Blacklist International star Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna called for change in the esports scene after being the target of homophobic comments by a fellow professional Mobile Legends player.

OhMyV33nus broke his silence on Wednesday, August 18, after he and teammate Danerie James “Wise” del Rosario became the subject of obscene remarks by Omega Esports ace Duane “Kelra” Pillas.

Kelra insinuated in a video that made rounds on social media that OhMyV33nus, a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, and Wise engaged in a sexual relationship.

In another video, Kelra made sexual comments about Chareeny “Ramella” Ramella of Thailand team IDoNoSleep Esports.

“Gusto ko lang ipaalala sa inyo na hindi kailanman naging maganda ang pambabastos at never itong naging katawa-tawa,” OhMyV33nus wrote on his Facebook page.

(I just want to remind everyone that disrespecting somebody is and will never be a laughing matter.)

“Sabi nga nila, ‘words matter,’ kaya ayaw kong sumagot sa issue na ito na alam kong hindi magkakaroon ng magandang epekto. Sana din ay lagi nating tandaan na bago tayo chumika, maiging pag-isipan talaga muna.“

(Like they said, “words matters,” so that’s why I did not want to address this issue without being sure that this will only have a good effect. I hope we remember that before we talk, we should think hard first.)

OhMyV33nus also dealt with homophobic slurs in the previous season of the Mobile Legends Professional League Philippines (MPL PH), where Blacklist International emerged as champions.

The veteran support took a stand then, saying he wants to use his platform to inspire those from the LGBTQ+ community who also want to pursue a career in esports.

“Let us all have a sense of responsibility to whatever we do because everything has its own consequences,” OhMyV33nus wrote.

“And as a member of LGBTQIA+ and a professional player, I will continue to be an inspiration to fight and uphold my advocacies.”

MPL PH punished Kelra by suspending him for two weeks and fining him an undisclosed amount in violation of league rules involving sexual harassment, discrimination, and denigration.

Also, Kelra and all MPL PH players will be required to attend a gender sensitivity and sexual harassment awareness training seminar.

“Lagi niyong tatandaan … na kahit ano pa man ang inyong kalagayan o antas sa buhay, we should always give respect to others, lalo na kung gusto niyo rin na respetuhin kayo,” OhMyV33nus said.

(Always remember that no matter what your position in life is, we should always give respect to others, especially when you also want to be respected.)

“Hindi man iyon ibigay sa iyo, ang mahalaga ay naibigay mo ‘yon sa kanila. Always choose to #V33BETTER and #V33WISER.“

(Even if they do not give you their respect, the important thing is you gave yours. Always choose to #V33BETTER and #V33WISER.) – Rappler.com