Recent changes in the Miss Universe qualifications have now seen the pageant welcoming trans women, wives, and mothers as candidates. While the move towards inclusivity and the acknowledgement of diversity in beauty have been lauded, there are still some like Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz who want to continue limiting it to single cishets without kids.
At a conference for her upcoming movie “Lola Magdalena” on Apr. 30, Diaz was reportedly asked about her thoughts on the decision of the Miss Universe organization to accept applicants “regardless of civil status.”
“Edi dapat, Universe na lang. Huwag nang Miss. Kasi, hindi na Miss yun, di ba?” Diaz said. “I think they even include transvestites. Siyempre, going with the times, no?” It seems the former beauty queen needs to be reminded that trans women are real women and that single and unwed mothers exist.
“Pero my personal opinion—which is not to be taken in the negative way—dapat may sarili silang contest. May Mrs. Universe, may Lesbian Universe, may Tr*nny Universe,” she adds. “Kasi even sa Mrs. Universe, andaming magaganda diyan na nanganak na. OK lang yon!” Diaz should also be informed that the term “tr*anny” is a derogatory slur for trans individuals and, therefore, should not be used.
Diaz is also not too thrilled with the pageant’s raised age limit. “Pag 28 ka na, dapat may career ka na, hindi ba? Dapat… like during my time, from 17 or 18 hanggang 23,” she said. “Pero ngayon, nakaka-28 na yata pwede pa rin, eh. It’s hard. It’s a very new idea na sa akin… not very acceptable.”
Diaz explains that she prefers having separate competitions because “it gives people more chances.”
“Kasi, you’re representing this country. Eh, kung may mas magandang babae o mas magandang tr*nny… mas mahirap kalaban ang tr*nny,” she said. “I’ve been a judge sa Super Sireyna. Ang gaganda talaga nila at talagang palaban! Kaya nilang magsirku-sirko diyan.”
For centuries, queer women and mothers have been overlooked partly because dominant culture upholds beauty standards rooted in misogyny and heteronormativity. Shutting them out of big competitions that provide platforms for discussing advocacies only discriminates them further.
Allow them the option to join this sisterhood and compete for the crown. We deserve the chance to have more wins.
Photo from Netflix
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