THIS YEAR’S Miss Bacolod MassKara pageant, held at the STI West Negros University Gym on October 11, had many stories to tell.
One of them was that of Ma. Zonora Ellyssa Curaza, who finished as second runner-up.
The candidate from Barangay Sum-ag stood out for her beauty, poise and confidence. She also took home several corporate sponsor awards before securing a place among the pageant’s top finishers.
But beyond the accolades, it was her candid declaration onstage that made her journey particularly memorable.
“Yes, I am a lesbian!” Curaza declared before answering the final question, drawing loud applause from the thousands of spectators inside the gym.
She delivered the statement with confidence and conviction, making no attempt to downplay her identity. She then explained why members of the LGBTQ+ community, including herself, deserve opportunities to participate in beauty pageants traditionally associated with women.
For Curaza, the message went beyond representation. She advocated acceptance, inclusivity and leadership, emphasizing the importance of setting an example for others who may be hesitant to express their identities openly.
Through pageantry, she hopes to transform her life and become a voice for her community, inspiring others to pursue opportunities without fear of judgment.
A statement of courage
Curaza is not the first LGBTQ+ woman to challenge conventional expectations in the world of beauty pageants.
Beatrice Luigi Gomez, who represented the Philippines at the 70th Miss Universe pageant in 2021 after winning Miss Universe Philippines, has also spoken publicly about her identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Gomez has identified as bisexual.
Stories of representation in mainstream pageantry have helped broaden conversations about identity, acceptance and who gets to take center stage.
Curaza’s declaration was a statement of self-acceptance and a call for a more inclusive society. Rather than allowing prejudice to define her, she used the pageant platform to affirm who she is and what she hopes to represent.
“I am not just a candidate; I am an inspiration,” she told the audience.
The statement captured the significance of her participation: a beauty pageant could be more than a competition for titles and awards. It could also provide a platform for people whose identities and experiences are not always fully represented in public life.
Beyond the crown
Curaza’s second runner-up finish marked a milestone in her pageant journey. Her story also raises a broader question about the meaning of beauty and representation in a changing society.
For aspiring LGBTQ+ candidates, her willingness to speak openly about her identity may serve as encouragement to pursue their ambitions without feeling compelled to hide who they are.
Her achievement is a reminder that confidence is not simply about standing before a crowd or wearing a crown. It can also mean speaking one’s truth in a space where acceptance is not always guaranteed.
On the Miss Bacolod MassKara stage, Curaza did more than compete. She used the spotlight to affirm her identity and call for a community where people can participate, lead and be recognized without being judged for whom they are.
Her message was clear: beauty is not limited to appearances, and the courage to be oneself can be just as powerful as winning a crown./PN
