Beatrice Gomez

Beatrice Luigi Gallarde Gomez{{Cite web|title=LGBTQ+ Member, Navy Reservist Crowned Miss Universe Philippines|url=https://www.onenews.ph/articles/lgbtq-member-navy-reservist-crowned-miss-universe-philippines|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-02|website=OneNews|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002004117/https://www.onenews.ph/articles/lgbtq-member-navy-reservist-crowned-miss-universe-philippines |archive-date=October 2, 2021 }}{{Cite web|title=Military toasts to reservist Bea Gomez for winning Miss Universe Philippines 2021 title|url=https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2021/10/01/201335/military-toasts-to-reservist-bea-gomez-for-winning-miss-universe-philippines-2021-title/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-05|website=InterAksyon|date=October 2021 |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001091643/https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2021/10/01/201335/military-toasts-to-reservist-bea-gomez-for-winning-miss-universe-philippines-2021-title/ |archive-date=October 1, 2021 }} was born on February 23, 1995, in San Fernando, Cebu, Philippines.{{Cite web |last=Licup |first=Michelle |date=2021-11-30 |title=Miss Philippines Beatrice Luigi Gomez: Ready to conquer the universe |url=https://www.pep.ph/peptionary/162340/beatrice-luigi-gomez-a4995-20211130 |access-date=2022-07-22 |website=Philippine Entertainment Portal |language=en}} She was raised by a single mother.{{cite news |last1=Adel |first1=Rosette |title=In Miss Universe intro video, Beatrice Luigi Gomez shares how volleyball changed her life |url=https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2021/12/10/206242/in-miss-universe-intro-video-beatrice-luigi-gomez-shares-how-volleyball-changed-her-life/ |access-date=14 December 2021 |work=InterAksyon |date=10 December 2021}} She studied at the University of San Jose–Recoletos and pursued a degree in mass communication.{{Cite web |last=Severo |first=Jan Milo |date=2022-07-25 |title=Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez graduates from college |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2022/07/25/2197877/miss-universe-philippines-2021-beatrice-luigi-gomez-graduates-college/ |access-date=2022-07-25 |website=The Philippine Star |language=en}} At the same time, she also played varsity volleyball for the university.{{Cite web|last=Cristino|first=Gracey|title=Josenian volleybelle wins Binibining Cebu 2020 crown|url=https://usjr.edu.ph/2020/01/16/josenian-wins-binibining-cebu-2020-crown/|date=2020-01-16|access-date=2021-09-30|website=University of San Jose–Recoletos}} As a student-athlete, she was able to study under an athletic scholarship. In 2022, she graduated from the said university.

Gomez's first pageant was in 2015 when she placed second runner-up at the Miss Mandaue 2015 pageant.{{Cite web|last=Lago|first=Amanda|date=2021-09-30|title=Who is Beatrice Luigi Gomez, Miss Universe Philippines 2021?|url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/things-to-know-beatrice-luigi-gomez|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-30|website=Rappler|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930160735/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/things-to-know-beatrice-luigi-gomez |archive-date=September 30, 2021 }}

Gomez represented San Fernando at the Binibining Cebu 2020 pageant and won the title, succeeding Steffi Rose Aberasturi of Mandaue City.{{Cite web|last=Lachica|first=Immae|title=San Fernando beauty wins Binibining Cebu 2020|url=https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/281244/san-fernando-beauty-wins-binibining-cebu-2020|date=2020-01-14|website=INQUIRER.net|access-date=2021-09-30}}{{Cite web|last=Ylanan|first=Jasper|date=2020-01-14|title=San Fernando's Beatrice Luigi Gomez crowned Binibining Cebu 2020|url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/beatrice-luigi-gomez-winner-binibining-cebu-2020|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-30|website=Rappler|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116035037/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/beatrice-luigi-gomez-winner-binibining-cebu-2020 |archive-date=January 16, 2021 }} She also won the Best in Swimwear, Miss Foton, and Miss Body Worx Medical Spa awards.

{{Main|Miss Universe Philippines 2021}}

On September 1, 2021, representing Cebu City, Gomez was confirmed as one of the thirty delegates in the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 pageant.{{Cite web|last=Basco|first=Karl Cedrick|date=2021-09-01|title=Here are the final 30 candidates of Miss Universe PH|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/09/01/21/here-are-the-final-30-candidates-of-miss-universe-ph|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-01|website=ABS-CBN News|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901140519/https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/09/01/21/here-are-the-final-30-candidates-of-miss-universe-ph |archive-date=September 1, 2021 }}{{Cite web|date=2021-09-01|title=FULL LIST: The Miss Universe Philippines Top 30|url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/list-miss-universe-philippines-top-30-contestants|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-01|website=Rappler|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901125407/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/list-miss-universe-philippines-top-30-contestants |archive-date=September 1, 2021 }}

