By Raadee Sausa October 24, 2020 Kimberly “Billie” Hakenson (Photo from Kimberly “...
October 24, 2020
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| Kimberly “Billie” Hakenson (Photo from Kimberly “Billie” Hakenson FB Page) |
IMUS CAVITE - Kimberly “Billie” Hakenson, who is representing Cavite province in the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 pageant, has come out as a bisexual.
A video uploaded on YouTube recently showed a short clip of Billie revealing that she identifies as a “bi.”
"I'm Billie Hakenson, representing Cavite and I'm a bisexual and I'm proud to be here," she said.
On Instagram, Billie posted a photo of herself in a little black dress and said: "I know who I am, I know what I can do. I will tell my story as truly as I can, and I will enjoy every bit of this journey as I build myself."
She also shared a photo of a rainbow flag. "I will forever be grateful and honored to raise our flag."
It is unknown if Hakenson is indeed the first “bi” contestant in a traditional women’s beauty pageant, but the country already has launched one for bisexual men, the Mr. Bi Philippines, in 2017.
Abroad, the Miss USA competition this year will include its first openly bisexual contestant, Rachel Slawson.
During a recent virtual conversation with reigning Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi along with other MUP candidates, Hakenson said she looks up to the South African beauty queen for giving her confidence to join a pageant with short hair.
"You broke the status quo, you broke the typical beauty queen mold . . . I just really want to thank you for doing that. You are amazing. You inspire me so much, and I never had this much confidence before, with short hair, to join a pageant," she said.
To which Tunzi replied: "I love that you said you got that confidence because beauty comes in all shapes, forms, and sizes. I feel it should be celebrated."
The confession of the Cavite bet, who also works as a model and a flight attendant, has been the talk of the town on social media. Although some criticized her sharing, many netizens and even members of the LGBTQ+ community celebrated her big step.
Hakenson is among the favorites in the contest because of her charisma and eloquence and has impressed many because of her confession in the preliminary rounds currently being held in Baguio City.
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