They say, “All roads lead to Hollywood”--that is, if you're patient and resilient enough to pursue your Hollywood dream just like Filipino transgender artist BB Gandanghari.
Three years later after coming out in 2006 via a reality show, BB revealed she is a transgender woman. Along with her journey to womanhood, she moved to the United States to pursue her dream of becoming a Hollywood actor.
Early 2017, the Filipino transgender actor finished some courses from the University of California, Los Angeles.
She thought doors would easily open for her as she is a multi-awarded artist in the Philippines. “I was WRONG,” the Pinay transgender admitted and said it was very challenging to find a talent agency that would sign her up for future projects.
While grinding for her Hollywood dream, BB started her online talk show via YouTube wherein she tackles various topics such as fashion, fitness, and "anything under the sun" based on her own experiences.
The aspiring Hollywood actor shoots her own profile, VTR, and demo reels to send out to potential talent agencies. Last September, BB signed up with US talent agency, The Brogan Agency, for film, television, commercial, print, and theater actors.
On the Fall of 2017, she started auditioning for top network shows and roles she never thought she would have a chance to do so. She got some calls backs, and even went far as an actor on hold for a role.
Fulfilling dreams entails sacrifices. BB needed to support herself while pursuing Hollywood, “Survival, indeed, is an instinct [because] my instincts dictated so. LA living is far from cheap, [and] double job/shift is the only way to go.”
In between shifts, BB worked on her headshots and resumés, “As I try with all my might to overcome these limitations, I am in the realization that I [got to] have my headshot soonest or go home or...broke.”
She also encountered discrimination as a transgender on job opportunities. It was a reality she struggled with not only in the Philippines but also in the States.
BB has been through a lot, but there's no one who can stop her and her dreams. “Praise be to God Almighty, Jehovah. The great white 'Hollywood' way is finally within sight [and] I'm finally seeing the light at the end of this long and dark tunnel…so help me GOD.”