deleted most of my past photos on Facebook because I did not want people to see how I was back then. I was ashamed of my past, and it made me uncomfortable. I felt ugly.
Monika: Looking back now, how do you feel about sharing that part of your story?
Rica: I realize that you can never forget your past, you can simply move on from it. I learned to accept and love myself for who I am now and for who I was before. I learned to embrace my past, and now I am proud to say, “yes, that was me back then, but this is me now.” I take pride in everything that I have accomplished and all the hardships that I had to face in order to be who I am now. So yes, that was the hardest topic I had to cover because it meant publishing my story online and showing the whole world who I was and who I am now.
Monika: What motivated you to begin documenting your transition on YouTube?
Rica: There are actually a lot of reasons why I decided to start my YouTube channel, and one of them is that I really do love making videos. After graduating from college, I gave vlogging a try. At first, it was only meant to be an experiment to see if I could pull it off, but eventually it grew into a real commitment.
Monika: How did people respond once you began sharing your videos?
Rica: Over time, I met people who shared their own stories with me and sent wonderful messages saying that I inspired them in one way or another. My boyfriend is my number one supporter, and he keeps encouraging me to upload a new video every week. He was the one who got me started with vlogging because he believed I had a lot to share with the world that could help other people, and I am so glad he did.
Monika: How would you describe the current situation of transgender women in the Philippines?
Rica: There has been some improvement, but it is still more about tolerance rather than true acceptance. The Philippines has a long way to go before transgender women, and even people who are part of the LGB community, can be respected and treated equally by Filipinos and under the law.
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| Her graduation photo. She had to petition and fight for her right to be allowed to present herself as a woman in the yearbook and in graduation ceremony. |
Monika: Do you see any hope for meaningful change in the near future?
Rica: As much as I would love to believe in a future with stronger LGBT rights here, I highly doubt it will happen anytime soon, especially since we remain the only country that still prohibits divorce. Most of our government officials do not separate church and state, like Manny Pacquiao, who holds a seat in the Philippine government and once commented that people in the LGBT community are lower than animals. Despite having big personalities who dominate Philippine media, the country continues to treat us as second-class citizens.
Monika: Can you share an example that reflects these challenges?
Rica: A recent case would be Jennifer Laude, who was murdered by an American soldier, Scott Pemberton. She was victim-shamed and even blamed for deserving to be killed simply for being transgender or for being accused of pretending to be a woman. Situations like this show that we are in a constant battle with society, but we are getting by.
Monika: When did you begin your transition, and what were those early years like for you?
Rica: I started the moment I graduated from high school. I had always known deep down that I was transgender, but I had to conform to my school’s rules for the first few years of my life because I studied in a private all-boys school run by Jesuits. There was a dress code that required uniforms and proper hair length, so I really had no choice but to follow.
Monika: How did you feel about having to hide your identity during those years?
Rica: As much as I would have loved to live my early life as a trans woman, I did it for my education since it was the best school in the Philippines, and I also did it for my parents. I did not have a hard time while I was there because my classmates already knew I was different, and they treated me well.
Monika: What changed for you after finishing high school?
Rica: After high school, I began growing my hair and slowly changing the way I dressed, one step at a time. It was not a difficult process because I had a good support system, and like I said, it was not something unusual to the eyes of Filipino people since there is a strong transgender presence in the country.
Monika: During your transition, were there any transgender role models who inspired or guided you?
Rica: I followed Kim Petras, a transgender woman from Germany who is a singer and YouTube artist. I was inspired by her story and admittedly a little jealous of her beauty. As I continued my transition, I also looked up to other transgender role models such as Nong Poy, Gigi Gorgeous, PrincessJoules, and Geena Rocero.
Monika: Are there transgender women you particularly admire and respect today?
Rica: I really admire and respect Nong Poy. She was Thailand’s Miss International Queen back in 2004, and until now she has maintained her status in Thailand. With numerous endorsements, magazine covers, TV appearances, and movies, she truly is someone I look up to. She has proven that transgender women can be part of mainstream media and that transgender women can be successful. Other transgender inspirations I have are Laverne Cox, Geena Rocero, and Trixie Maristela.