During the finals on September 30, 2021, Gomez won the Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Gown, Miss Cream Silk, and Miss Luxxe ImmunPlus Game Changer awards. At the end of the event, Gomez was crowned by outgoing Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo as Miss Universe Philippines 2021.{{Cite web|title=Philippines crowns first openly queer candidate to Miss Universe 2021|url=https://news.yahoo.com/philippines-crowns-first-openly-queer-173843320.html|access-date=2021-10-03|website=news.yahoo.com|date=October 2021 |language=en-PH}}{{Cite web|last=Requintina|first=Robert|date=2021-09-30|title=Second set of special awards at Miss Universe Philippines 2021|url=https://mb.com.ph/2021/09/30/second-set-of-special-awards-at-miss-universe-philippines-2021/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-30|website=Manila Bulletin|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930134743/https://mb.com.ph/2021/09/30/second-set-of-special-awards-at-miss-universe-philippines-2021/ |archive-date=September 30, 2021 }}{{Cite web|last=Dumaual|first=Miguel|date=2021-09-30|title=Beatrice Gomez crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2021|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/09/30/21/beatrice-gomez-crowned-miss-universe-philippines-2021|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-30|website=ABS-CBN News|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930143522/https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/09/30/21/beatrice-gomez-crowned-miss-universe-philippines-2021 |archive-date=September 30, 2021 }}{{Cite web|last=Malig|first=Kaela|date=2021-09-30|title=Beatrice Gomez is Miss Universe Philippines 2021!|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/805235/beatrice-gomez-is-miss-universe-philippines-2021/story/?amp|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-30|website=GMA News Online|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930145807/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/805235/beatrice-gomez-is-miss-universe-philippines-2021/story/?amp |archive-date=September 30, 2021 }}{{Cite web|date=2021-09-25|title=Beatrice Luigi Gomez takes on prelim interview for MUPh 2021|url=https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/402268/beatrice-luigi-gomez-takes-on-prelim-interview-for-muph-2021|access-date=2021-10-01|website=INQUIRER.net|language=en}}

With her win, Gomez became the first openly bisexual Miss Universe Philippines winner and the first to represent the country in Miss Universe.{{Cite web|last=Iglesias|first=Iza|date=2021-09-30|title=Beatrice Luigi Gomez makes history as first lesbian Miss Universe PH|url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/09/30/news/beatrice-luigi-gomez-is-miss-universe-philippines-2021/1816662|access-date=2021-09-30|website=The Manila Times|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Manipon|first=Roel Hoang|date=2021-09-30|title=Cebu's Gomez is MUP's only out LGBTQ+ candidate|url=https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/09/06/cebus-gomez-is-mups-only-out-lgbtq-candidate/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-30|website=Daily Tribune|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210905210436/https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/09/06/cebus-gomez-is-mups-only-out-lgbtq-candidate/ |archive-date=September 5, 2021 }}{{Cite web|title=Who is Beatrice Luigi Gomez, Miss Universe Philippines 2021?|url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/things-to-know-beatrice-luigi-gomez|access-date=2021-10-01|website=Rappler|date=September 30, 2021 |language=en}}

{{Main|Miss Universe 2021}}

Gomez competed at the 70th Miss Universe pageant in Eilat, Israel, on December 13, 2021, becoming the last Philippine delegate to qualify to the Miss Universe semifinals during the country's longest streak of appearances in its history in the said round at 12 consecutive years (dating back from 2010).{{Cite web|title=PH's Beatrice Gomez ends Miss Universe 2021 run, hailed for Top 5 entry|url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/lifestyle/2021/12/13/Miss-Universe-2021-Beatrice-Luigi-Gomez-Philippines.html|access-date=2021-12-13|website=cnn|language=en|archive-date=May 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512104934/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/lifestyle/2021/12/13/Miss-Universe-2021-Beatrice-Luigi-Gomez-Philippines.html|url-status=dead}} Gomez finished as a top five finalist, becoming the first openly LGBT delegate from any participatory country at Miss Universe to advance to the competition's finals, as well as the Philippines' highest placement since Miss Universe 2018.{{Cite web|date=2021-12-13|title=Beatrice Gomez joins Miss Universe Top 5|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/12/13/21/beatrice-gomez-joins-miss-universe-top-5|access-date=2021-12-13|website=ABS-CBN News|language=en}} Harnaaz Sandhu of India won the said pageant.{{Cite web|date=2021-12-13|title=India's Harnaaz Sandhu is crowned Miss Universe 2021|url=https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/miss-universe-india-harnaaz-sandhu-intl-hnk/index.html|access-date=2021-12-13|website=CNN Style|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Sancha|first=Gilbert Kim|date=2021-10-02|title=Miss Universe bet: Inspire others to rise above problems|url=https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/10/02/miss-universe-bet-inspire-others-to-rise-above-problems/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-01|website=Daily Tribune|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001203826/https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/10/02/miss-universe-bet-inspire-others-to-rise-above-problems/ |archive-date=October 1, 2021 }}

