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Will Michelle Dee bring her story as a bisexual to Miss Universe 2023?

By Jimboy Napoles
Published October 31, 2023 10:50 AM PHT

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Michelle Dee


Michelle Dee will represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2023 in El Salvador.

On Fast Talk with Boy Abunda this Monday, October 30, TV host Boy Abunda asked Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee if she would bring her story as a bisexual to Miss Universe 2023.

During his interview with Michelle, Boy mentioned that Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez shared her story as a pansexual as she competed before in the same pageant, which is Miss Universe.

Boy said, “Michelle, Beatrice, came out as a panromantic no'ng siya'y sumali sa Miss Universe. Dinala niya 'yung kanyang kuwento doon sa Miss Universe. Mmm-hmm. You came out as a bisexual. Will you be bringing this story [to the Miss Universe]?”

Michelle immediately answered. She said, “Well, again, I am bringing my individuality there and that's my whole story. It won't be the highlight because I don't believe that we should be highlighted based on how we identify ourselves. And there's so much more to my story that I'd love to share.”

“Again, I don't want my sexuality to be the highlight. But I want my advocacy to shine the brightest when I'm there in El Salvador,” she added.

RELATED GALLERY: Michelle Dee comes out as bisexual on a new magazine cover

The TV host then asked her thoughts about the changes in Miss Universe including the participation of transwomen, mothers, etc.

According to Michelle, it will actually open doors to a lot of women who want to prove something for themselves and to the world.

She said, “Well, honestly, I feel like it'll open doors to millions of women who still feel like they have something to show the world. It really opens an opportunity because we shouldn't just stick to this one criteria. Because women nowadays, they feel like they have shelf life. And putting an age limit actually promotes shelf life.

"Because, you know, just because you don't meet a certain age doesn't mean you don't have anything to offer. And it's really a step towards a more inclusive world where you're including everyone, despite your age, despite your marital status, despite being a mother.”

She continued, “It's really opening that door, and for me, I am trying to be as inclusive as possible as well through my brandings, through my actions, through the way I walk through life. And hopefully, the Miss Universe Organization sees that.”

“Mmm-hmm. Michelle, but it is a contest, it is a pageant. Does it level the playing field?” Boy asked Michelle.

“I think it challenges it,” Michelle claimed.

“Because now, you're not just looking at women from ages 18 to 28. But you're also, potentially, I'm not sure if there are any like, ah, older women. I don't know who the potential candidates are next year.

“But this will be women with so much more life experience. So much more to bring to the table. And I think it'll just elevate the standards on who can carry the Miss Universe brand the best, and who can represent what they believe in also,” she explained.

Miss Universe 2023 will be held on November 18 in El Salvador.

Catch Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, weekdays, 4:45 p.m. after The Missing Husband on GMA Afternoon Prime.