Just in time for Pride Month, Miel Pangilinan, the youngest daughter of Sharon Cuneta and Senator Kiko Pangilinan, came out as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Pangilinan came out to the public as queer by sharing photos of her holding and showing a Pride flag on her Instagram account with a long and emotional caption.
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Pangilinan expressed her happiness and gratitude for having a family and friends who support her while she discovers and embraces who she is.
“I really can’t figure out the words to say right now. it’s a really emotional and freeing time right now, and i’m endlessly thankful to my close friends and family who have supported me and shown me love as i’ve grown and explored my own gender and sexual identity.”
She also shared some of the difficulties she encountered as a kid.
“I know it sounds silly, but posting this truly feels cathartic. I’ve spent so many sleepless nights over the span of much of my childhood and teenage life worrying and wondering about a plethora of things surrounding my identity, and it only feels right that I post this at the point i’m in now where i’m comfortable enough in who I am and who I love and how I choose to present. it’s kind of a full circle moment for me, in a way,”
Pangilinan also showed some empathy towards the other community members who do not have the same privilege as hers to come out and celebrate their identity safely and openly.
“I’m also incredibly thankful that I am able to safely celebrate my identity this year, as I know there are many people in this country that don’t have the same privilege. we’ve got a long way to go in terms of our fight for equality, but that is not to discredit the work and sacrifices made by queer Filipinos throughout history and in the present day, who have done so much to make our voices heard and have helped us go farther than where we were before.”
Pangilinan also mentioned that she has a lot to learn and that she will be a responsible member of the community.
“I’ve also got a lot to learn and understand as a newer member of the Filipino queer community, and I’m trying my best to educate myself on current situations and present issues relating to gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights in our country, and I am always open to learn as much as I can, especially from other figures in our community.”
She wished everyone a happy and safe Pride Month and ended her post with the witty line, “yes, I am the gay cousin.”
Pangilinan’s siblings – KC and Frankie, showed their love and support in the comment section of her post.
Megastar Sharon Cuneta and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan also wrote their own messages to express their support for their daughter’s coming out.
Cuneta penned a sweet, heartfelt message for Miel in a separate Instagram post.
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Cuneta also shared her husband’s message to Miel in a separate Instagram post.
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