"Attracted to All Forms of Beauty"
This year’s winner of 'Miss Universe Philippines,' Michelle Marquez Dee (28), has come out as bisexual.
According to reports from Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) and CNN Philippines on the 6th, Dee stated in an interview with the Philippine fashion magazine MEGA on the 29th of last month, "I definitely consider myself bisexual," adding, "I am attracted to all forms of beauty."
Dee revealed that after her win, she was harassed with malicious comments when childhood photos of her with short hair were circulated. She decided to disclose her sexual orientation to correct the malicious rumors and speculations surrounding her. Since 80% of the Philippine population is Catholic, conservative views toward sexual minorities still exist.
She said, "If I had come out during the competition, it would have shocked everyone and clouded their judgment. I wanted to convey it on my own terms when I felt ready."
She also added, "I saw people maliciously saying that I didn’t deserve to win because of those photos. If someone takes away the story of my life, I have to set it right."
Dee, who had attended queer parades even before coming out, emphasized her belief by saying, "I want to empower those who feel trapped. There is too much hate in the world. We must strive for a better world."
Dee is scheduled to represent the Philippines at the 72nd Miss Universe pageant to be held in El Salvador later this year.
Meanwhile, Dee was selected as Miss World Philippines in 2019 and participated as the Philippine representative at Miss World held in London, UK. Her mother is actress and model Melanie Marquez, who was also the winner of Miss International Philippines in 1979.
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