In January 2021, she completed the citizens military course training of the Philippine Army Reserve Command in Eastern Visayas which allowed her to be part of the Philippine Navy Reserve Unit, with the rank of corporal.{{Cite web|title=Ms. Universe PH Beatrice Luigi Gomez: Hail to the fierce Corporal queen|url=https://mb.com.ph/2021/10/01/ms-universe-ph-beatrice-luigi-gomez-hail-to-the-fierce-colonel-queen/|access-date=2021-10-01|website=Manila Bulletin|date=October 2021 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Enriquez|first=Em|date=2021-09-30|title=10 Things You Need to Know About Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez|url=http://www.preview.ph/culture/miss-universe-philippines-2021-beatrice-luigi-gomez-bio-a2135-20210930|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-30|website=Preview|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930165600/https://www.preview.ph/culture/miss-universe-philippines-2021-beatrice-luigi-gomez-bio-a2135-20210930 |archive-date=September 30, 2021 }} In October 2021, Gomez was promoted to sergeant.{{Cite web|last=Potestas|first=Clint Holton|date=2021-10-05|title=Exclusive: New Miss Universe PH Bea Gomez is now a naval reserve sergeant|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/spotlight/10/05/21/new-miss-universe-ph-is-now-a-naval-reserve-sergeant|access-date=2021-09-30|website=ABS-CBN}}

In May 2022, she was named as one of the honorary members, among the first batch, of the newly launched Friends of Marines, a civilian organization by the Philippine Marine Corps.{{cite news |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/05/26/22/beatrice-gomez-gets-military-merit-medal |title=Beatrice Gomez gets military merit medal |work=ABS-CBN News |date=May 26, 2022 |access-date=June 2, 2022}}{{cite news |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/450428/beatrice-gomez-receives-military-merit-medal-from-ph-marine-corps |title=Beatrice Gomez receives military merit medal from PH Marine Corps |work=Inquirer.net |date=May 26, 2022 |access-date=June 20, 2022}}

Gomez is one of the founders of BEyouthfulPH, an organization that extends assistance in uplifting the lives of disempowered and disadvantaged children in different parts of the Philippines. One of the organization's programs focuses on children in conflict with the law, guiding and inspiring them to become more proactive and law-abiding Filipino citizens.{{Cite web|last=VNExplorer|date=2021-09-29|title=All the Advocacies Supported by the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Candidates - VNExplorer|url=https://vnexplorer.net/all-the-advocacies-supported-by-the-miss-universe-philippines-2021-candidates-ei20211019113.html|access-date=2021-10-01|website=VNExplorer.net|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=ago|first=Em Enriquez-A. day|title=10 Things You Need to Know About Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez|url=http://www.preview.ph/culture/miss-universe-philippines-2021-beatrice-luigi-gomez-bio-a2135-20210930|access-date=2021-10-01|website=Preview.ph}}

In an interview, Gomez, who is bisexual,{{Cite web|last=Malig|first=Kaela|date=2021-09-30|title=Before winning crown, out and proud queen Beatrice Gomez says PHL ready to send an LGBTQIA+ member to Miss Universe|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/805294/before-winning-crown-out-and-proud-queen-beatrice-gomez-says-phl-ready-to-send-an-lgbtqia-member-to-mis/story/?amp|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-01|website=GMA News Online|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001100111/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/805294/before-winning-crown-out-and-proud-queen-beatrice-gomez-says-phl-ready-to-send-an-lgbtqia-member-to-mis/story/?amp |archive-date=October 1, 2021 }} also says she "hopes that younger LGBTQIA+ people would be free from bullying and violence:

Just like what everyone hopes for in the LGBTQIA+, I aspire for acceptance and inclusivity — especially equal rights and protection for the younger generation who oftentimes suffer from bullying and different forms of violence. They are left to fend for themselves, particularly those that are oppressed by their own parents.

