TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, August 1 (PIA) –Thirty-four aspiring beauty queens would be exchanging wits, talent and grace to be hailed Queen of Bohol, and become the ambassadors of advocacies that span from gender acceptance, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning awareness, acceptance and affirmation to tourism, environment, education and mental health.

The 34 town representatives of the LGBTQ+ sector met the press at the City Hall Atrium during the sashing ceremonies and Press Presentation held at the City Hall Atrium on July 23.

Then billed as Queen of Bohol Pageant, the Queen of Bohol is back this year, with a refreshed advocacy on gender awareness and acceptance, affirmation, stopping bullying, anti-drugs and addition, HIV awareness, tourism, environment, education and livelihood, said Kim Villamor, pageant consultant.

Participants have to be 18 years old, Boholana by blood, may be pre-operation and post-operated transgenders, must be currently living in Bohol and supported by her local government unit.

The Queen of Bohol Pageant was produced in pursuit of a paragon of intellect, physical fitness, good character benevolence, equality and inclusivity who can be beacon of the hope for the Boholano as they engage in relevant community and charity work for the tourism industry, organizers said. 

This year’s theme, “Raise your flag, stand proud and be amplified,” serves as a conduit to showcase not just the beauty, talent, and wit of transgender Boholanas but to promote equality, acceptance, understanding, respect and love. 

The pageant has deep appreciation and understanding of the collaborative potential of beauty pageants which boost the tourism sector, as well as promote the travel, entertainment and beauty industries not just for male and female but as well as the pageant for alternative cultures, especially during this time.

Queen of Bohol Pageant is intended to promote the integration of Boholano LGBTQ+ people in the mainstream life in the province, the organizers said.      

For more information about their upcoming schedules, check the Queen of Bohol Pageant Page on Facebook. (RAHC/PIA7 Bohol)