Ian Veneracion Is A 'Proud Daddy': "Who she loves is her business"

Actor Ian Veneracion took to Instagram to express his dismay over homophobic comments aimed at his daughter, Deirdre 'Dids' Veneracion, who was part of Preview's 2024 Pride Month cover story. Bashers attacked the musician's sexual orientation, and Ian reacted by showing his child full support.

Ian, who considers himself a "proud daddy" to his child, reposted Dids' photo from the cover story. He captioned, "Seriously, let's all just cut the bullsh*t. People should be honored and respected for their compassion, courage, and integrity—not for the choices they make in the privacy of their bedrooms. Proud of my daughter for embodying these values. Who she loves is her business."

ALSO READ: Expert Answers: What If My Child Is Gay? What Should I Do?

Dids came out to her dad as a lesbian at 16 and was surprised by how easily Ian accepted that she "liked girls." What she didn't know was that Ian had noticed "signs" early on—he just never assumed or brought it up. "Bata ka pa, ang macho mo na," Ian told Dids during their Magandang Buhay interview.

The best response when your child comes out to you

Parents play a crucial role in unconditionally loving, supporting, and guiding their children. It is important to create a safe and accepting environment for your child, no matter what their sexual orientation may be.

Showing unconditional love and support regardless of your child's sexual orientation is essential for their mental and emotional well-being. Instead of confronting your child, approach the situation with interest, like how Ian did. Encourage open dialogue and let your child know that you are available to discuss any topic.

Avoid making assumptions and give your child the space to share their thoughts and feelings in their own time. By demonstrating acceptance and respect, you can build trust and create an environment for honest communication with your child.

Preview Pride June 2024 Cover Story

Preview launched a cover featuring 32 queer celebrities and artists from various media sectors with the theme "The Show Must Go On." This cover story is a powerful symbol of unity, strength, and visibility, embodying the essence of Pride Month, which aims to shatter stereotypes and foster a deep understanding of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Read here for more stories of Filipino celebrity parents who openly supported and accepted their queer kids.