On May 13, Miss Universe Philippines contestant Krishnah Gravidez, hailing from Baguio, answered her Q&A portion question about transwoman athletes competing in women’s sports events.
During the competition, Dyan Castillejo asked Gravidez, “Transwomen athletes are now being allowed to compete in women’s sports events in many international competitions. Do you think that this is a step in the right direction? Why or why not?”
Gravidez answered, “I am all for equality for all genders. And I believe that we have the right to participate in any sport. However, there is a biological reason that we should not allow transwomen in the women’s category. Because I believe there’s a right time for that, and there are right measurements to be done.”
Her answer sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some claiming the answer was ‘transphobic’ while others defended Gravidez.
Some netizens who came to her defense agreed with Gravidez’s talking points during the Q&A portion.
How is she transphobic here? Or you stupid ppl are just picking your bets?
The thoughts have been carefully and sensitively arranged. It’s not an attack. https://t.co/osVwfd2VId
— revian (@rebbieuxn) May 14, 2023
https://twitter.com/andremortel/status/1657613098143064064
Di naman kayo pinipigilan maglaro. Equality doesn't mean ALL ACCESS.
Basic common sense lang. https://t.co/hqXuoLRCsc— Paul (@jamesXpaul) May 13, 2023
One netizen outright called out Gravidez, citing why her answer came off as “transphobic”.
What she said is transphobic.
1. Denying trans people spaces that they should have access to is transphobia.
2. In sports, there is no such thing as “fair play”. Players will always have physiological advantages over others; whether it's height, weight, muscle mass, etc. https://t.co/v6fXU467XS— Batithe
(@rondelosangeles) May 14, 2023
Another netizen seemed on the fence with her response, noting that Gravidez was under pressure.
grabe yung pag call out sa Ms Baguio here and there — nakalimutan ata nila na
1. It was indeed a difficult question
2. She was under pressure
3. She has limited time to think and answer.We all demand for respect — pero why do we need label her names ? https://t.co/2GxTzxQRV7
—
Tito Qc
#KayLeniKikoTayo (@FckTitoQC) May 14, 2023
In response to Gravidez’s response, one netizen offered examples such as Nancy Navalta and Aprilia Manganang in his tweet.
She was asked a question and that’s her opinion. Also, the topic is a developing story. Sports is a physical competition, a measure of strength. We also have the case if Nancy Navalta, born female, but was stripped of medal because she exudes maleness. Why would they ask that? https://t.co/Fg6srxABV3
— Mikkhael (@markymarksworld) May 14, 2023
Miss Trans Global 2020 Mela Habijan shared a screenshot on her tweet inviting Gravidez to further discuss the topic and possibly foster an “allyship” between the two queens.
https://twitter.com/missmelahabijan/status/1657643777924931584?s=20
Gravidez took home the “Miss Charm Philippines 2023” crown during the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 competition at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
As for the title of “Miss Universe Philippines 2023”, Michelle Dee of Makati City took home the crown. She will represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe 2023 pageant in El Salvador.
