LIST: These celebrity parents are in full support of their LGBTQ+ kids

MANILA, Philippines – For many in the LGBTQ+ community, coming out, especially to family, is never easy. While more and more relatives have become open and accepting in recent times, it’s still a luxury that most can’t have. 

Let’s put a spotlight on these celebrity parents who are nothing but supportive and proud of their LGBTQ+ kids.

Ian Veneracion

In an interview with Magandang Buhay, Ian Veneracion recalled when her daughter, Deirdre, came out as a lesbian to him when she was 16 years old. While Deirdre, or Dids as they fondly call her, was nervous about admitting her sexuality to her dad, Ian did not make a big deal out of it, assuring her that there was nothing to worry about. 

“Just don’t ever be apologetic about it. Not even to me. Sabi ko (I told her), ‘You can be whoever you want to be and I have full support,” he said. 

The actor also emphasized that there was no need to be apologetic about one’s sexuality. “Nakakapanghinayang lang, isa lang ‘yung buhay natin, tapos ‘pag nabuhay ka, tapos ano pa, parang apologetic ka pa sa sarili mo, hindi mailabas ang pagkatao mo, parang what a waste of life,” Ian said later on. 

(It’s such a shame; we only have one life, and as you’re living it, you’re apologetic of yourself, you can’t be your true self. It’s like a waste of your life.)

Sharon Cuneta

After her youngest daughter comes out as queer, Sharon Cuneta took to social media to share how proud she is of Miel. “All I will say is that I love all my children and will support them in their lives and choices,” she said. 

In a separate post, Sharon admitted that she’s aware that Miel’s admission will draw lots of attention, most of which are negative, but the actress reiterated that it’s not a big deal. “What’s next is that I will have a happier daughter who is now ‘free’ and will always be a good person with a good heart – and still always courageous.” 

She added that Miel will be “treated no [differently]  by 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. I may be a Mom with traditional values, but that doesn’t mean that my mind is too tiny to accept people for what they are – what more my own child? What matters in a person is their goodness. Sincerity, pureness of heart. Faith in God. In Miel, I have all those. I am proud of my girl and always will be.” 

Aside from Sharon, Miel’s father Senator Kiko Pangilinan and siblings KC Concepcion and Kakie also showed their support for Miel.

Ally Sheedy

Hollywood actress Ally Sheedy is a proud parent of son Beckett, who came out as transgender during his teens. In an interview with PEOPLE, the actress recalled what she learned from her son’s transition process, emphasizing the importance of having a “loving, supportive community.”  

“I want him to be able to do what he wants to do with his life and have the freedom to make his own choices and surround himself with a loving, supportive community. So far, he’s been able to do that. Beck doesn’t hide anything,” she said.

The actress added that she is also open to talking to any parent whose kid is just starting with their transition process. “Parents need to educate themselves. It’s natural to have fears about your kids, no matter what. But in this case, Beck is in a really great place in his life.”

Gloc-9

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Gloc-9, or Aristotle Pollisco in real life, disclosed that he’s dedicating his 2012 hit song “Sirena” to his son Daniel, who came out as a gay. 

The rapper recalled that he initially felt scared when he wrote the track. “’Yung song na ‘yan, nung ire-release namin ‘yan, takot na takot ako. Takot na takot dahil ayaw kong maka-insulto ng tao,” he told ABS-CBN News. (That song, when we released that, I was really scared. I was scared of offending other people.) 

Thankfully, he received nice feedback about the song, with it even being considered an anthem of the Filipino LGBTQ+ community.  

But it wasn’t until years later, when his son Daniel came out, that the song “Sirena” gained a deeper significance on his life. 

“My son is gay. Nung sinulat ko ‘yun, hindi niya pa sinasabi sa amin. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko sasabihin sa anak ko na, kung gaano ko siya kamahal. Hindi naman ako ma-showbiz and I think para sabihin ko ito now, ako ay proud na proud sa anak. Ako ay excited sa kung ano man ang kaya niyang ma-achieve sa buhay niya,” he said. 

(When I wrote ‘Sirena,’ he hasn’t told us yet that he’s gay. I’m not sure how I can tell my son how much I love him. I’m not a showbiz person and for me to say this now, I want to share how proud I am of my son. I am excited to see whatever he’ll achieve in his life.)

Billy Ray Cyrus

pic.twitter.com/iPpNhHgNde

— Miley Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) December 27, 2018

Pop superstar Miley Cyrus came out as pansexual in 2016, and dad Billy Ray Cyrus rallied behind her. “We’ve always been very open-minded,” he told E! News.

“Listen, it’s all about love and light…. Forget the negativity and the haters. She’s rocking and rolling and having a good time. What the world needs is love. There’s too much hate….  The world needs positive influences.” 

Khary Paton

Walking Dead star Khary Payton penned a heartwarming message as he introduced his son Karter as transgender. “You see, he was born female but has always identified as a boy. He thought it would be cool if I announced it on social media.” 

The actor added that he warned his son that “there would be so many supporters but also a lot of jerks who would be harsh,” but his son responded that he “can handle trolls.” 

Khary then shared his sentiment about watching his son Karter in his transgender journey. “There is nothing more beautiful than watching your child feel the joy of exploring what it means to be true to themselves…. This is his journey, and I am here for it. I hope you all have the opportunity to feel the unquenchable love that I am feeling right now.” 

Cynthia Nixon

In 2018, Sex and the City actress Cynthia Nixon disclosed that her son Samuel is transgender. 

“I’m so proud of my son Samuel Joseph Mozes (called Seph) who graduated college this month. I salute him and everyone else marking today’s #TransDayOfAction,” she wrote on Instagram. – Rappler.com