Raymond Gutierrez
TAKOT na takot si Raymond Gutierrez na umamin at ibandera sa publiko na isa siyang beki dahil ayaw niyang bigyan ng kahihiyan ang kanyang pamilya.
Hindi naging madali para sa kakambal ni Richard Gutierrez ang naging buhay niya noong pilit niyang itinatago ang tunay niyang pagkatao at matagal-tagal din niyang kinamuhian ang sarili dahil dito.
Sa Instagram, sinagot ni Raymond ang mga taong nagsasabing alam na nila noon pa ang kanyang pagiging bading kasabay ng komento na sana raw ay dati pa siya nag-come out.
Narito ang kabuuang IG post ng Ztv host, “I was never not out. I never denied who I was. I just never shared my story publicly until now.
“Growing up, it took a while for me to face my true identity, and figuring it out wasn’t easy. I went through a long period of time hating myself because society taught me that being different wasn’t the right path, especially for someone growing up in the public eye.
“I went through a dark phase of self destruction – creating unhealthy habits to have some sort of escape so I didn’t have to face my reality.
“I kept things to myself because I was scared to bring shame to my family, and didn’t know how others would treat me,” pahayag ng twin brother ni Richard.
Patuloy pa niya, “I’m thankful to those close to me – my friends and family for giving me the confidence to embrace myself fully without judgement. I consider myself lucky because some people don’t have a support system they can run to.
“Which is exactly why I’m sharing my story now. Because if there’s one thing I learned this past year and a half is that life is fleeting.
“I want to encourage those who feel alone that it’s never too late to love yourself, acknowledge those feelings and face your fears — because it feels damn good to be on the other side.
“Sexuality shouldn’t define who you are and it should never hinder your greatness. For me personally, being in touch with my masculine and feminine side allowed me to push boundaries creatively and create magic with the projects I do.
“So to those saying ‘we knew’, you never knew my story and my struggles.
“And if you’re reading this and you feel like you’re alone, I want to let you know that I went through the same things – you will be loved, your feelings are valid, and those who truly love you will stick around,” lahad pa ng proud member ng LGBTQIA+ community.