THE COTABATO Queen 2025 concluded with a message of inclusivity and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community in the province.
Yuan Gubaton of President Roxas town emerged victor, among the 23 candidates, as the Cotabato Kulayaan Queen 2025, during the grand coronation on Saturday, July 11, at the University of Southern Mindanao Auditorium, USM Kabacan.
Gubaton’s winning answer to the question stunned the judges and won their approval. The question goes: “Many Filipinos now believe gays and lesbians are trustworthy and contribute to society’s progress, as a member of the LGBTQIA+, how will you prove that this trust and belief in your value to society are true?”
She answered: “Coming into this competition, I have a lot of regrets in myself. When I ran for the position of SK Chairwoman in my community, people began to question my capabilities. I was told that I will never be enough as a public servant because I am a transwoman. But that moment, I began to challenge that status quo of the community, and I aimed to earn the trust and belief of my community that it’s never about the gender, it’s never about the status in life, it’s about how you can amplify voices and make an impact on society. I may be different, we may be different, but we always make a difference.”
Gubaton also bagged the Serbisyo at Malasakit award through her advocacy on HIV-AIDS awareness in her community.
Meanwhile, Khiara Lumantao of Kidapawan City was awarded Kulayaan Queen Charity, and Jysn Sore of Pigcawayan was hailed as Kulayaan Queen Tourism.
Third district Rep. Maria Alana Samantha Taliño Santos said in her speech that the pageant is not merely an event but a movement to further inclusivity.
“We must continue to create a space- safe, open, joyful- a space where every voice is heard, every identity is honored, and no one gets left behind,” Santos said.
Now in its second year, the event is the province’s first and largest LGBTQIA+ pageant, spearheaded by Santos and under the leadership of Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza.
Santos said the Kulayaan is a platform for the community to push awareness on HIV-AIDS focused on the LGBTQIA+ community.
Vice Governor Rochelle Marie Taliño-Taray, delivered the message of the governor, reiterated that the province has a space for the LGBTQIA+ community.
“You deserve our respect, recognition every single day,” Taray said.
Taray stressed to push for the protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare of the LGBTQIA+ through legislative measures.
