TV host Raymond Gutierrez comes out publicly as gay: ‘I’ve never felt more happy’
Raymond's twin brother, actor Richard Gutierrez, is among those to throw their support behind the star.
Words: Jamie Tabberer; picture: Instagram/@mond
Congratulations are in order for TV star Raymond Gutierrez, who has come out publicly as gay in a new interview with Mega Entertainment.
The American-born Filipino presenter grew up famous as the son of actor Eddie Gutierrez; his twin brother is actor Richard Gutierrez.
Raymond, 37, told the publication that sharing his sexuality with fans was “a long time coming” while adding: “I think it’s an open secret.”
“He never had to explain his sexuality, so why should I?”
Raymond – who has presented extensively on the Philippines’ GMA Network – explained: “Growing up, it was hard for me to even acknowledge even 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.
“But then entering show business at 19 – well, I was a kid – but going back again to show business at 19 to be a TV host, that’s when it really hit me that, ‘Wow, being gay is really not accepted in a lot of these communities.’”
Further detailing his struggles growing up, the star recalled thinking: “I can’t be gay because my brother is a superhero, right?”
View this post on Instagram
Richard was among those to lend support however, leaving love heart emojis on Raymond’s Insta post about the interview.
In a subsequent post, Raymond said: “I was never not out. I never denied who I was. I just never shared my story publicly until now.”
He later added: “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.”
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