Beatrice Gomez. Image: Instagram/@beatriceluigigmz
Beatrice Gomez has claimed that her intentions to represent the LGBTQIA+ community during her Miss Universe 2021 stint were sincere, saying that she’s a pansexual woman who’s attracted to anyone regardless of their gender.
Years after representing the Philippines at the global tilt, Gomez is putting to rest allegations that she was merely claiming to be a member of the LGBTQIA+ community in hopes of winning the sector to her side during the pageant. She stated her denial in a lengthy post on her Instagram account on Friday, June 30.
“For those who questioned my representation of the LGBTQIA+ community during Miss Universe 2021, I have been quiet for years knowing that I have spoken my truth and that I am proud of the breakthrough my representation has brought the country, especially the LGBTQIA+ community as the first openly gay representative of the Philippines,” she said.
The beauty queen then confirmed that she’s currently in a relationship with someone who’s “from the opposite sex.” She clarified, however, that this does not change her sexual orientation, or subtract from her advocacy, having campaigned for the LGBTQIA+ community’s rights since 2015.
“I am pansexual which means I have no regard for a person’s gender, which technically makes me a bisexual as I can be with either sexes,” she said.
“It isn’t easy to embrace my sexuality especially when it comes with people not accepting me for who I am and experiencing bullying, discrimination, and harrassment. It could have been much easier for me to just stay in the closet and have everyone’s support but there I was continuing the fight as my platform got bigger,” she continued.
The Cebuana stunner also clarified that her gender has no bearing in her Miss Universe journey, while expressing her disappointment over being accused of “queerbaiting” despite her “minimal presence” on social media..
“It vexes me when people tell me that I just claimed to be a member of the LGBTQIA+ community to hype up my reign in 2021 when my representation of the LGBTQIA+ community has been an ongoing advocacy way before I even came across pageants,” she continued.
Gomez further said that she continues to stand up for the community as she has seen “how my representation paved the way for our young dreamers to be confident of themselves.”
“You can continue to judge me. I know my truth and I will continue to celebrate Pride Month every year.”
Gomez’s post caught the attention of fellow beauty queens Michelle Dee, Angelique Manto, and Maureen Wroblewitz in the comments.
Dee, who was crowned as Miss Universe Philippines 2023, came out as bisexual last May.
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@beatriceluigigmz
Gomez was the country’s first openly LGBTQIA+ representative in the Miss Universe pageant. She ended at the Top 5, while India’s Harnaaz Sandhu emerged as the winner.
She was previously in a relationship with Kate Jagdon before their breakup was confirmed in November 2021. EDV