Beatrice Gomez clarified that she is a pansexual woman who is attracted to anyone regardless of gender amidst the question to her representation of the LGBTQIA+ community during the Miss Universe 2021.
Years after representing the Philippines in the international scene, Gomez is putting to rest the “queerbaiting” rumors that she only claimed to be a part of the LGBTQIA+ community in order to win over the sector during the pageant.
On Friday, June 30, she issued a lengthy message denying the allegations on her Instagram account.
"For those who questioned my representation of the LGBTQIA+ community during Miss Universe 2021, I have been quiet for years knowing that I have spoken my truth and that I am proud of the breakthrough my representation has brought the country, especially the LGBTQIA+ community as the first openly gay representative of the Philippines," Beatrice wrote.
The beauty queen then acknowledged that she is currently in a relationship with someone of the "opposite sex," but she added that this does not affect her sexuality or diminish her activism, as she has been fighting for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community since 2015.
Gomez also underlined that her gender has no influence on her Miss Universe journey. She also expressed her disappointment at being accused of "queerbaiting" despite her "minimal presence" on social media.
Gomez went on to say that she will continue to advocate for the community because she has seen "how my representation paved the way for our young dreamers to be confident of themselves.
Gomez was the country's first openly LGBTQIA+ Miss Universe representative, where she finished in Top 5, with India's Harnaaz Sandhu taking first place.
Gomez had previously been in a relationship with Kate Jagdon, which ended in November 2021.
