Boy Abunda. CONTRIBUTED photo For Boy Abunda , the celebration of Pride Month is a simple reminder of his “right to live, love and be human.” “I should be able to do that with pride,” the veteran television host told the Inquirer over dinner with a group of reporters.
But it’s not as simple as it may sound. To this day, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, he pointed out, continue to face hostility and discrimination in different spaces in society. He brought up the recent viral incident about a ride-hailing service passenger getting admonished by the driver for dressing up in a way the latter perceived as feminine.
He also recalled doing an interview with a father who—in hopes of making his gay son act tough— resorted to shaming and physical abuse. “Homophobia is still prevalent in homes, in workplaces. There’s even a kind of homophobia that comes in the guise of love,” Boy said.
He then thought of using music to tell stories that capture the struggles and hopes of the LGBTQIA+ community. “Say It Clear, Say It Loud” (Star Music) is an EP featuring six tracks penned and executive produced by Boy himself and with vocals from queer singers John Saga, Raven Heyres and Anton Antenorcruz. The EP will be formally launched on June 27, a day prior to the 54th anniversary of the Christopher Street Liberation Day, a precursor to what is now known as Pride Month.
Held on June 28, 1970, in New York City, the historic event, along with parallel events in other cities.
