In a heart-to-heart conversation released as an interview on Friday, actress-host Kris Aquino assured her son, 14-year-old Bimby, that she accepts him regardless of his gender identity.
The video, released through Aquino’s Facebook page, is the second of two parts where the celebrity mother and son exchanged seven questions each, in light of Bimby turning 14 recently.
“How do you feel, honestly, when you read those comments and they say you’re gay?” Aquino asked her son for her first of seven questions.
Bimby, who was seated across his mother, answered: “Wala, I don’t really feel anything. If you think I’m gay, alright. But you do realize that the gay community sa Philippines is a strong community. And you do realize that I’m 14.”
“I know what I am. I’m straight as an arrow,” he said.
“Are you sure?” Aquino clarified.
“Yes,” Bimby answered.
“I want to bring this out also,” Aquino told her son. “Whatever you are, I’ll accept. I really don’t care, honestly. Whatever you choose to be, it will be fine with me for as long as you excel. Whatever you’re going to be, you better be the best at the profession you choose.”
Born to celebrity parents — Aquino is dubbed local showbiz’s “Queen of All Media,” while his father, basketball player James Yap, is a superstar of the sport — Bimby has grown up before the public eye.
In Aquino’s custody after the separation of his parents, Bimby would often appear alongside his mother in her TV programs, and now, her digital shows. He has also starred in three movies.
In March, Aquino called out “homophobic attitudes” of her detractors, in response to comments about Bimby’s sexual orientation.
“I know my son doesn’t identify as being gay, but in the event he ever does, he will still be my son. The bullying you are doing is a reflection of your homophobic attitudes that are no longer welcome in 2021,” Aquino said at the time.
Aquino, in her conversation with Bimby, also asked her son whether he has “questioned” himself, on the topic of gender.
“No, not at all,” Bimby answered.
Turning to face the camera, as prompted by his mother, Bimby emphasized: “Here, I’ll set the record straight. I’m straight. I like women. I don’t like boys.”
Aquino then told him, “You know, Bimb, whatever you choose to be, it’s none of their business.” (MNS)
