France Villarta

France Villarta is a Filipino LGBTQ+ activist, communications professional, and TED speaker whose work focuses on gender identity, cultural history, and social justice. Villarta has contributed to LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Philippines and internationally, drawing on a background in political science and experience as a communications consultant for Wells Fargo in the Philippines.

After studying the history and civil rights movement of the LGBTQ+ community in the United States, Villarta explored the parallel struggle in the Philippines. This research revealed a historical model of gender fluidity and a renewed understanding of Filipino identity, which became central to Villarta's advocacy. His work examines the intersection of gender, politics, identity, and the cultural impact of colonialism.

Villarta presented his research to a global audience through the TED Talk, "The gender-fluid history of the Philippines." In the talk, he discusses the legacy of gender fluidity and inclusivity in the Philippines, challenging mainstream assumptions about gender and highlighting non-binary perspectives that exist outside Western frameworks.

In addition to public speaking, Villarta is involved with Fairplay for All Foundation, a nonprofit organization that develops and provides opportunities for youth in the Payatas community of Metro Manila. As a keynote speaker, Villarta addresses topics including communication, diversity and inclusion, culture, LGBTQ rights, women's issues, Asian and Pacific heritage, social media, finance, and marketing. His work continues to support the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights and social justice in the Philippines.