Gomez also holds the presidency of the Rotary International Rotaract Club of Metro Mandaue.{{Cite web|last=Pereña|first=Triz|date=2021-10-03|title=Celebs to Beatrice Luigi Gomez's first IG post as Miss U PH 2021: "Laban dai!"|url=https://kami.com.ph/134833-celebs-react-beatrice-luigi-gomezs-ig-post-miss-universe-ph-2021-laban-dai.html|access-date=2021-10-03|website=Kami.com.ph - Philippines news.|language=en}}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=October 3, 2021 |title=Beatrice Gomez on being Miss Universe Philippines 2021: 'No words can describe the pride and honor that I've been blessed with' |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/artandculture/805532/beatrice-gomez-on-being-miss-universe-philippines-2021-no-words-can-describe-the-pride-and-honor/story/ |access-date=2021-10-03 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}}

Gomez is a bisexual woman.{{Cite web|last=Semilla|first=Nestle|date=2021-10-04|title=Cebu City prepares physical, virtual homecoming for Miss Universe PH 2021 Beatrice Gomez|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1496602/cebu-city-prepares-physical-virtual-homecoming-for-miss-universe-ph-2021-beatrice-gomez|access-date=2021-10-04|website=INQUIRER.net|language=en}} She was previously in a relationship with disc jockey and entrepreneur Kate Jagdon.{{Cite web|last=Ramos|first=Neil|title=MUPH candidate from Cebu is proud member of the LGBTQ community|url=https://mb.com.ph/2021/08/31/muph-candidate-from-cebu-is-proud-member-of-the-lgbtq-community/|url-status=live|date=2021-08-31|website=Manila Bulletin|access-date=2021-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831171038/https://mb.com.ph/2021/08/31/muph-candidate-from-cebu-is-proud-member-of-the-lgbtq-community/ |archive-date=August 31, 2021 }}{{Cite web|last=Licsi|first=Ayie|date=2021-09-02|title='My happy pill': Meet Miss Universe PH Cebu City bet Beatrice Luigi Gomez's girlfriend of six years|url=https://philstarlife.com/style/724514-miss-universe-ph-cebu-beatrice-luigi-gomez-girlfriend?|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-30|website=The Philippine Star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902093841/https://philstarlife.com/style/724514-miss-universe-ph-cebu-beatrice-luigi-gomez-girlfriend |archive-date=September 2, 2021 }}{{Cite web|title=Kate Jagdon confirms split with Miss Universe PH 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez|url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/celebrities/kate-jagdon-confirms-breakup-miss-universe-philippines-2021-beatrice-luigi-gomez|access-date=2021-11-23|website=Rappler|date=November 23, 2021 |language=en}}

Gomez also does boxing, scuba diving, and mixed martial arts.{{Cite web|last=Sancha|first=Gilbert Kim|title=Miss Universe bet: Inspire others to rise above problems|website=Daily Tribune|url=https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/10/02/miss-universe-bet-inspire-others-to-rise-above-problems/|access-date=2021-10-01|language=en-US|archive-date=October 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001203826/https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/10/02/miss-universe-bet-inspire-others-to-rise-above-problems/|url-status=dead}}

Gomez is first cousin to Rizzini Alexis Gomez, Miss Tourism International 2012–2013 and niece of former Philippine Basketball Association player Roel Gomez.{{Cite web|title=Former USJ-R volleyball player ascends throne as beauty queen|url=https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/the-freeman/20211002/281724092711869|date=2021-10-02|last=Villaruel|first=Emmanuel B.|access-date=2021-10-08|via=PressReader}}

{{Reflist}}

{{S-start}}

{{S-ach}}

{{S-bef

| before = {{flagicon|India}} Adline Castelino
(3rd Runner-Up)
{{flagicon|Dominican Republic}} Kimberly Jiménez
(4th Runner-Up)

}}

{{s-ttl

| title = Miss Universe Top 5 Finalist
(with {{flagicon|Colombia}} Valeria Ayos)

| years = 2021

}}

{{S-aft

| after = {{flagicon|Curaçao}} Gabriëla Dos Santos
{{flagicon|Puerto Rico}} Ashley Cariño
(Top 5)

}}

{{S-bef|before=Rabiya Mateo
{{small|(Iloilo City)}}}}

{{S-ttl|title=Miss Universe Philippines

|years=2021}}

{{S-aft|after=Celeste Cortesi
{{small|(Pasay)}}}}

{{S-end}}

{{Miss Universe Philippines titleholders}}

{{Miss Universe Philippines placement}}

{{Miss Universe 2021 delegates}}

{{Portalbar|Philippines|Biography}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gomez, Beatrice}}

Category:1995 births

Category:Bisexual sportswomen

Category:Bisexual military personnel

Category:Living people

Category:Filipino bisexual women

Category:Filipino LGBTQ entertainers

Category:Filipino LGBTQ sportspeople

Category:Miss Universe 2021 contestants

Category:Miss Universe Philippines winners

Category:People from Cebu City

Category:Cebuano people

Category:Visayan people

Category:21st-century Filipino LGBTQ people

Category:Cebuano beauty pageant winners

Category:LGBTQ beauty pageant winners