It’s a big no to ‘Miss Gay’ beauty contests.
The Archdiocese of Capiz is disallowing the holding of LGBTQIA beauty pageants the day before, and on the actual day of the fiesta, as stated in Circular Letter released by the office of the archbishop of the diocese, Rev. Victor B. Bendico, D.D., formerly the bishop of Baguio City.
Bendico helms the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral, which marks its fiesta every December 8.
In the letter, now making rounds online, Bendico stressed in the vernacular the need to forego modern influences and observe the sanctity of the religious event marked by the fiesta. As part of this, the local church is asking for LGBTQIA beauty pageants and similar events not to be allowed to be held prior to, and during the fiesta.
Other events specifically stated by the letter are “bikini open contests”, and dancing events. Instead, “ginapakamaayo ang paghiwat sang mga programa nga nagapasanyog sang kultura kag wala naga-agaw sang minatuod nga espiritu sang selebrasyon (it is best to hold programs that celebrate the culture and do not take away from the true spirit/meaning of the celebration).” – SPECIAL THANKS TO Ms KATE MONTECARLO CORDOVA FOR HELPING WITH THE TRANSLATION
