Michelle Dee on coming out amid rumors: 'I want to take control of that narrative'
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Michelle Dee tells why she decided to come out and declare her gender identity.
“It was very important for me to really take charge and take control of that narrative.”
Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee pointed this out as one of her reasons for suddenly coming out as bisexual. This happened after some of her teenage photos circulated online following her win in the local prestigious beauty pageant.
According to her, she felt that some netizens used those photos to make her feel unworthy of winning the crown.
In her interview on the GMA Regional TV's morning show At Home with GMA Regional TV, Michelle said that it was not hard to admit that she was bisexual, but that it was important for her to take control of the story about her sexuality.
“I think it was just very important that when false malicious intentions and 'yung mga rumors na kumakalat... it was very important for me to really take charge and take control of that narrative,” she said.
She added that one of her goals for coming out was to empower others.
Michelle stressed, "They should take control over their timeline and not give anybody else the right to put you down, the right to give you negativity, because this is your story."
Likewise, she hopes inspire others, "Be true to themselves and be proud of who they are and really just raise your flag loud and proud.”
Weeks after winning the crown, Michelle declared her gender identity in a magazine feature where she said, “I definitely identify myself as bisexual.”
Fellow beauty queen and Miss Universe 2020 representative Rabiya Mateo previously voiced her support for Michelle coming out, saying that she's happy for the latter.
“I'm actually not surprised kasi parang… Siyempre, na sa industry tayo na people are kinda scared because of the judgment. Pero Michelle Dee, she's very tough. Siguro, she just looked for that perfect moment for her,” Rabiya said in her reaction.
Meanwhile, Rhian Ramos, one of Michelle's long-time friends, also voiced her support by posting the beauty queen's magazine cover with the caption “We love who you are.”
Watch the full interview of Michelle here:
MEANWHILE, TAKE A LOOK AT HOW MICHELLE CELEBRATED PRIDE MONTH IN THIS GALLERY:
