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Local band Ben&Ben‘s singer Paolo Guico took a stand against homophobia on Twitter last Wednesday, February 10.
He called out the casual discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community by saying that the term “bakla” or “gay” shouldn’t be used as an insult.
“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 wrote.
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
He also advised everyone not to assume anyone’s gender based on their clothing and label something as binary and exclusive to a single orientation only.
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
The tweets came after he posted two photos of himself wearing different outfits; one was a dress and the other consisted of a black shirt and jeans.
“Be comfy in your own skin,” he wrote.
be comfy in ur own skin pic.twitter.com/jh52r8OcY7
— Paolo Benjamin (@PaoloBenjamin_) February 8, 2021
Ben&Ben is a band formed by twins Paolo and Miguel Guico, who was formerly known as The Benjamins. They released their debut EP in 2016 under the major record label Warner Music Philippines. A year after, the band then expanded their musicality by announcing new members – making it a 9-piece ensemble.
The band rose to fame after making music for several popular films. This includes Susi for the movie Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral and Maybe the Night for Exes Baggage.
In 2019, they released their debut album Limasawa Street which is composed of some of their hit singles namely Kathang Isip, Ride Home, and Leaves which has also garnered international attention due to its toned-down tune and meaningful lyrics.
Ben&Ben consists of members who vocally advocate gender equality. They have launched BBs Pride Home during the Pride month of 2020 in hopes of giving their fans a platform to share their stories and struggles with the support of the community beside them.
