- Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez disagreed on transgender women joining the Miss Universe pageant.
- She thinks that there should be an exclusive pageant for transgender women.
- Teresita also added that it’s up to Miss Universe Organization to make the decision.
Angela Ponce is a trans woman who won Miss Universe Spain 2018. However, Miss Universe Organization has yet to permit her into joining the Miss Universe 2018.
Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez disagreed on transgender women joining the Miss Universe pageant.
Transgender women to have their own exclusive pageant
Teresita also clarified that she applauds Spain for allowing transgender women on joining. She also doesn’t have any problem with transgenders.
“I love that Spain was really open na pinayagan talaga nila yung ganun. I have nothing against transgenders. I’m really proud na sobrang happy, out na talaga, and everyone is respecting them, di ba? Pero Miss Universe per se, sana ibigay na lang sa natural-born women. And then kasi, there is Miss International Queen, it’s a prestigious pageant also.”
However, Teresita thinks that there should be an exclusive pageant for transgender women.
“And I think, parang let’s just give it for natural-born women, and for transgenders to have their own prestigious pageant. It’s tradition for Miss Universe. Pero kung ia-allow naman ng Miss Universe Organization, then we should accept it also, walang problema.”
Her own opinion
Although Latinos may get mad at her in her evaluation, Teresita noted that everyone has their own opinion.
“Everyone is entitled to her own opinion. Siyempre iba-iba naman ang opinyon ng tao. Kung ano man ang opinyon niya, kung gusto niyang sumali, we have to respect. And kung ayaw naman ng isa, we also have to respect that…”
Teresita also added that it’s up to Miss Universe Organization to make the decision. She applauds transgenders on being loudly proud of who they are. She also pointed out that there’s nothing wrong with it.
“…It boils down to what will Miss Universe Organization do. If they accept, then we all have to accept it. Wala naman tayong power para sabihin sa Miss Universe kung ano ang gagawin, kung anong bawal at hindi. Sobrang bow ako sa mga transgenders kasi they are very proud of who they are, and there’s nothing wrong with it… Let’s give Miss Universe to natural-born women. No disrespect at all.”
