In a heartfelt revelation, Filipino-American model Kelsey Merritt has shared her ongoing struggle with navigating her biracial identity. Known globally as the first Fil-Am to walk the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway, Merritt spoke candidly about her experiences growing up caught between two cultures, and the emotional complexity that comes with being biracial.
Merritt’s statements, which surfaced in a recent interview on the “Not Alone” podcast, have ignited powerful conversations within both the Filipino and global multicultural communities. Her reflections resonate with countless individuals who feel unseen or misunderstood in a world that often demands binary cultural definitions.
Growing Up Between Two Worlds
Kelsey Merritt described her upbringing in the Philippines where she was labeled the “white girl,” only to move to New York and be seen as the “Asian girl.” This duality caused an internal conflict that left her feeling like she never fully belonged to either side.
She emphasized: “Being biracial—and I think this is also a common experience for biracial kids—is that neither race fully accepts you because you are not fully one or the other.” Despite these challenges, she clarified that she continues to fully identify as Filipino, saying, “If I could choose for myself, I would say Filipino.”
The Impact of Cultural Expectations
Merritt also spoke about the stark beauty standards she encountered in both her countries of heritage. In the Philippines, lighter skin is often idealized—a mindset she openly challenges. “The whole country is obsessed with getting lighter and hiding from the sun,” she said, acknowledging that it is tied to class and privilege.
Her stand is firm: “I will never promote whitening products. I think Filipinos are so beautiful in their natural skin color. That has always been my thing.”
Representation and Role Models
Growing up, Merritt said she looked up to the very few visible Filipino models but struggled to see herself in the industry. Her rise in the modeling world was both groundbreaking and lonely at times. “There was no one like me, really,” she reflected.
Her journey underscores the importance of representation—not just in fashion but across industries. It’s a call to make space for diverse identities that don’t fit within narrow categories.
Love for Her Roots
Despite being immersed in American culture, Merritt says her heart remains deeply Filipino. Raised by a “typical Filipino mother” and an American father, she credits her cultural values, resilience, and grounded identity to her life in the Philippines.
Merritt’s unwavering pride in her heritage is evident not only in her words but in her actions. Whether advocating for natural beauty or addressing internalized cultural biases, she uses her platform to empower others who walk similar paths.
Conclusion
Kelsey Merritt’s candid reflections offer more than a personal story—they spotlight a shared experience that resonates with many biracial and multicultural individuals. By owning her Filipino identity and challenging prevailing beauty and cultural standards, she redefines what it means to belong.
Her voice paves the way for deeper conversations around identity, acceptance, and the need to honor complex cultural backgrounds. In doing so, she continues to inspire a new generation of Filipinos around the world.
