Binibining Pilipinas - Intercontinental Karen Gallman clarifies stance on transgender restrooms: Only as an alternative

Many were disappointed with Karen Gallman's answer during the Q&A portion of the 2018 Binibining Pilipinas Coronation Night last Sunday, and apparently, so was she.

In an Instagram post following the pageant, the new Binibining Pilipinas - Intercontinental queen revised her controversial reply when asked if there should be a third restroom for transgenders.

 

What a whirlwind of an experience the past two months has been. I’m now proudly a miss Binibining Pilipinas queen who is going to represent our amazing country internationally for the Miss Intercontinental crown ???? I’m honest in saying I would have loved the universe crown however, @catriona_gray you girl have been on fire the entire competition and did not skip a beat throughout coronation. Elegant and beauty with fierce energy you have been crowned miss world and now universe for a reason. The international stage is yours and I have no doubt you will bring it home for all of us x If I had my moment again with the composure I needed in those 30 seconds....The words that didn’t resonate for me in that moment were to be “Yes I believe there should be a third restroom for transgender. However, only as an alternative, for those who are yet to fully embrace such a transitional change. Everyone is equal no matter what shape, sex, religion or race but in todays world, its upsetting that we still have discrimination”. I want to say thank you to all my fans, friends, family, KF camp and my BBP’18 sisters. Id like to also congratulate all the other crown winners, I love you all and it means the world to me to have shared this experience with you all ??

A post shared by Karen Gallman (@karengallman_) on

Mar 19, 2018 at 1:39am PDT

"If I had my moment again with the composure I needed in those 30 seconds....The words that didn’t resonate for me in that moment were to be 'Yes I believe there should be a third restroom for transgender. However, only as an alternative, for those who are yet to fully embrace such a transitional change. Everyone is equal no matter what shape, sex, religion or race but in today's world, its upsetting that we still have discrimination'," Karen said.

During the Grand Coronation Night held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao last Sunday, Karen had said that she agreed that there should be a separate restroom for transgenders.

“I definitely agree there should be a third restroom for transgender. Because us women would also like a privacy, and also with men. And also we have a separate room for the transgender. It just serves as equality and privatization. Thank you," she said.

Her answer drew some "boos" from the audience and flak from many netizens.

Despite her controversial answer, Karen won the Binibining Pilipinas - Intercontinental title.

The 25 year old was a strong contender since the beginning of the pageant, having already competed in the 2012 Binibining Pilipinas, where she reached the Top 12. — LA, GMA News