
Resham Saeed is not your average beauty queen.
The 25-year old host and model is a firm believer that we should all celebrate our differences.
That is why she has partnered with the Araneta Group and SPARK, a non-government organization celebrating women who ignite global change, to celebrate Pride month this whole month of June.
And during a press event yesterday, June 26, the Bb. Pilipinas Supranational 2019 titleholder talked to GMANetwork.com about her experiences with gender discrimination that led her to fight for equality.
“As a woman, I've been treated differently.
“I've been told I can't do certain things because I'm a woman.
“And though that may be true in terms of genetics, there are some things I can't do simply because of genetics--a man might almost always be stronger than me.
“But in terms of day-to-day life, I truly believe I can do everything a man can.”
This, in turn, has led her to pursue her advocacy in gender equality and women empowerment during the last Binbining Pilipinas competition.
“I've always had an issue with people not being treated equally, it doesn't matter where you're from, what you do, what your gender is, what your race is--it does not matter.
“To me, my heart aches when I see someone being treated unequally.
“Maybe because of their race, their backgrounds, or whatever it is that makes them different.
“That's just my belief and that's why I've chosen gender equality and women empowerment.”
When asked if the Philippines is more tolerant with the LGBTQ+ community, the beauty queen politely answered, “No one just wants to be tolerated.”
“They share this earth with us, we breathe the same air.
“And one day, when we die we're gonna be buried on the same ground. So all those things, by nature, are equal.
“Why can't we find it in ourselves to give them the equality in this life while they're here with us.
“While we can actually provide something for them to make them feel accepted and loved.”
Resham explained that the LGBTQ+ community isn't “asking for more rights” or “be treated in a special way.”
“They just want to exist and be given the same rights as heterosexuals have.
“And if I don't fight for that, who will? It's my responsibility, they're my people.
“We live here together and I think all of us should feel this great weight of protecting all of our communities.”