Why Aiza is transgender, not lesbian

MANILA - Aiza Seguerra has finally spoken at length about his sexual orientation, a month after his fiancee, actress Liza Dino, said that the former child star now sees himself as a man.

In an interview on "Aquino & Abunda Tonight" that aired Thursday, Seguerra explained to host Kris Aquino the difference between being a lesbian and a transgender.

"Ang lesbians kasi ay women na ang sexual preference nila ay women also. Ang transgender naman ay iba 'yung gender identity namin sa assigned sa akin," he said.

Seguerra said he only recently realized his sexual orientation, after years of "unanswered questions" about his identity.

He explained: "Ngayon ko lang na-identify talaga para sa sarili ko. Before kasi, as a lesbian, ang dami ko paring questions na hindi [masagot]. When I finally discovered sa sarili ko na I am not lesbian and I am a transgender, there you go. It answered a lot of questions."

Man and woman

Asked how Dino identifies herself, Seguerra said his fiancee is straight and not a lesbian. He explained that since he is a transman, "hindi niya ako tintingnan as a woman."

In an earlier interview with ABS-CBN News, Dino said Seguerra's sexual identity has "validated" that she is a straight woman.

She said at the time: "Ako din, sa sarili ko, it was something that I had to go really go through in terms of asking myself and going through that, 'Ano ba talaga ako because of my relationship with Aiza?' My role in the relationship has always been a woman, a wife."

Reacting to the apparent confusion of Aquino at his answer, Seguerra said he is grateful that there are more opportunities now to spread awareness about the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community.

"Maraming questions and at least now mas may avenue to explain. Kasi, kumbaga, we all say LGBT, but well know only LG, pero 'yung BT, medyo [hindi naiintindihan]," he said.

The "Pagdating ng Panahon" hitmaker clarified that he is not yet considering a gender re-assignment surgery. "Wala pa ako doon," he said. "Me identifying myself as transgender is more para sa akin."

'Padre de familia'

For now, Seguerra said he is happy to fulfill his responsibilities to Dino and her daughter from a previous relationship, who he now considers his own. He lamented, however, that there are still those who question his role in his family.

"Ito ang hindi ko maintindihan, eh," he said. Sa guys, it is expected of them to take care of their family. Why can't I do that? I have my own family now. Ako ang tumatayong padre de pamilya ng pamilya ko. Bakit issue kung alagaan ko sila? Dapat hindi."

Seguerra and Dino are set to hold a concert that will recall their love story -- from their first meeting 13 years ago, to preparations leading up to their upcoming wedding.

Dubbed "High On Love," the concert will be held at the Music Museum in San Juan City on August 22. Part of the show's proceeds, Seguerra said, will go to the production of a film promoting awareness about the LGBT community.

Watch the full episode in iWant TV or TFC