Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach
As the world fetes the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community this Pride Month, beauty queen-turned-actress Pia Wurtzbach expressed support for same-sex marriage.
The 2015 Miss Universe titleholder was interviewed by Inquirer Entertainment at the US Embassy’s annual reception dinner for LGBTI Pride Month held at Ambassador Sung Kim’s residence in North Forbes Park in Makati City on June 20.
Pia shared with the Inquirer her dream of one day seeing the legalization of same-sex marriage in the Philippines, after neighboring Taiwan recently held its first same-sex marriage ceremonies and Ecuador—a Catholic country like the Philippines—approved such unions earlier this month.
“Let’s see how long it will take us, the Catholic Church or the government, before we follow suit … I hope I’m around to see that day,” Pia said.
She expressed dismay at the objection raised by several sectors to the celebration of Pride Month.
Pia, who has championed the LGBTI community even before winning the Miss Universe tilt in 2015, said she found nothing wrong with celebrating it.
“First of all, we’re (LGBTI members and allies) not doing anything bad, we’re not hurting anybody,” she said. “We’re not getting in anybody’s way. We’re just celebrating everyone.”
The Filipino-German beauty, however, noted the country is “moving forward” when it comes to LGBTI welfare.
“There’s been a lot of changes, in the past 10 years, maybe even five. I’m glad that we have get-togethers like this. We’re now celebrating Pride Month!” she exclaimed.
“And we’re very much more accepting and welcoming with our LGBT brothers and sisters,” Pia added.
“Although we are moving forward, I still think there’s a lot that needs to be done. There are still some … of our brothers and sisters who don’t feel welcome in the community, who feel shunned, who don’t feel like they can openly express themselves,” she noted.
“Each one of us has a role to play in this, where we have to show our family and friends that we are accepting, that we treat everybody equally and that we celebrate everyone,” Pia added.
Marginalized sector
The US Ambassador likewise noted the Filipino LGBTI community’s success in championing the rights of the marginalized sector in the Philippines.
US Ambassador Sung Kim
“Year after year, we have been able to celebrate new milestones in LGBTI rights in the Philippines. This year, local government units have passed antidiscrimination ordinances, protecting the rights of LGBTI persons,” the diplomat said in his speech.
Kim also acknowledged the importance of the private sector in advancing equal rights. “The Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce recently drew attention to the importance of inclusive workplaces, by launching the country’s first diversity and inclusivity index,” he shared.
However, Kim recognized that “so much more work needs to be done … We continue to get reports of incidents of discrimination and abuse against LGBTI persons, including in employment, education, health care, housing and social services.”
“Achieving a world without discrimination, it’s not going to be easy. But it is a responsibility that we all must continue to shoulder,” added the ambassador.