Father gives all-out support to LGBTQIA+ child: If they’re accepted by family, they can face all hardships

Lawyer Jojo Salomon noticed early on that his child liked pink toys and clothes and gravitated toward feminine items.

“Kahit bata pa I already had an idea,” he said during Athena Imperial’s “24 Oras” report Friday, referring to his trans daughter Rica Salomon, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, intersex, and asexual and/or ally).

The father said he had always been supportive of his daughter, from her beauty contest stints to her 21st birthday, which she celebrated debutante-style. 

“Kung alam nilang tanggap sila ng family nila, kakayanin nila lahat iyan. Iyon ang support nila, na iyong family nila ay andun sa likod nila na handang ipaglaban sila,” he said.

[If they know they are accepted by their family, they can face all hardships. That’s their support, that they know their family is behind them and ready to fight for them.]

“Love your children unconditionally, whatever (they want) in life. They are people like us, nasasaktan sila (they get hurt too).”

In turn, Rica has grown up confident and maintaining communication with her parents, opening up to them about everything she goes through, including heartbreaks.

“Because of my support system I was able to live my life free of judgment and fear. I was able to express myself,” said Rica, the founder of clothing brand Tayo Movement.

She said she understood the worries of some parents because of the discrimination their child may face.

However, Rica said it’s important for parents to give a safe space for their children to fully express themselves.

“That is the greatest act of love that you can give,” she said. “Yes they experience discrimination outside but when they come home they feel safe with you.”

She also said she hoped for a future where people didn’t need to celebrate LGBTQIA+ pride because it’s normal. – RC, GMA News