Representation is important, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community. When Jake Zyrus introduced his authentic self into the public, it wasn't an easy road because many still criticize the idea of changing the physical appearance.

However, his presence in the mainstream media, as well as his willingness to discuss it, benefits the transman community. They still have a long journey ahead of them, but they are working together to normalize the transman community.

To promote this cause, Aian Lazaro, a social media influencer and host of the renowned podcast "T-Talks" (previously "Tomboy Talks"), just created "TransMillion" alongside Dr. John Paul Pareja, a celebrity beauty doctor and CEO of The SB Clinic. 

"TransMillion" is an empowering competition that supports the transman community. The competition will bring together transitioning trans people to share their stories and struggles, with the winner receiving up to P1 million in surgical procedures to help them with their transition.

“May 6 candidates tayo para sa grand finals. May judges din. ‘Yung maraming engagements sa social media, ‘yun din ang pinili namin,” the podcast host said.

Trans influencer and podcaster Aian Lazaro and SB Clinic founder Dr. John Paul Pareja meet the press to promote ‘TransMillion.’
Photo by Josh Mercado

Furthermore, the contest strives to teach and educate transmen on how to safely navigate their transition with the help of skilled professionals. Its partner, The SB Clinic, is also working to increase awareness about the necessity of a medically guided and well-supported transition for the transman community.

“For me, kailangang decided ka na bago ka mag-transition. Sa akin, bata pa lang ako, naniniwala na ako na lalaki ako. Mentally and psychologically prepared ka dapat,” Lazaro advised the community. 

“Para kasing tinatago siya at parang may mali sa ’yo kapag ginawa mo. This competition is an eye-opener and malaking embrace siya sa community,” he added. 

The creator of "TransMillion" also mentioned that although there is significant backing for the community, there are individuals who still do not understand the transitioning journey.

“Sa pagba-vlog lang namin, may bashers. 2025 na pero sobrang dami pa rin na black and white lang ‘yung perspective nila. Sa family ko, sa umpisa lang sila nagtanong kung bakit kailangang gawin (transition). Naintindihan naman nila. I-explain mo lang sa kanila and i-educate mo sila,” he shared with ABS-CBN News. 

Doctor’s support and thoughts on 'retokada'

Dr. Pareja, who has advocated for medically assisted surgeries and causes for the LGBTQIA+ community, emphasized the necessity of emotional and psychological preparation prior to transition.

“Ano ba ‘yung mga pinagdadaanan nila? May emotional effect. Behavior nila, mag-iiba when they undergo. The papers will tell you kung ready na sila pero ‘yung emotional and psychological, wala tayong data or test na puwedeng ipagawa if they are ready or not kaya talagang kinakausap namin sila. I create a deeper bond with them para makilala sila,” the beauty doctor expressed. 

He also brought up an important point: transmen are confused about which doctors they should see for consultations because there is no such thing as a "trans specialist."

“We want to make a space place for people who want to transition. I tried to immerse and hear their issues, problems, thoughts. The common concern sa transman community ay hindi nila alam kung saan sila magpapa-check. Sa OB ba? Sa panglalaki ba? There’s a gap, kaya ang nangyayari, they do it on their own na lang. I have heard stories na may mga namamatay kasi improper ‘yung dosage. They do it alone. May nagse-self medicate. In reality, iba-iba ang requirements ng ating body. Saan sila magpapa-consult? Saan sila pupunta? Mayroon bang trans specialist? These are the concerns,” he pointed out.

He added, “Ang dami pa lang concerns ng transman community. Hinahanap namin ‘yung someone who can represent the community. Plus, their stories and ano ba ang boses nila para sa community.”

During the intimate presscon, Dr. Pareja was also asked about his reaction to those who cast a negative light on the term "retokada."

“May taboo pa rin ‘yung word na 'retokada.' Right now, slowly, nagpi-fade na siya. What we call it is enhancement. Parang naiba na ‘yung tingin ng tao. In our field, our patients, ginagamit na rin nila itong social status. If you did your nose, sinasabi nila na, ‘may pera ito, maganda ang career nito,’” he told ABS-CBN News.

The "TransMillion" grand finals will be held at a bar in Quezon City on March 7.