Keri Beks: Pinoy beks celebrate first National Gay Congress

Celebrities, personalities, and LGBT icons gathered on Tuesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City for the first National Gay Congress.  

Among the icons who shared their messages to the attendees were fashion designer Renee Salud, businessman Joel Cruz, and beauty expert James Cooper, a report on "24 Oras" said on Thursday.

Another big name at the event was Diamond Star Maricel Soriano, who sang a few songs including "I Am What I Am" from "La Cage Aux Folles," a musical comedy that centers on the life of a gay couple.

Performers for the night included Elmo Magalona, Jay-R, Kris Lawrence and Masculados, who dedicated their performance to slain member Ozu Ong.

Asia's Diva Dulce and pop-rock band Aegis also performed at the congress.

Dancer Zeus Collins and internet sensation Maria Sofia Love almost stole the show with their respective production numbers, the report said.

Meanwhile, other Kapuso celebrities also showed up to show their support for the LGBT community. They were Miss World 2013 and TV's newest Marimar Megan Young and her Sergio, Tom Rodriguez, who arrived with rumored girlfriend Carla Abellana.

"[They need] more respect and recognition that they're humans just like us," Rodriguez said.

"Hindi pwede na hindi sila pansinin at pasalamatan," Abellana said.

Ladlad party-list and other politicians were also at the event.
 
Dubbed as Keri Beks, the event was organized by broadcaster Korina Sanchez-Roxas, who also founded United LGBT Philippines.

"Lahat ng mga grupo ng mga beki sa bawat city, bawat probinsya, pinuntahan ko iyan nang isa-isa. Nakinig ako sa mga kailangan nila sabihin, kaya nabuo ito. They really need empowerment kasi talagang mayroon pa ring diskriminasyon," she said.

Her husband, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, was also at the event to show his support.

"This is her project. Sinusuportahan niya ito at sinusuportahan ko rin siya sa kanyang mga gawain. At ako naman, kinikilala ko ang kahalagahan ng ating mga kapatid at napakaganda ng mensahe dito," he said. —Trisha Macas/KBK, GMA News