Jervi Wrightson—the name really sound regal, to be honest! But more than that, it is a name that speaks volumes about inclusivity and new beginnings for TV personality KaladKaren.
Jervi—as we'll start to call her—has been KaladKaren to most Filipinos for years now. She introduced us to dynamic impersonations of journalist Karen Davila that everybody loved. She put a spotlight on the many ways of representing the transgender community both in the television and the film industry. And now, she's taking on Jervi Wrightson, as her official screen name.
The Cosmopolitan Women of Influence 2024 awardee made a tearful announcement via the newscast, Frontline Pilipinas, that she anchors. There, she thanked her TV5 producers and colleagues for granting her the opportunity to officially use her married name on national television.
On October 2, 2024, the Cosmopolitan Philippines team spoke to Jervi and asked about the story behind the big shift for the celebrity. "I've always believed that names are powerful and I think after almost a decade in the industry, it is about time for me to use my real name," she began telling us.
It was the perfect timing for Jervi. After all, she just got married to her beloved Luke Wrightson. Her marriage marks a new era for her, and so she felt it was the right time to do it. "I think the marriage or my marriage with Luke is a pivotal moment in my life, at doon ko nakita 'yung chance na I think this is it. I have to change my name now."
A 'fresh take'—that's one thing that she wanted to do for her identity in the vast entertainment space. Not forgetting how KaladKaren will always be dear to Jervi, she declares the urge to step away from being an impersonator. "I think it's about time. I've been wanting to change my name since time immemorial. I love KaladKaren from the bottom of my heart, but of course, I want Jervi to be known by the public," Jervi stated.
It was a monumental moment for Jervi. Changing one's name in public can be scary but also empowering, especially since she's a public figure. Jervi's move is a compelling reminder that transgender individuals should be given the right to also use their married names in the Philippines. For her, it is a message of inclusivity for transgender women like her.
"I think [for] me, using Jervi Wrightson gives this kind of power na, kahit hindi siya pwede legally, if I can do it onscreen, gagawin ko siya. So may ibang kapangyarihan doon," she says adding, "Being Jervi Wrightson on national TV also sends a powerful message of inclusivity that transgender women like me can carry my husband's name or my married name even for screen name purposes. Kasi 'yan ang mga pangarap namin kasi in the Philippines, no matter what you do legally as a transgender person, you cannot change your name."
Luke Wrightson's reaction to KaladKaren's decision to change screen name
Jervi's decision to change her screen name was also because of her love for her husband. For her, using Wrightson on national TV gives her the chance to honor Luke. "Siyempre I respect my husband, I want to honor him and I want to show him that this surname matters to me because this is yours [his]," she continued narrating to Cosmo.
When asked about her husband's reaction to her decision, Jervi revealed that he was the most supportive of it. "He was really happy 'yung reaction niya in the beginning. Nagbiro pa nga siya sakin na he needs royalty daw from using our surname in using as a screen name. So, nakakatuwa naman that he's really very supportive and he calls me his Mrs. Wrightson," she recalled. Aww!
Thankfully, this new era of Jervi Wrightson being known to the public sends a wave of love and appreciation for Jervi. Her fans and fellow celebrities showered her with well wishes and messages of support—for which she feels extremely grateful.
"Alam mo, medyo natakot ako na gamitin 'yung name na 'yun but when I read people's reaction, 'Ang layo na ng narating mo, from being just an impersonator, now meron ka nang sariling identity and Jervi Wrightson sounds so expensive, bagay sa'yo 'yung pangalan. It's so nice for us to see Jervi, finally.' So nakakatuwa 'yung mga message ng mga tao. I think how the public perceived din nakakataba ng puso," Jervi expressed.
Everyone is embracing Jervi Wrightson and the bright opportunities ahead of her with open arms. Congrats, Jervi!!!
