Miss Iloilo 2024 Alexie Brooks opens up about her sexuality

"I don't think I would want to change me just because I need to please the world."

by Bong Godinez

Published Mar 25, 2024

"But Alexie is Alexie regardless of, you know, what she feels like wearing on that day," said Miss Iloilo 2024 Alexie Brooks. The beauty queen has been open about her sexuality, labeling herself as androgynous.

PHOTO/S: Alexie Brooks (Instagram)

Miss Iloilo 2024 Alexie Brooks is breaking beauty queen stereotypes.

For starters, Alexie is a dedicated athlete who excelled in track and field while representing the National University (NU), earning recognition as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in season 2022 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

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Even more notable is her involvement with the national team, where she proudly represented the Philippines in the 2022 Southeast Asian Games held in Vietnam.

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Alexie was named Miss Iloilo on January 13, 2024, at the coronation event held at West Visayas State University Cultural Center in La Paz, Iloilo City.

Winning the crown makes Alexie Iloilo's official representative in national pageants, particularly the Miss Universe Philipines.

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Read: Rabiya Mateo, naniniwalang malakas ang laban ni Miss Iloilo Alexie Mae Brooks sa Miss Universe Philippines 2024

Proud androgynous

During a recent interview, Alexie candidly discussed her sexuality, expressing her hope that her openness would inspire others to be more open and embrace their individuality.

Alexie described herself as "androgynous," indicating that she embodies traits of both masculinity and femininity.

"There are those days or there are times that you feel more masculine, and there are times you feel more feminine," said Alexie.

She continued, "You know, we live in a society where people would label you, that if you're gay, you just be gay. If you're lesbian, then be a man."

For Alexie, there's no need to choose one from the other "if you can be anything you want and you're comfortable."

Read: Ahtisa Manalo at Alexie Mae Brooks, early frontrunners sa Miss Universe Philippines 2024

Continued Alexie, "I have days that I'm very feminine. I'd wake up and I'm listening to Beyonce or Rihanna, and then I have days that I feel more masculine.

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"But Alexie is Alexie regardless of, you know, what she feels like wearing on that day."

PROUD LGBTQ MEMBER

Alexie feels that her sexuality and being open about it makes her unique among her peers.

"I really hope that this is like an eye-opener to people, especially to the people of the country, that there's nothing wrong with being a part or being a member of the LGBT community, and, you know, I'm really happy that I'm here," she stated.

"To all my fellow LGBT family, I am here and I am proud of who I am.

"And I really hope that you too are proud. And as long as we're not hurting other people, we're not stepping on anyone's, you know, just be you."

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Alexie emphasized that one shouldn't feel compelled to change or conform to fit others' perceptions of what is considered normal.

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NOOD KA MUNA!

"I'm happy," stressed Alexie.

"This is me. I don't think I would want to change me just because I need to please the world."

SUPPORTIVE FAMILY

Alexie considers herself fortunate to have a family that fully embraces her for who she is, including her choices and preferences.

Born to a mother who worked as an overseas Filipino worker in Lebanon, Alexie was raised under the loving care of her grandmother, Lola Basing.

Read: Half-Lebanese na si Yasmien Kurdi, ikinalungkot ang nangyaring pagsabog sa Lebanon

Alexie never had the opportunity to meet her Black American father.

How did Lola Basing react when she told her about her sexuality?

"My grandma loved it. Of course, I grew up thinking that maybe she don't accept me for that."

Lola Basing is a religious person and she would always remind Alexie to pray all the time.

"One day I just told her, 'You know, I don't think I'm straight,'" recalled Alexie.

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"And she said, 'It's okay, regardless of what you choose or who you are, I love you for who you are.

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"'What you have deep inside your heart, that what makes you beautiful.'

"So regardless of what you choose or the partner that you choose, love is love, and we're all here to love everyone."