Raymond Gutierrez comes out as gay on magazine cover
“I don’t want it to feel like I’m hiding or I don’t want it to feel like I’m not happy because I am”
TV host Raymond Gutierrez revealed on Sunday August 1 that he is gay.
In an exclusive interview with Mega Magazine, Raymond opened up about the difficulties he faced coming to terms with his sexuality and why he decided to come out publicly.
“Growing up, it was hard for me to recognize who I am. What is it? I had my brother who was so much like me but so different in so many ways. But he never had to explain his sexuality, so why should I? And that was my thought growing up,” he said.
Raymond, the twin brother of actor Richard Gutierrez and son of celebrity couple Eddie Gutierrez and Anabelle Rama, added that he needed to think about how his sexuality would affect his family’s image. “Being part of a family that is in the public space – we’ve all been artists for many generations already – I didn’t decide things for myself. The things I do will not only affect me, but will also affect my family. So it was kind of like the burden I was carrying.
He also recalled that he was even bullied when he was starting out in the television industry. “Being gay today is not the same as being gay then. Ten years ago it was totally different. You feel like a mutant. You walk in backstage and people will say , ‘Ah, diba ‘yun ‘yung baklang kapatid ni Richard (Isn’t that Richard’s gay brother)’ Like I could literally hear them.
“I was still going through so many emotions at this point that I had no idea. Like, ‘Can I go through this first before you label me anything?’
But Raymond realized that he owed it to himself, his family and his friends to be true to himself. “As I got older and matured, I realized that the best thing you can really give your family is to be yourself. So drop the coat, drop the act; be yourself.”
“I’m lucky because my family wants nothing but the best for me. They always want me to be happy…. I had friends who are like my family. My chosen family who made it much easier for me to realize that it’s never too late to love yourself, that it’s never too late to recognize those feelings and face your fears.
He added: “I’m with a lot of my close friends and I’m lucky to have this support system around me to give me the confidence to really accept who I am and love myself.”
Although he is already open about his sexuality to his family and friends, Raymond said he has also decided to come out publicly. “I don’t want it to feel like I’m hiding or I don’t want it to feel like I’m not happy because I am.”
“I’m here to officially say that I’m a proud member of the LGBTQ community. And it feels good to say it publicly because I am,” Raymond said.
He also hoped his story would inspire others not to rush to define how they feel. “I want to be an example for the next generation who are struggling, who feel repressed to take the time to find themselves and be happy with themselves. For me, it’s… sexuality is just one aspect of who you are. It doesn’t define who you are.
Several celebrities and industry friends wrote messages of support on Raymond’s post. Anne Curtis wrote, “I’m so proud of you,” while Bubbles Paraiso said, “Always support you, and it will get more people out in the open, talking about who they really are.”
Richard, Sarah Lahbati and Lorin Gutierrez also shared their love for Raymond.
Instagram of Raymond Gutierrez
Raymond Gutierrez, 37, is a host, endorser, columnist and entrepreneur. He starred in the reality series It takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez. He also hosted GMAs Starstruck, Pinoy Idol, Showbiz Central, and TV5 Showbiz font. – Rappler.com
