Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee, putting an end to the rumours about her sexuality, has finally come out as a proud bisexual. She decided to come out publicly after pictures came forward of her in her younger years when she had more of a tomboyish style.

''I definitely identify myself as bisexual. I've identified with that for as long as I can remember. I'm attracted to all forms of beauty, all shapes and sizes. I have so much more to offer the world and the universe than how I identify myself,'' she said in a recent interview.

Michelle also did not talk about her sexual orientation during Miss Universe Philippines 2023 pageant which ended on 13th May 2023 with her being crowned as the winner because the timing was not right.

Dee also explained that she never felt the need to come out since her close friends knew her sexual orientation. She also added she was part of the LGBTQ community before coming out. ''Even before coming out, I've been attending pride marches. I have too many friends and best friends in the community. I've been a loud and proud ally. It's just that I never gave a confirmation,'' she revealed.

There is currently no national legislation in the Philippines to prevent injustice and economic discrimination against LGBTQ communities. Michelle is now set to represent her country at Miss Universe 2022 which will be held in El Salvador this year.