Many changes are coming for the Miss Universe organization, and Gloria Diaz weighed in on the pageant's new rule about its candidates.
Speaking to Push, the 1969 Miss Universe shared her thoughts about how single moms and married women may already join the competition.
"'Di dapat, 'Universe' na lang, 'wag nang 'Miss'," Gloria said. "Kasi hindi na 'Miss' 'yon, 'di ba? Dapat 'Universe'!"
Gloria added that these women—along with lesbians and trans women—should have their own pageant.
"Siyempre, going with the times, 'no?" Gloria said. "Pero my personal opinion—which is not to be taken in [a] negative way—dapat may sarili silang contest. May Mrs. Universe, may Lesbian Universe, may Tranny Universe."
"There is room for so much. Oo, mga category na gano'n, ganyan. Kasi even sa Mrs. Universe, ang daming magaganda diyan na nanganak na. Okay lang 'yon."
"Dapat kanya-kanya! O sige, 'di at least it gives people more chances, 'di ba? Kasi you’re representing this country. E kung may mas magandang babae o mas magandang [trans woman], mas mahirap kalaban ang [trans woman]."
In a bid for inclusivity, the Miss Universe organization in September 2022 confirmed that mothers, divorcees, and married women may join the competition. Previously, the pageant only allowed single women aged between 18 and 28 to compete.
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