Television personality Raymond Gutierrez has come out as gay.
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The celebrity addressed his sexuality for the first time as he sat down for an exclusive interview with Mega Magazine for its August issue.
“Growing up, it was hard for me to even acknowledge who I am. Like, what is this? I had my brother who was so similar to me but so different in so many ways. But he never had to explain his sexuality, so why should I? And that was my thinking growing up,” he began.
He shared how difficult it was to be judged by people in the studios and to experience being labeled as the “baklang kapatid ni Richard” (Richard’s gay brother) especially since he himself has yet to come to terms with his sexuality. The confusion and the mounting pressure of being in showbusiness took a toll on Raymond’s mental health.
“I really became self-destructive. I turned to alcohol, I turned to drinking, partying, and to food unhealthy habits—just because I had no way else to express myself,” he recalled.
“As I grew older and as I matured, I realized the best thing that you can really offer your family is to be yourself. So drop the cloak, drop the act; just be yourself,” he added.
And with this, he proudly announced: “I’m here to formally say that I am a proud member of the LGBTQ community. And it feels great saying that publicly because I am.”
“I am out to a lot of my close friends and I’m lucky that I have that support system around me to give me the confidence to really accept who I am and to love myself because not a lot of people have that? Some people feel alone, some people feel like they don’t have anyone to run to. I’m lucky that I’m surrounded with a lot of great people in my life my family, my friends,” he added.
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In an Instagram post he shared on Monday, August 2, Raymond thanked all those who supported and loved him throughout his coming out journey and left a message of hope to all those who are still struggling to accept their own queerness.
(ALSO READ: Here’s What It’s Like to Date Amid the Pandemic as a Member of the LGBTQIA+ Community)
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.
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.
Raymond, 37, is a host, endorser, columnist, and entrepreneur. He is best known for hosting “Pinoy Idol” in 2008, as well as “Starstruck,” “Showbiz Central,” and “Showbiz Police.”
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