Taylor Sheesh opens up on how she deals with homophobia, bashers

Taylor Sheesh has received hateful words because of her gender identity, like many members of the LGBT+ community.

On Tuesday's "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," the Filipino drag artist opened up about how she dealt with homophobia while growing up, saying she just chose to stay silent and be with her friends.

"Mahirap kasi 'pag nakipagtalo ka kasi, alam mo 'yun, hindi nila maintindihan. So sa bandang dulo, ikaw 'yung magmumukhang masama, so gusto ko pa rin sa chosen family kasi sila 'yung mga nakakaintindi," she said.

When asked what kind of homophobic remarks she received, she said, "'Yung parang automatic [na] 'pag bakla, mahina." She would also get called "salot."

Taylor Sheesh said that she was very afraid back then, which is also why she didn't fight back.

"Takot ako noon, Tito Boy. Takot na takot," she said, adding that there was also some physical abuse on top of the harsh words thrown at her.

"'Di ako nagsalita. Napili kong manahimik nang ilang taon," she said.

When it comes to bashers, she admitted that she used to respond to them.

"Dati po mapagpatol ako. Pero ngayon, sa sobrang busy, wala na akong time. Kaya 'yung pronouns ko, both blessed and successful. Parang 'Ay, wala na akong time. Ayoko,'" she said.

Taylor Sheesh was also asked if she had already forgiven those who hurt her.

"Opo. Parang dati, puro ako galit and everything. Pero habang tumatagal, parang 'Sige, patawarin na kita. Pero hindi ko makakalimutan 'yung ginawa mo,'" she said.

Taylor Sheesh has made waves around the world for her performances as Taylor Swift after her viral staging of the Eras Tour in Trinoma, Quezon City. She was featured on "Good Morning America," Rolling Stone, Pop Crave, and Gay Times.

In an exclusive interview with GMA News Online, Taylor Sheesh said the international attention was totally unexpected.

The success has just been pouring in for the drag artist. She got her first billboard, appeared on "It's Showtime," became the endorser of an international makeup brand, and performed her first international show in Singapore.

Last month, her story was told in an episode of "Magpakailanman," which showed how she was not accepted by her parents in her early life.