To coincide with Pride Month, Them brought together the queer community for the 2023 Now Awards to celebrate activists, social media stars, and artists making a difference for the LGBTQ+ community around the world.

One of this year’s honorees was Geena Rocero, activist and author of the new memoir HORSE BARBIE. A trans rights advocate and trailblazer, she received the top literary award from Them.

“It’s a huge honor to receive the 2023 Them’s NOW Award for Literature. In writing HORSE BARBIE, I dared myself to write the fullness of my being. To unapologetically write about pleasure, love, spirituality, art and love was my intent. After close to two years of solitary writing…to now be receiving this award makes the hard work that much more worth it! My young trans femme Filipina self would’ve never thought of this but here we are… I’m definitely savoring this!” said Rocero.

To celebrate the occasion, Rocero worked with stylist LJ Perez to select a dress from CFDA member brand Area.

“For this look, we were going for island Goddess vibe/Little Mermaid (which is also mentioned in Horse Barbie),” Rocero said. “This silver Area dress made out of painted mussels gives off that vibe. The sheer fabric and the back details highlighted my skin and body beautifully which made me feel sooo sexy, seen, and confident!”

Swipe to see some of the behind-the-scenes moments before the event.