Michelle Dee explains why she decided to come out after Miss Universe Philippines 2023

In case you missed it, Michelle Dee came out as bisexual early this week.

The new Miss Universe Philippines 2023 received so much support following her revelation. However, her coming out after the pageant season has also been a topic.

In an interview with Vogue Philippines, the newly crowned queen said, “[I] just felt like it wasn’t something that I needed to do to help my journey.”

Michelle added that she joined the pageant to advocate for autism awareness, autism acceptance, and inclusivity. She also said that she was advised to come out sooner, before, or during the pageant.

“But to come out at that time, I felt, would have distracted my main mission because there’s so much about myself that I can show to the universe and not use my sexuality just to define me,” she said.

“I just felt like it wasn’t the right time, or it wasn’t the right moment. To just use it for marketing, clout, or attention, it didn’t feel right,” she added.

The beauty queen and Kapuso actress said that she wanted to come out on her own terms, “because that’s how anyone in the LGBTQIA+ community should be allowed to do. They should have the right to determine when they feel like they’re ready.”

Michelle also addressed the photos from her past. Though it was spread with malicious intent, she called it an “empowering move.”“What I’d like to show people is that when you’re put in a situation where somebody’s taking away your voice, you can always switch the narrative around and use it to empower you. It’s not something I’m ashamed of,” she said.

Now that she is out, Michelle aims to use her platform to also empower the LGBTQIA+ community.

As Miss Universe Philippines, Michelle will represent the country in the international pageant in El Salvador, Central America. —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News