MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 12, 2012) – The Progressive Organization of Gays in the Philippines (ProGay Philippines) has praised the decision of Miss Universe Organization to reinstate the candidacy of transgender Canadian Jenna Talackova to the Miss Universe Pageant.
Goya Candelario, ProGay spokesperson, also asked 1999 Miss Universe runner-up Filipina Mirriam Quiambao to reconsider her opposition to the inclusion of transgender women to the beauty pageant.
“We ask our idol Ms. Quiambao to be more thoughtful and welcome her sisters among the ranks of women who fight for equal rights,” Candelario said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner.
Quiambao was quoted by the Philippine media as saying: “In my humble opinion, transgenders should not be allowed to join the Miss Universe because it’s only for real women. We should all make a stand. Just because it’s popular, it doesn’t mean that it’s right.”
The ProGay leader said Talackova’s fight is also their fight and the organization wants the Bb. Pilipinas contest to follow the lead of the Miss Universe by opening the tilt to deserving Filipino transgender.
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