Ben&Ben's Paolo Benjamin denounces using 'bakla' as insult: 'Hay, Pilipinas, ang layo pa natin'

Ben&Ben frontman Paolo Benjamin took to social media to denounce the usage of "bakla" as a derogatory word.

In a series of tweets on Wednesday, the singer expressed his disappointment on the assumption that some activities or items such as clothes are specific only to one gender.

These came after Paolo posted a photo of himself wearing a beautiful printed dress, telling his followers to be comfortable in their own skin.

"Sana'y makamove-on na tayo bilang bansa sa paggamit ng 'bakla' bilang insulto," he said.

"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," he added.

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.

— Paolo Benjamin (@PaoloBenjamin_) February 10, 2021

He urged the Philippines to "grow up."

"Hay, Pilipinas, ang layo pa natin," he said. "Kids, be free to be yourselves. Don't let anyone bring you down."

panghuli, sana'y makamove-on na tayo bilang bansa sa paggamit ng "bakla" bilang insulto. 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!

— Paolo Benjamin (@PaoloBenjamin_) February 10, 2021

Ben&Ben is a nine-piece OPM band known for their hit songs "Kathang Isip" and "Pagtingin." —Kaela Malig/MGP, GMA News