Driven by a heart for service and a desire to inspire young LGBTQIA+, the newly crowned Reyna ng Davao 2026 Kylie Noelle Pasaje is set to push forward her advocacy of creating safer spaces and inclusive healthcare for young LGBT, especially for young trans women during her reign and beyond.
“I want to be not just a face of our city, but also to serve our city, to promote the beauty of our culture, our tourism, and to be an inspiration sa atoang LGBTQIA+ community, especially sa mga transgender women nga kabatan-onan … I want them to see me as an example (I want to not just be a face of the city, but also to serve it, to promote the beauty of its culture and tourism, and to be an inspiration to the LGBTQIA+ community, especially to the young transgender women … I want them to see me as an example),” she said in an interview with the Turismo Dabawenyo program over city-owned Davao City Disaster Radio.
Pasaje was crowned Reyna ng Davao 2026 with her court Reyna ng Kapayapaan 2026, Ani Sa, and Reyna ng Pagkakaisa 2026, Elle Manuel on June 19.
She carried herself with the strength and grace of a woman who walks with the purpose of creating ripples of change in the community, and ensures that the LGBTQIA+ community, especially the youth, is seen, heard, and given the adequate support.
A businesswoman from Barangay Mandug, Pasaje emphasized that transwomen are women. They are just as capable as any other cisgendered individuals who have dreams and aspirations, rights that should be honored, and opportunities that they should not be discriminated against.
In a message read by Councilor Myrna L’Dalodo-Ortiz during the coronation night, City Mayor Sebastian Duterte expressed his hopes for the Reyna and her court to carry their crown with an unwavering spirit that empowers others.
“It is our hope that you will carry the crown with pride, confidence, and an unwavering spirit of self-love and visibility that resonate in every voice, empowering others, and becoming proactive agents for a better future not solely for yourself but also for the greater community,” he said. CIO
Written by: J. Villaluz
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: J. Faelnar