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| LA Pride 2015. |
Monika: Looking back, what was the most challenging part of coming out for you?
Rica: I never really had to come out to anyone, including my parents. I think everyone already expected and knew I was different from the beginning, so coming out was not really difficult for me. My family and friends have always been supportive, and I am so thankful and blessed to have them.
Monika: How do you feel about the way transgender people are portrayed in films, books, and the media today?
Rica: I think there has been some improvement in the portrayal of transgender characters in the media. Some representations are very raw, real, and positive, while others, especially in the Philippines, still portray transgender women as a freak, an act, or a comedic character. These portrayals can be hurtful, but I try to focus on the progress that has been made.
Monika: Do you believe these portrayals shape the way society sees transgender people?
Rica: Yes, stereotypes are created from these portrayals, and as far as I am concerned, I have seen more good than bad, although I might be wrong. There will always be someone who feels they are not being represented in the right way, so I hope there will be more chances and opportunities to see transgender characters shown in diverse and authentic ways. Greater visibility can help people understand us better and hopefully lead to more acceptance.
Monika: Do you think the transgender community is able to advance its own cause within the larger LGBT movement?
Rica: My thesis in college focused on the stigma within the LGBT community and how the role of media contributes to discrimination. In my study, I learned that in the Philippines, there truly is a stigma within the group that leans toward heteronormativity. It was eye-opening to see how prejudice can even exist in spaces that are supposed to be safe.
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| She is a volleyball athlete, she used to be a varsity player for her school. |
Monika: Based on your experience, how does this affect the transgender community specifically?
Rica: I believe that the transgender community, no matter how vocal, influential, and powerful their voices may be, still struggles to promote its cause within the group. Some people do not want to be associated with others, which is sad because how can we fight for equality if we do not practice it ourselves. This is something I wish would change, as unity is the only way we can truly move forward.
Monika: Do you see yourself as politically active, and do you believe transgender women can bring meaningful change in politics?
Rica: Anyone can make a difference in politics as long as they have the right heart, mind, and passion for it. I believe that genuine commitment and empathy are what truly shape leaders, regardless of their background.
Monika: How would you describe your personal style, and what kinds of outfits do you feel most comfortable in?
Rica: I’m your typical girl-next-door with a sporty twist. My usual go-to outfit would be a tank top, shorts, and sneakers, although there are times when I feel like dressing up, putting on makeup, and curling my hair. I don’t think I’m trendy or a trendsetter, but I make sure I am never out of style. Fashion for me is about comfort and confidence more than following trends.
Monika: What is your opinion on transgender beauty pageants?
Rica: I think they should be taken more seriously and given more substance in the competition. They could be a platform not only for beauty but also for showcasing intelligence, advocacy, and talent.
Monika: How important is love in your life, and what role does it play in helping you feel at home in the world?
Rica: I think being born different in this world, love is really something we long for and something important to us. We just want to feel like we belong in this harsh world that excludes us. It doesn’t have to be romantic love, it can be love from your friends and family. Love gives us strength to keep moving forward when things get difficult.
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| It's not the first time I wore a bikini but having this photo taken I can't help but remember the first time I wore a bikini to the beach. |
Monika: Have you ever thought about writing your life story, perhaps even turning it into a memoir or film?
Rica: Yes! I even wish and plan to make a movie out of my life… because I’m that iconic. Just kidding! But seriously though, I do want to make a movie because I feel like I have a story to tell. I believe sharing it could inspire others who are going through similar struggles.
Monika: Are there any new projects or creative ventures that you are focusing on right now?
Rica: Not really, I’m just focusing on my YouTube channel. It takes a lot of my energy, but it is also where I can be myself and connect with people.
Monika: What advice would you give to transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria?
Rica: Don’t rush. It is a beautiful experience to grow and learn more about yourself and fully understand who you are as a person. Everyone is just finding his or her own place in this world and you are not alone in your journey. Remember that your story is unfolding at its own pace, and that is perfectly okay.
Monika: Rica, thank you for the interview!
For more information about Rica, check her pages on YouTube and Instagram.
All the photos: courtesy of Rica Salomon.
© 2016 - Monika Kowalska
