Michelle Dee on being bisexual: 'It's always been an open secret'

Weeks after proudly declaring that she identifies herself as bisexual, beauty queen Michelle Dee reflected on it. On PLDT Home's latest YouTube video, the daughter of Melanie Marquez reiterated how her gender preference has always been an "open secret." "I never believe that somebody from the LGBTQIA+ community needs to come out,” she related, noting: "Despite being advised to before the pageant the kind of, like, I guess, add clout or whatever - I actually said no. I was like: 'This is not why I'm joining. I have so many aspects about myself, my individuality that I'm trying to showcase and I don't want to be identified or labeled just by how I identify myself.'" So what changed her mind? When she became "the most bashed queen" after winning the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 title. "I say this without being negative or affected... So, coming (out)– well that’s expected. Because when you win, the supporters will actually support their bets," she pointed out. “So you expect that, especially me, I was an artista before entering pageantry, so I already knew how to handle all of these negativities. I’ve such amazing parents, making me confident with myself and what I have to offer. But of course, there were some things that came out online about my past. And these aren't like scandalous things actually. But it was released with such malicious intent, implying and just changing my story.” Michelle said it actually prompted her to speak up. “I want it to change the narrative," was how she put it. "I wanted to take control over my story, and that’s the most important thing - that when somebody tries to take that away from you, take your timeline away from you, then you can always take it back. And empower yourself while you are at it. So, thanks to all of the negative bashers.” The Kapuso star believes publicizing her gender preference was the "right time." “Because like I said, it was an open secret. I didn’t feel pressured too. But I just felt like it was such an amazing time to empower the people that might need an extra boost," she stressed. “I mean, throughout my reign, my main goal was to just empower, and inspire as many people as I can… That was my objective with coming out. Because again, I don't think it’s something to be ashamed of... So, you know it was just about time to tell the universe, I guess. And just share parts of me that I never really felt confident sharing before.” Michelle then declared: “I'm really being authentic.”