Former beauty queen Imelda Schweighart found herself at the center of online discussion after posting a question about P-pop phenomenon SB19 and whether the group represents the LGBTQIA+ community.
In a Facebook post published on June 16, Schweighart asked, “Is SB19 LGBTQIA+ representation? I don’t wanna assume. Please enlighten me.”
The post quickly gained attention from fans and netizens, prompting the former beauty queen to explain the context behind her question.
According to Schweighart, she had visited a mall where an SB19 pop-up installation was being featured and said the experience led her to reflect on how children might interpret certain forms of marketing and representation.
“I was at Megamall today and there was a pop-up at the ground floor of SB19,” she wrote.
“Since it’s enrollment season with ‘back to school’ marketing pop-ups around as well, my mind got overstimulated. Wondering if other moms are also confused when they put themselves in children’s shoes.”
She also noted that she grew up during a different era and was not accustomed to what she described as “massive LGBTQIA+ marketing.”
“Seeing how powerful people are almost all LGBTQIA+, I just wonder. I hope they also have children in mind. And if it’s a rainbow flag, I hope it is indeed love. Not darkness,” she added.
Many fans responded by explaining that none of the members of SB19—Pablo, Stell, Josh, Felip, and Justin—have publicly identified themselves as members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
However, several supporters pointed out that the group has consistently shown support for LGBTQIA+ individuals and has never treated questions about sexuality as offensive or insulting.
One netizen wrote that the group members are “massive allies” who challenge traditional stereotypes about masculinity and encourage acceptance and respect.
Another fan recalled a previous response from one of the members regarding questions about sexual orientation.
“‘If ever I was gay, what’s the problem?’” the fan quoted, explaining that the statement was intended to emphasize that there is nothing wrong with being part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Schweighart responded positively to several explanations, thanking users who provided context and saying she appreciated discussions that remained respectful.
“I see. Glad to know from you on here,” she replied to one commenter.
“It’s nice to have conversations online without anyone being hostile,” she added in another response.
Not all reactions were supportive of Schweighart’s inquiry. Some netizens questioned why the sexuality of the group members needed to be discussed at all, arguing that an artist’s gender identity or sexual orientation should not define how they are viewed by the public.
One commenter challenged the purpose of the question, writing that “other closets are not yours to open.”
Schweighart defended her post, saying her intention was to seek understanding and start a discussion among fellow parents about how to answer questions from children regarding representation and identity.
“I said, enlighten me. Not pounce on me,” she wrote.
The exchange eventually led to a broader debate about representation, parenting, social media discourse, and public curiosity regarding celebrities’ personal lives.
As of writing, SB19 has not released any statement regarding the discussion surrounding Schweighart’s post.
The group remains one of the most successful Filipino acts on the global stage, earning recognition for helping bring P-pop to international audiences through their music, performances, and advocacy for inclusivity and respect among their fans.
