In celebration of Pride Month, Unkabogable star Vice Ganda openly expressed his profound love for his husband, Ion Perez, and shared the challenges they face as a same-sex couple.
Through a series of heartfelt Instagram posts, Vice Ganda provided a glimpse into their journey and the societal pressures they navigate.
Vice Ganda’s Instagram featured video clips from his television shows, highlighting the difficulties of being in a gay relationship. “I will always retell our story with pain but with high hopes, gratitude, joy, and #PRIDE. May WE all continue to love and win. Happy Pride to my LGBTQIA+ community!”
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One emotional clip showed Ion Perez proposing to Vice Ganda on the show ‘Everybody Sing’ in July 2023. Vice Ganda shared his initial struggle with accepting the proposal due to societal judgment. “Naiinggit ako kasi hindi ganoon ‘yung naramdaman ko nu’ng nag-propose sa ‘kin si Ion,” he confessed, tearfully. “Naiinis ako kasi hinayaan kong talunin ng takot ‘yung dapat saya kong naramdaman.”
He explained that the external scrutiny and criticism impacted his ability to fully enjoy the moment. “Sobrang dami ng sinasabi sa amin ni Ion, nanakawan ako ng joy, parang sa inyo, ‘di ba? Ang sarap ng normal, kasi ang normal niyan (engaged couples) sa paningin ng marami, ‘di ba? ‘Yung babae tsaka lalaki pero ‘yung sa amin hindi normal ‘yung tingin sa amin (LGBTQIA+ couple).”
However, Vice Ganda shared that he has since overcome these fears. “‘Yung fear ko nu’n, wala na at ‘yung care ko nu’n sa ibang tao, wala na. Kasi all my care now, lahat ng care ko, na kay Ion na lang at sa nararamdaman namin.”
In another video, Vice Ganda discussed the broader challenges faced by gay individuals in relationships. “‘Pag bakla ka, ang hirap magkajowa. ‘Pag bakla ka, ang hirap ipaniwala sa mga tao na mahal ka ng jowa mo,” he stated.
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The couple had a commitment ceremony at The Little Vegas Chapel in Nevada, USA, in 2021, symbolizing their deep commitment to each other despite the non-legal status of their union.
