In an early display of her immense popularity, Michelle Dee, the openly bisexual contender from the Philippines, has surged ahead with the highest number of votes in the 2023 Miss Universe Voice for Change online poll, marking a significant milestone weeks before the much-anticipated coronation night of the pageant.
As of November 4, 12:28 p.m., the Filipino actress-beauty queen has amassed an impressive 148,752 votes, securing a solid lead.
She is closely trailed by Ukraine’s Angelina Usanova, who has garnered 139,199 votes.
The Miss Universe Philippines organization expressed their gratitude and joy on their Instagram page, saying, “Salamat, Pilipinas! Thank you to all the supporters, pageant fans, bloggers, FB groups, queens, talents, influencers, and the general public who have been continuously helping.”
The organization also highlighted the significance of unity and collaboration: “Through Bayanihan, we have achieved the top spot for Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Marquez Dee in the Voice for Change category.”
Dee’s remarkable presence is not limited to her online popularity.
In a recent interview with talk-show host Boy Abunda, she dazzled netizens with her wit and poise, responding eloquently to hypothetical Miss Universe questions.
Enthusiastic reactions poured in, with one netizen on Facebook exclaiming, “Hands down! The perfect Miss U! Beauty and brain!”
Another user chimed in, saying, “She’s so smart. Good luck and bring back the crown.”
Dee made headlines earlier this year when she openly identified as bisexual.
She graced the cover of a Mega Magazine special issue, where she shared her journey and emphasized her advocacy as an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. “I definitely identify myself as bisexual. I’ve identified with that for as long as I can remember,” she stated, adding, “I’m attracted to all forms of beauty, all shapes and sizes.”
Growing up in an environment that celebrated diversity and individuality, she explained, “I never had to quote, unquote come out. I was never really confronted about it by my parents or people who matter.”
Dee also highlighted her longstanding involvement in LGBTQIA+ events and pride marches, emphasizing that she has always been a vocal and proud ally of the community.
In light of recent rumors, Dee chose to embrace her narrative and turn it into a source of empowerment. “When somebody takes away your story, then you should take control of that narrative. Turn it around and make it an empowering story. So that’s what I’m doing,” she affirmed.
Local pageant organizers have urged fans to cast their votes for Dee in the Fan Vote category, which can potentially secure her a coveted spot in the semifinals.
The anticipation is mounting as Dee, who had previously flown from Los Angeles, California, recently arrived in El Salvador.
It is in this vibrant country that the 72nd Miss Universe coronation night is scheduled to take place on November 18 (November 19 in Manila).
With her intelligence, charm, and charisma, Dee is set to take on approximately 90 international delegates in the 2023 Miss Universe pageant, vying to inherit the crown from the reigning queen, R’Bonney Gabriel, a Filipino-American sustainable fashion designer and advocate hailing from Texas.
The Daily Netizen 