Beatrice Luigi Gomez on inspiring youth, paving way for LGBT community, handling negative comments

With her tattoos, being out and proud, and no-nonsense personality, Beatrice Luigi Gomez is truly not your typical beauty queen.

In an interview with GMA News Online, the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 queen said that she is really happy to not be a stereotypical pageant girl because she is able to inspire younger people who are like her.

"I'm really happy na I've inspired not only women who are like me, but also young girls and young boys who aspire to excel in whatever field despite, you know, criticisms na natatanggap nila," she said.

"I feel na I've empowered them and I'm very grateful na 'yung mga young kids na 'to and other girls as well, they're slowly taking up their space," Beatrice added.

The Cebuana beauty added that although she receives judgements for being LGBTQIA+ among other comments, she said that "it takes a lot of patience."

"You really have to be patient with the people na kailangan mo pang ipaintindi sa kanila. But I just keep in mind na I'm doing this not only for myself, but those na who are looking up to me," she said.

"And also, pine-pave ko 'yung way for them, para sila din magkaroon ng opportunities."

Beatrice has these words of wisdom for the youth: "It's gonna be hard, but it's part of the process and you just really have to go through it."

The beauty queen added that it is also important to be surrounded by trustworthy people.

"Especially when you decide to finally come out and transition, or make whatever change it is that you need to do so that you will be comfortable in your own skin," she said. "You really have to find a good group or a safe space kung saan pwede kang makapag-express freely."

Beatrice made history as the first openly gay Miss Universe Philippines. She competed in the international pageant in 2021 and finished in the Top 5.

—Nika Roque/MGP, GMA Integrated News