Out and proud queen Beatrice Gomez says PHL ready to send an LGBTQIA+ member to Miss Universe

Talk about foreshadowing?

Cebu City candidate Beatrice Luigi Gomez made history Thursday when she became the first openly out member of the LGBTQIA+ community to win the Miss Universe Philippines crown.

Before being crowned, Beatrice said the country was ready to send a member of the LGBTQIA+ community to the international pageant.

During the coronation night when the Top 10 participated in a brief Q&A session, the Cebu City candidate was asked:

“You are beautiful because of your bravery, because you are out and proud a member of the LGBTQIA community. Do you think the Philippines is ready to send a member from your community to the Miss Universe pageant?”

Her answer was: “I honestly believe that our country has definitely been in a long way in battling our fight for equality especially for the LGBTQIA+ community. Our country has been very supportive and I definitely think we are definitely ready to send someone, an LGBTQIA+ member to the Universe.”

Last month, Beatrice shared information about her relationship with her girlfriend of six years, Kate Jagdon, during the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Interview Challenge.

Prior to the coronation, the Cebu City bet also won Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown. She also took home the special awards Miss Luxxe Immunplus Game Changer and Miss Cream Silk.

The replay of the Miss Universe Philippines coronation event will be aired on GMA-7 on Oct. 3, 9 a.m. – RC, GMA News