A finalist in the Miss Trans Global Philippines 2022 gained online attention after carrying a cloth onstage containing a political statement.

Zoe Black, who represented Bulacan in the beauty pageant, dressed as a Filipina revolutionary warrior in the regional costume portion.

She donned a white Filipiniana top, a red sash and a skirt accompanied by a bolo sheath on the side.

When Zoe reached the edge of the stage after her runway walk, she took out a makeshift bolo which revealed a fabric with the words: “NEVER AGAIN!”

Pictures of the portion were shared on Twitter, where Zoe was praised by some Filipinos for making a stand.

“No words. I’m just so proud of you. Salamat sa pagtindig sa kahit saan man tayo dinadala ng pagkakataon. I love you, sister,” a Twitter user said.

“True queen attitude. Titindig kahit saan,” another online user wrote.

“Loud and Proud! #NeverAgain,” a different Filipino tweeted.

Don Escover, who is behind Zoe’s scroll, shared that he is “more than proud” to be part of this statement costume.

“Maraming salamat sa paggamit ng platapormang ito para sa mas malaking laban natin. Proud of you, @mszoeblack,” he tweeted.

Miss saHHara, president of Miss Trans Global and founder of the TransValid.org, also praised Zoe in a Facebook comment.

“Queens like you are the reason why we started Miss Trans Global. I am so proud of you,” she wrote with emojis of hearts, raised hands, raised fists and folded hands.

Zoe shared that she chose to take the statement in the beauty pageant “because of the organization’s battle cry to change the patriarchal narrative of…