Andrea Brillantes. Photo from Dreamscape Entertainment.
MANILA — "Thank you, goal ko 'yan."
This is how Andrea Brillantes reacted when asked how she felt to be considered a gay icon by the LGBT community.
"Gustong-gusto ko talagang maging gay icon, bilang parte ako ng community na 'to at ally din ako. Siyempre it's an honor, sobra talaga," she said.
Brillantes credited the LGBT community for helping her grow as an actress when she was still starting.
"Kasi lumaki po ako with my mom, lahat ng friends ay parte ng community na ito at maaga akong nagtrabaho, na-expose ako sa community na 'to kasi sa industriya kong 'to ang dami natin dito," the actress said.
"Sila 'yung naging best friends ko, sila 'yung nagturo sa 'kin ng pag-aawra, pag-gay lingo. Kumbaga binuild nila kung sino ako ngayon. 'Yung personality na meron ako ngayon, dahil din sa kanila, and to be able to represent this, sa generation sobra akong nagpapasalamat," she added.
The "Drag You and Me" lead actress hopes that she will make an impact in educating her generation to be more accepting of the LGBT community.
"Gusto kong malaman ng generation ko kung saan ba talaga tungkol ang drag, kung saan ba talaga tungkol ang community na 'to. Hindi lang sa generation kung 'di sa generation na hindi pa rin kayang tanggapin 'to," she said.
Episodes of "Drag You and Me" will be available on iWantTFC starting June 2.
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