Ivory Aquino

Ivory Aquino is a Filipina-American actress known for her portrayal of transgender activist Cecilia Chung in the 2017 miniseries When We Rise. Born in the Philippines, Aquino identified as transgender from a young age and began hormone therapy in her mid-teens. Despite facing bullying at school, she received support from her parents. Aquino moved to the United States to study at the Berklee College of Music, where she graduated summa cum laude. Originally pursuing a career in singing, Aquino decided to pursue acting after undergoing gender confirmation surgery. She has also performed on stage, including the role of Juliet in a production of Romeo and Juliet in New York City with The Drilling Company's Bryant Park Presents.