MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Recently crowned Miss Universe Philippines, Michelle Dee, has revealed another significant aspect of her identity: she is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
In an exclusive interview with MEGA Magazine, the beauty queen announced that she identifies as bisexual. This revelation came after photos of Dee, appearing young and boyish, circulated online following her victory in the prestigious pageant earlier this month.
Dee took to TikTok, with GMA actress Rhian Ramos, proudly using the hashtag “MMDLoudAndProud” and accompanied by a rainbow flag emoji.
Reflecting on her journey, Dee expressed, “I definitely identify myself as bisexual. I’ve identified with that for as long as I can remember. I’m attracted to all forms of beauty, all shapes and sizes.”
While Dee’s close friends were already aware of her sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression (SOGIE), her family, including her mother, beauty queen Melanie Marquez, had an “inkling” about it. Dee had chosen not to come out during the competition, fearing it would overshadow her advocacies and shift the focus away from her platform.
Despite publicly confirming her SOGIE now, the 28-year-old Dee has long been a proud ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. She will be representing the Philippines in the upcoming Miss Universe 2023 pageant in El Salvador, where Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel will crown her successor.
Michelle Dee is Miss Universe Philippines 2023
Michelle Dee, a native of Makati, has been crowned as Miss Universe Philippines 2023, securing the opportunity to represent the country at the 72nd Miss Universe pageant. The prestigious event is set to take place later this year in El Salvador.
During the coronation ceremony held at the Mall of Asia Arena, Michelle Dee not only received the coveted Miss Universe Philippines title but also earned multiple awards. She was honored with the Miss Aqua Boracay, Pond’s, and Zion Philippines awards.
Impressively, Dee also won the Best in Evening Gown, the same recognition she achieved last year as Miss Universe Philippines Tourism 2022, following in the footsteps of her predecessor, Celeste Cortesi.
Dee’s courage in sharing her truth adds another layer of inspiration to her already remarkable journey as a beauty queen and advocate. Her openness is poised to make a positive impact and contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding acceptance and inclusivity within society. – WhatALife!/Jayve
Also Read: Melanie Marquez’s Daughter, Michelle Dee is Miss Universe Philippines 2023
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