Celebrity parents of children who have come out as part of the LGBTQ community have inspired others with their warm responses toward their children. From showing their full support, to reminding their kids that there is nothing wrong with them, these parents have shown us how to respond to family members who choose to come out with love and empathy. May their words help those who might need to borrow them, and may it also provide support and acceptance to those who need them.
How celebrity parents supported their LGBTQ children
“This is something I will never ever hide from the public, or anyone should hide from the public because this is a serious matter.” -Leandro Muñoz
Leandro Muñoz, dad of two, shared in 2020 how he spoke to his child Frankie, who came out to him at 16 years old. “He was crying, sabi niya, ‘I need help… I need help maybe from a psychiatrist.’” But Leandro assured Frankie that there was nothing wrong with him.
“My point here is kailangan talagang i-support natin what makes our children happy,” he said in the same 2020 interview on Paolo Contis' YouTube channel. “Kung mayroon kayong anak na trying to come out, give a hundred percent support."
Leandro has two children, Frankie and Mason, and is married to Sheryl. Their family resides in the US. Their son Frankie just graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Psychology.
Read Leandro Muñoz's story here.
"Don't ever be apologetic about it, not even to me." -Ian Veneracion
Ian Veneracion, father of 3, also shared in a 2020 interview how his daughter Deirdre came out to him. She was teary-eyed when she told her father that she likes girls, to which Ian replied, "Me also, I like girls." His reply confused her and he said, "Don't ever be apologetic about it, not even to me." He added, "You can be whoever you want to be. And I have full support."
The actor said in 2020, "Nakakapanghinayang lang, isa lang ang buhay natin. Tapos apologetic ka pa, nahihiya ka sa sarili mo, hindi mo mailabas ang pagkatao mo. What a waste of life!"
Ian was first to speak to Dids, his nickname for her, before his wife Pam. He also gently broke the news to her, to which she replied to Ian, "Kung saan siya masaya, masaya ako."
Read Ian Veneracion's story here.
"I will love her just the same... All my children are perfect." -Sharon Cuneta
Sharon Cuneta and former Senator Kiko Pangilinan's daughter Miel came out in June 2022, just in time for pride month. When Mielposted on Instagram, both her parents followed up with their own heartfelt posts. Sharon wrote, "Lots of people who are quick to judge instead of pausing to think for a moment that my daughter, like so many members of the LGBTQ+ Community, did not choose to be queer. She just is."
She added, “She will certainly be treated no different by us her family and those who truly love her. I will love her just the same, if not more. Like I said, all my children are PERFECT."
Her lengthy post filled with love and support ends with three simple words: No big deal.
Sharon Cuneta has four children, KC, Frankie, Miel, and Miguel.
Read Sharon Cuneta's story here.
"Kung hindi ko matatanggap, paano pa kaya 'yung ibang tao." -Oneal Brian, Awra Briguela's father
Awra Briguela's father Oneal Brian shared on Karen Davila's vlog how he processed his thoughts and feelings of Awra's gender identity."Kung san masaya anak ko, doon po ako masaya. Nung nararamdaman ko na ganoon siya, tinanggap ko na po sa sarili ko. Kasi kung hindi ko po matatanggap, paano pa kaya 'yung ibang tao," he said in 2021.
Awra shared in the same interview what the effect of his father's support was, "Hindi niya po ako kinakahiya sa ibang tao lalo na sa mga tropa at kaibigan niya. Binibida niya pa po kaming magkapatid...Proud siyang may anak siyang gay."
Read Oneal Brian and Awra Briguela's story here.
Click this story of parents who brought their toddler to the pride march.
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