Blacklist International star Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna took a stand for the LGBTQ+ community after receiving homophobic remarks in the middle of the Mobile Legends Professional League Philippines (MPL PH).

OhMyV33nus found himself the target of distasteful comments as Blacklist saw its undefeated run to start Season 7 of MPL PH snapped by Bren Esports on Thursday, April 29. (READ: Bren Esports deals Blacklist first loss in crazy MPL PH comeback)

“As a member of LGBTQ+ community and a pro player of MPL PH, I stand to fight not just to win but to serve as an inspiration to each member of my community,” OhMyV33nus wrote on Facebook.

“[I want] to open the minds of not just the audience but also players like me who want to join this industry.”

“Yes, it is hard and you will go through a lot just like what happened, but I’m telling all of you, it is the challenge that refines us to become a great person,” he added.

The veteran mid laner said he addressed the issue knowing he is not the only one affected by unpleasant remarks.

“I will use any platform that I can to spread awareness about how homophobic slurs affect a member of LGBTQ+ and how to turn that negativity into inspiration to keep moving forward,” OhMyV33nus said.

An offseason acquisition from Onic PH together with Danerie James “Wise” del Rosario, OhMyV33nus has helped turn Blacklist into a title contender.

OhMyV33nus has tallied 180 assists through Week 5, second only to Blacklist teammate and league-leader Jayson “Eson” Gerardo, who has recorded 196 assists.

Blacklist currently leads Group B with 19 points. – Rappler.com