Coleen Garcia calls out people assuming son Amari's gender identity and sexuality

Coleen Garcia addressed gender and sexuality stereotypes amid comments from netizens attempting to label her son Amari based on his interests.

On Facebook, Coleen expressed concern over assumptions made about children, saying she does not understand why a child’s gender identity or sexuality is often judged through what they like.

“Liking flowers doesn’t define who a child is. Amari has loved flowers and plants since he was little, and that’s simply part of who he is, curious, gentle, and appreciative of nature,” she said.

She also urged people to be more mindful online and to stop labeling children based on stereotypes.

“Interests don’t determine gender or sexuality. Kids should be free to enjoy gentle things, creative things, and beautiful things, like flowers, without being boxed into assumptions,” Coleen said.

In the comments section, Coleen attached a screenshot of a remark claiming that boys who like flowers are likely to become gay, and that "Amari has the highest probability of becoming one."

In response, Coleen reiterated that a boy liking flowers “doesn’t mean anything beyond the fact that he likes flowers.”

“Amari has loved plants since he was little, and that should be celebrated, not labeled. Kids deserve the freedom to be themselves, gently, fully, and without assumptions,” she said.

Coleen and Billy Crawford tied the knot in 2018 and welcomed Amari in 2020.

Last year, they welcomed their second child, Austin. 

—Carby Rose Basina/JCB, GMA Integrated News