Image courtesy of www.motto.time.com
Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach: Why I Stand Up for LGBTQ Rights in the Philippines
Source: www.motto.time.com
I am Filipino, and like the vast majority of people in my country, I am a proud Catholic. I have a steadfast faith, and my religion is an essential element of who I am. Growing up, my family regularly attended mass, and I studied at a school that taught Christian fundamentals.
Religious establishments including the Catholic church teach that they are the one true faith, but the values instilled in me as a Christian have encouraged me to respect all beliefs and opinions. Growing up, my family taught me that to receive respect, you must first offer it.
My younger sister and I were raised by a single mother in Cagayan de Oro, a multi-ethnic environment and burgeoning city in the southern part of the Philippines that has earned the moniker “City of Golden Friendship.” My hometown serves as the gateway to Mindanao, the country’s second biggest island and home to people of many different religions and backgrounds. Growing up in such a diverse culture taught me the virtue of acceptance early in life and made me recognize that tolerance should be the norm, not the exception.
I am proud that the Philippines is every day becoming a more tolerant community; however, my liberal opinions on many social issues sometimes conflict with Christianity’s teachings.
I myself owe a lot to the LGBTQ community, many of whom are my closest friends. Without their accepting attitudes toward my own flaws and struggles, I would not be where I am today. But while we are beginning to see the seeds of change in the Catholic church, the LGBTQ community in the Philippines doesn’t yet enjoy equal rights.
Perhaps my non–traditional family unit allowed me to accept others’ differences without judgement and has made me proud to advocate for LGBTQ rights as a Christian. In fact, I find the strength to do just that through my faith. Undoubtedly, there will continue to be times when my faith and secular opinions clash, but in those moments, I find comfort in an old saying: “Live and let live.”
Pia Wurtzbach, an actress, TV host and model, was crowned Miss Universe 2015.
I myself owe a lot to the LGBTQ community, many of whom are my closest friends. Without their accepting attitudes toward my own flaws and struggles, I would not be where I am today.
ReplyDeleteVery humble, we love you Queen P!
This is why I like her. Kahit marami nega saying pampam or inuuna lovelife. Mas marami ka na achieve kesa sa mga negang anon. Walang perfect na tao kahit hindi Miss U. Kahit kapatif mo lang yan meron ka mga qualities na aayawan ka. I love you Queen P!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Fashion Pulis, for featuring this! A good read!
ReplyDeleteSending my love to the queen ❤
ReplyDeleteFinally, something I like about her. A good read indeed.
ReplyDeleteMaxine medina, please take notes on how to be this eloquent
ReplyDeleteHow to be this eloquent bes?? I take notes mo muna? take notes talaga.
DeleteTama po ang take notes. In the classroom when you listen to the lecture, you take notes or when you are reading or reviewing for an exam you or reading something else you take notes. Pag sinesermonan ka you take note.
DeleteStop comparing. You are bordering on pathetic. Maxine is her own person and has admirable qualities that maybe you don't know. Eloquence is not everything, dear.
DeleteVery well said and written. I salute you Miss U.
ReplyDeletehuhu I love you Pia W. so touching.
ReplyDeleteLove you, Pia. I've always believe in you since BBP 2013. I always knew you all have what it takes to be a Miss Universe. 💙
ReplyDeleteThe help, the hope.... jusko waley na waley sa maxine lol
ReplyDeleteNice one Pia! Thank you for supporting LGBTQ family.
ReplyDeleteObviously, Pia is aligned with the smartest beauty queens in the world. But it's just a bonus because to see how deep her perspective is and how big her heart is...SHE'S DEFINITELY ONE STEP AWAY FROM PERFECTION!❤
ReplyDelete