WOMEN of TODAY = MEN of YESTERDAY? Transgenders in Miss Universe

Sa isang beauty pageant...
Host: How can you describe the women of TODAY?
Contestant: The WOMEN of TODAY, are the MEN of YESTERDAY!

Until now, I can't help but be amused with this joke. But if we would think about it, numerous members of the gay community cross-dress and make themselves beautiful. Some would even undergo surgical operations to "convert" themselves to the sex that they aspire. They are what you call TRANSGENDERS. Mind you, a lot of them even look more beautiful than real women. You wouldn't even think that they're gay unless you hear them speak with their bass to baritone voice. Most often, you will see them in gay pageants in several barangays during feasts, wearing their extravagant feathery costumes, introducing themselves with quotes and lines that most people will find rather funny and highly amusing. Yes, somehow, this turned into a sort of entertainment during barangay feasts.

I never actually thought that members of LGBT would actually join a prestigious beauty pageant, one exclusive for women for that matter.

Just a few days ago, the Miss Universe committee announced that their rules will  allow transgenders to join the pageant in 2013. This is due to Jenna Talackova's case, a Canadian contestant, that was disqualified due to not being "naturally-born" woman. But apparently, all her legal documents and IDs indicate that she's a woman, after her surgical gender re-assignment when she was still 19 years old.

(From Reuters)

This decision by the committee excited local transgenders. Well, of course they'd be excited! Imagine, they will have the chance to become THE Ms. Universe. Well, that is if the Bb. Pilipinas committee will allow it to happen. There are different, perhaps contradicting opinions from each side. Of course the LGBT committee would actively advocate for it to happen. But negative remarks against the idea is inevitable. Especially from the church.

Looking at it closely, this will be one big step for what they clamor: gender equality and gay rights. With this, they will also be given equal opportunities. But personally, I think it shouldn't be pursued.

First of all, Philippines is not ready for the big change. Yes, let us say that there are a LOT of gays here in the country, but the citizens are far from accepting their growing community yet. Filipinos tend to think rigidly. Especially that most Filipinos are Roman Catholic. Definitely, the church would then oppose anything that promotes homosexual nature, and consequently, most devout Filipinos would illogically follow them. My point is, if ever transgenders will be allowed to join the Binibining Pilipinas, many would go against it. Come to think of it, do you think that those guys that are always excited to watch the girls walk on the ramp with their sexy bikinis will still be happy if they have to scrutinize each contestant if she has a REAL vagina or not?

Secondly, I find their advocacy to gay rights as inappropriately too much. I have nothing against them. In fact, I'm for them, but there are certain limitations to what we want. In my philosophy, whatever God gave to you, you have to treasure and accept it with all your heart. If He created you with a penis, you have to value that. I always believed that you can still love someone of the same sex. Love is a right everyone has, for it comes in different forms. You don't have to have your genitals removed or replaced just to make yourself believe that you can already love a man, just because you look like a woman. Well, it's all been done, they underwent the operation already. It's their choice. But for me, I think it's too much that they'll still ask to be a part of something that is meant for women in the first place. Miss Universe is for REAL women. It's called MISS Universe for a reason. Much more the BINIBINING Pilipinas. If they want, perhaps they can pursue an international beauty pageant for gays.

That is just my humble opinion. In the end, all of these are just titles that celebrate one's beauty. What matters most is the heart, be it of a boy, a girl or both, it doesn't matter. As long as you know who you really are, you don't have to wear a crown and a sash just to make the whole world to see your real beauty.

References:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/apr/10/miss-universe-transgender-contestants
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/254614/showbiz/miriam-quiambao-no-to-transgender-women-in-miss-u