Miss World Philippines Marinduque 2022 Simone Nadine Bornilla is pushing for the establishment of a care facility for aging and homeless members of the LGBTQ+ community.
In her Beauty With A Purpose advocacy video, Simone said that the homeless and elder members of the LGBTQIA+ community should be given enough attention.
"I see that they are in a vulnerable position, trying to make ends meet to put a roof over their heads by their drag performances, but this won’t last forever. This would only be until they still can, some are as old as 92 years old," she said in the video.
Simone introduced her advocacy video dubbed “Singkwenta para sa Golden Lolas,” where the P50 donation can help build a permanent home and improve the lives of the homeless and elderly members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
WATCH SIMONE NADINE'S BEAUTY WITH A PURPOSE VIDEO: https://fb.watch/dhdBHN5h2D/
“A home where they don’t need to worry about their next month’s rent, and to ensure they will have a roof over their heads during their twilight years. A home that they can call their home where love fosters companionship, a home where they can be to leave their memories, and share to the younger generation," she said.
Simone said that the LGBTQIA+ community is close to her heart after she was raised by gay parents: her biological father Dr. Jumel Bornilla, and stepfather, Manuel “Manix” Lara Genabe III.
"I was raised by two gay men and I can proudly say that I am nurtured with unconditional love and support," she said.
An aspiring doctor like her dad, Simon is currently taking up BS in Medical Biology at the De La Salle University.
Simone recalled she has been discriminated because of her beloved family when she was still in grade school, that's why she wants to be the voice of LGBTQ+ community.
“I myself experienced discrimination first hand. I was not accepted in an International Catholic School when I was an incoming Grade 4 student simply because I came from a gay family. Surprisingly, Colegio San Agustin-Makati which, is also a Catholic School, accepted me with open arms. That’s why I want to be a voice for the LGBTQ+ community. No one should be judged based on your sexual preference nor the sexual orientation of your family," she added.
Simone's beauty with a purpose campaign entitled “Singkwenta para sa Golden Lolas" will support “Home for the Golden Gays” is a non-profit organization, and a care facility for the elderly and homeless gays, since 1975.
It was founded by Justo C. Justo who is an LGBT rights activist and columnist. But, when Justo passed away in 2012, the organization was forced to close, and most of their primary members live in the streets.
Simone said she has seen the disadvantages experienced by the community. Thus, she encouraged everyone to join her in fighting the stigma, and give them a better tomorrow.
“Let’s all believe in kindness, as kindness should not be discriminatory, be kind, and then we can create and sustain a very colorful world for the Golden Gays, she added.
The grand coronation of the Miss World Philippines 2022 beauty pageant will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on June 5. (Jazzle Anne Calanao and Diannevie Feliciano/OJT from City of Malabon University)