Inamin ni Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee sa isang magazine na isa siyang bisexual na inilabas nitong Lunes.
Sa panayam ng Mega Magazine special issue kung saan si Michelle ang nasa cover, inamin ng dalaga ang kanyang sexual preference.
“I definitely identify myself as bisexual. I’ve identified with that for as long as I can remember,” sabi ni Michelle. “I’m attracted to all forms of beauty, all shapes and sizes.”
Ayon kay Michelle, lumaki siya sa isang pamilyang puno ng “empowered and strong individuals,” lalo na ang kaniyang ina na si Melanie Marquez.
“I grew up in an environment where we’d appreciate pogi and maganda. I never had to quote, unquote come out. I was never really confronted about it by my parents or people who matter,” sabi ng dalaga.
Matagal na rin umano siyang tagasuporta ng LGBTQIA+ community.
“Even before coming out, I’ve been attending pride marches. I have too many friends and best friends in the community,” sabi pa ni Michelle. “I’ve been a loud and proud ally. It’s just that I never gave a confirmation of my sexuality.”
Para kay Michelle, hindi niya naramdaman na isyu ang kaniyang sexual identity.
“I have so much more to offer the world and the universe than how I identify myself. This is also the reason why I chose not to come out despite the pressure to come out during the competition,” ayon kay Michelle.
“When somebody takes away your story, then you should take control of that narrative. Turn it around and make it an empowering story. So that’s what I’m doing,” dagdag pa niya.
Samantala, nagpahayag naman sa kaniya ng suporta ang kaniyang housemate at BFF na si Rhian Ramos at sa IG ni Rhian ibinahagi niya ang kanyang mensahe para sa kanyang kaibigan.
“We love who you are,” saad ni Rhian sa caption.
Sa hiwalay na IG Story, nag-post si Rhian ng black and white selfie nila ni Michelle na may caption na, “You do you hunhun.”
Nitong nakaraang taon, inihayag ni Rhian ang paglipat niya ng bahay kasama si Michelle. Malapit lang umano ang naturang bahay sa tinitirhan ng isa pa nilang kaibigan na si Max Collin.
Nang lumaban si Michelle sa Miss Universe Philippines crown, makikita rin ang suporta sa kaniya nina Rhian, Max at influencer na si Janina Manipol.
