Ben&Ben's Paolo Guico says 'bakla' should not be used as an insult
Ben&Ben singer and songwriter Paolo Guico is not afraid to call out Filipinos on the topic of gender identity as he answered the many comments about a selfie he posted on Monday, February 8.
On both Twitter and Instagram, Paolo posted two photos of himself--one wearing a dress and the other a shirt and trousers--with the caption, “Be comfy in your own skin.”
The post on both social media sites has garnered so many likes from fans who lauded his bravery for standing up against gender stereotypes on what one should wear.
A few days later, Paolo shared his stand on gender expression and argued about Filipinos' outdated thinking regarding the topic.
He said, “Never assume anyone's gender based on the clothes they wear. Hay, Pilipinas, ang layo pa natin *sigh*
“Higit pa rito, mali ang mag-assume na ang isang bagay o gawain ay panlalaki o pambabae lamang.
“Kids, be free to be yourselves. Don't let anyone bring you down.”
Furthermore, the singer reiterated that the term “bakla” or gay should never be used as an insult and that he is committed to standing with the LGBTQ+ community to fight for their rights and freedom.
“Panghuli, sana'y makamove-on na tayo bilang bansa sa paggamit ng 'bakla' bilang insulto,” he declared.
“As a heterosexual male, I may not be in the place to speak for them, but I will fiercely fight for our LGBT friends and listeners. You are valid, accepted, and loved.
“Pilipinas, let's grow up!”
Besides Paolo, all of his fellow Ben&Ben members champion LGBTQ+ rights, both in music and interviews.
In 2020, their fans even launched a campaign called “BBs Pride Home,” which aims to give fellow listeners a safe space to open up and share their stories and experiences.
In an interview with the press, percussionist Toni Munoz said, “Dahil start of the Pride [Month], they encouraged people to share stories about being part of the LGBTQ+ community and how they relate that story to Ben&Ben songs.
“So I guess very important move 'yun. People are willing to listen to them.
“Nakakatuwa kasi maraming taong nakakahanap ng mga bagong kaibigan or kahit 'di kaibigan or mga taong nakakaintindi sa kanila ro nakaka-relate sa kanila.”
She added, “Initially, nagsimula lang dahil sa music. Common like nila ang music namin pero eventually lumalim at lumalalim pa 'yung relationship nila sa isa't isa.
“Their role in our lives, personally, sobra silang nakakainspire. Kung papaano sila maging andiyan para sa isa't isa at para sa community.”
Like Ben&Ben, here are other celebrities who champion LGBTQIA+ rights:
Meanwhile, aside from their fans, K-pop artists have also grown to love the music of Ben&Ben.
Take a look at some of the Korean idols who raved about the nine-piece OPM band in this gallery: