Sharon Cuneta’s youngest daughter Miel Pangilinan comes out as a member of the LGBTQ community. The 17-year-old student, who is the younger sister of Frankie Pangilinan and half-sister KC Concepcion, shared her announcement on her Instagram account on June 15.

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She wrote:

“This June, I am celebrating my first pride month as openly and publicly queer. :) 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. 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.”

READ: Sharon Cuneta’s daughter Miel turns 17

More than focusing on her personal announcement, Miel also took the opportunity to also shed light on the other younger members of the LGBTQ community who are going through a similar experience like her.

“I'm also incredibly thankful that I am able to safely celebrate my identity this year, as I know there are many of 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,” she shared.

READ: Frankie Pangilinan moves back to New York City

Now that she has gone public about her sexuality, Miel admitted that she also has a responsibility to educate herself about gay rights in the Philippines.

“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. happiest and safest of pride months, allies and members of the queer community alike.”