Pia Wurtzbach Calls Out Transphobic Bashers of Miss Universe Owner Anne Jakrajutatip

By Em Enriquez - Nov 30, 2023 

"If we're talking about unity and pride, we have to walk the talk."

Pia Wurtzbach Calls Out Transphobic Bashers of Miss Universe Owner Anne Jakrajutatip . IMAGE Instagram/piawurtzbach, annejkn.official

The world of pageantry extends far beyond the grand catwalks and evening gowns. It heavily involves the viewers who tune in to root for their chosen delegate, as they watch with bated breath for their home country to be called to advance to the next round. As expected with any contest, jeers will be blurted out should the outcome not be in a certain audience member's favor.

This was especially true for the most recently-concluded Miss Universe 2023 competition. While there have been triumphant moments throughout the beauty brawl, which included Nicaragua's first-ever victory, doting fans couldn't help but express their dismay at some of the placements. Many pointed their fingers to the organization's new owner, Anne Jakrajutatip, who was accused of faulty judgement.

As a titleholder herself, Pia Wurtzbach knows how riled up pageant fans can be, particularly when it comes to Miss Universe. Though, while she expects discourse about the results, what she's not letting slide are unnecessary comments about Anne, especially her identity as a transwoman.

"Maybe she's not everybody's favorite and some people may have opinions about how she's running things—not my opinion, just saying—but I see so many comments [attacking] her sexual orientation and gender identity. Parang wala na roon sa topic!" she expresses in an exclusive interview with Preview.

PHOTO BY INSTAGRAM/PIAWURTZBACH

"Isn't this supposed to be our space? [Why are] we all fighting?," continues Pia, pertaining to the pageant community which is inhabited by many queer individuals. "How does this make us look like to other people, kung tayo mismo within the space [aren't] getting along?"

According to the beauty queen, Anne's transgender identity has nothing to do with how she's spearheading the pageant. As a staunch ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, she acknowledges that "the work has to continue" and that acceptance still needs to be fostered within the sector itself.

Anne Jakrajutatip with Miss Portugal and Miss Netherlands at Miss Universe 2023, two openly transgender women. PHOTO BY INSTAGRAM/ANNEJKN.OFFICIAL

"[We have] to accept each other. Hindi parang na, gay men are all in one cluster, and then trans women are on their own, and then bisexual or lesbian women are being mocked. If we're talking about unity and pride, we have to walk the talk."

Hear, hear, Pia!

https://www.preview.ph/fashion/pia-wurtzbach-anne-jakrajutatip-transphobic-comments-a00378-20231130