AHEAD of the release of the Pride music video version of her song “Reyna,” Michelle Dee, who identifies as bisexual, reflected on her “coming out” story as she explained how she felt when others tried to take her identity “against her.”
At the media launch of the music video on June 25, Dee stated that the new version of “Reyna” was specifically created to celebrate Pride Month as she recalled how she came out of the closet.
“I only came out, I think, around 2023 after I won Miss Universe Philippines. But even before then, I was a proud ally of the LGBT community. I really credit my mom; she was so vocal about her love for the gay community, for the entire community. But if you remember, I was the most bashed Miss Universe Philippines queen, and it was because they were trying to take my identity against me,” she said.
Despite the initial bashing that Dee said she endured, the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2023 titleholder also stated that her coming out was well supported not just by her fans but also by the LGBTQ+ community.
“I didn’t want to come out during the competition. My fight wasn’t about that. If I had come out during the competition, everything else I was fighting for might have been overshadowed. But everything happens for a reason. Because when I came out afterward, the reception was really great. It really turned the tables for me. It boosted my confidence and the kind of love I received from the community,” she explained.
When asked what she thinks of the LGBTQ+ community receiving less support from corporations, Dee affirmed that the community will thrive with or without such backing.
“There is a lot of work to be done. Of course, we’ve come a long way in this community, but can we go further? Am I affected by the less corporate backing for the community? I actually haven’t noticed because this community isn’t driven by corporations; it’s driven by the community. With or without them, we will thrive. And we will make our markets as proud as possible. That’s why it’s okay if there’s less corporate backing. It’s up to us all, right?” she emphasized.
The actress-beauty queen also promised more music releases in the future, sharing that the artists she wants to collaborate with include KZ Tandingan, BINI, SB19, and Juan Karlos, among others.
“There’s a lot more to come. There’s actually a whole album already in preparation. It’s just a matter of releasing it at the right time. But there’s a lot more to come in various genres. I’m actually very, very excited for the more sensual songs we’re going to release,” she said. (Jessica Ann Evangelista © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
