In honor of Pride month this June, 25-year-old Filipina-Australian Catriona Gray responds to the hate she received in an image where she stands for the rights of the LBTQIA+ community in front of her 5.8 million followers.
Initially posted last Saturday, June 15, the Filipina representative for Miss Universe 2018, which she later won, is seen holding a heart above her chest captioned, “Happy Pride!” encouraging her fans to catch #MahabahabangUsapan in collaboration with San Miguel Light Philippines to discuss “all things LGBTQIA+ rights and pride!” She exclaims, “I learnt so much and hope in watching, you will all too!”
Some netizens were quick to judge Catriona, stating that her advocacy is in contrast with being a Christian. One user writes, “What happened Catriona Gray about your testimony about your Christianity? Please do not compromise.”
Quick to reply, the articulate beauty queen explains, “My belief as a Christian does not limit me from fighting for the rights of others. I love my God and love my fellow brothers and sisters,” elaborating, “Religion is never an excuse to hate, put down, or act indifferent to the suffering of others. I believe God is love, and I will treat everyone – no matter who they are, to the best of my ability, with love.”
Participating in the very first Miss Universe edition with a transgender pageant represented by Miss Spain 2018 Angela Ponce last December, Catriona had previously voiced out her sentiments on inclusivity during her guesting on “The Bottomline with Boy Abunda”, stating, “Individually, I see beauty queens more than a physical aspect. We represent something – that has to be what we’re there for. [Angela] has a purpose. She is that voice for that transgender community and if she can further educate people about what are the needs of the transgender community to get us to be more compassionate towards them… there’s a lot of work to be done.”