Ivory Aquino

Ivory Aquino is an American actress. She is known for portraying transgender activist Cecilia Chung in the 2017 miniseries When We Rise.

Early life and education Aquino was born in the Philippines. She knew from a very young age that she was transgender, stating in a 2017 interview, "As soon as I was born, I was always a girl; I was just assigned differently at birth." She was often bullied at school, but her parents were supportive of her transition. She enrolled to study singing, thinking that there would be no acting roles for a transgender Filipina. But after having gender confirmation surgery, Aquino decided to pursue her childhood dream of being an actor. Aquino made sure to let series writer Dustin Black know that she was transgender, which helped her secure the part, as Black was specifically looking for trans actresses.

Aquino plays a minor but important character named Cassie in the FBI: Most Wanted season 1 episode "Silkworm" in 2020.

In January 2022, Aquino was cast as Alysia Yeoh in the unreleased superhero film Batgirl, set in the DC Extended Universe.

Activism Aquino has spoken out in support of trans children and transgender rights, criticizing the Donald Trump administration's overturn of federal protection for transgender students.

Personal life Aquino lives in New York City, where she enjoys spending time with her Shih Tzu dog Chewybear.

Television Year Title Role Notes 2017 When We Rise Cecilia Chung 3 episodes 2019 When They See Us Ms. Baqri Episode: "Part Three" 2019 Tales of the City Doctor Perez Episode: "Happy Now" 2019-2020 New Amsterdam Inmate Fran Meale 2 episodes 2020 FBI: Most Wanted Cassie Episode: "Silkworm" 2021 Blue Bloods Ashley Roberts Episode: "Guardian Angels" 2022 City on a Hill Lourdes Mendoza 2 episodes

Theatre