Mark Estephen, the former transgender pageant queen whose shift to identifying as a man again made headlines early this year, opened up on Wednesday about his struggle with his gender and how his faith helps him navigate uncertainties.

In a Facebook post, Mark Estephen, formerly known as Sabel Gonzales, wrote: “Despite all the controversies, I realized that I really need the Lord. If I decided to live again as a trans, it doesn’t mean I will give up my faith, I still keep moving and continue my personal relationship with the Lord, because I need Him in every area of my life not just in my identity.

“And to all my transgender sisters, if you truly believe that trans is beautiful, be beautiful inside and out. Be kind. Stop the hatred, insecurities, and pride. Only the love of God can heal our brokenness.”

Mark Estephen’s statement followed the circulation of recent photos where he is seen with a traditionally feminine look, wearing a figure-hugging black dress and full makeup. Some followers of Mark Estephen took the photos as his apparent shift back to identifying as Sabel.

He did not give a direct confirmation of being a transwoman again, only calling himself a “sinner” and an “imperfect person,” in the context of his newfound faith which he had credited for the gender shift in January.

“I’m also human, I’m not perfect, and I know that in every decision that I make, there’s a consequence. I’m not proud just to show my pride, but I humble myself to admit that I am a sinner that need the forgiveness of God. I am imperfect person that needs the perfect love of God.

“This is the reality that people should know, it is not easy what I am going through, but I still have hope in our Lord Jesus Christ that I will be transformed inside and out in His right time,” he said.

A subsequent post addressed his followers, asking for compassion and prayers amid his struggle.

“Isa lang po pakiusap ko sa mga kapatid ko sa Panginoon, don’t pressure me or attack me by using the word of God. I know I stumbled, but I really need your respect, prayer, kindness of heart, compassion and love,” he wrote.

Prior to re-introducing himself as a man using his birth name in January 2018, Mark Estephen identified as a woman for eight years, having started his transition when he was 19.

As Sabel Gonzales, he was popular in the transwoman pageant circuit, and even competed internationally.

• WATCH: Ex-transgender queen Mark Estephen on 'immorality' of same-sex romance

In a June 2018 interview with ABS-CBN News, Mark Estephen acknowledged that his decision to become a man again would come with many challenges, among them his attraction to men and the physical changes he had gone through as Sabel.

At the time, he referred to same-sex relationships as “immoral,” and said he would turn to his faith to resist the temptation of entering a sexual relationship with a man.