‘Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11’ housemate Brx Ruiz, known as the “Seamanluluto ng Bacolod,” publicly came out as gay during Monday night’s episode.
Brx, who has been nominated for the upcoming eviction, opened up about his true self during a candid conversation with Kuya. Fighting back tears, Brx expressed that it was time for him to embrace his identity and be true to who he is.
“Siguro ito na ang week, Kuya, na (kailangang) maging matapang ako at open na ako sa sarili ko, kung sino ako, kung ano ako. Alam ko na magiging life-changing ito para sa akin at isa ito sa reason ko, Kuya, kung bakit sumali ako. Yung kilalanin ko pa ang sarili ko, maging matapang at hindi iisipin kung ano ang iisipin ng ibang tao. Sumali ako rito dahil sa isang rason din Kuya,” Brx said.
He explained that joining the show was a personal journey to better understand himself and to gain the courage to be unapologetically authentic. “Kuya, I am a gay man and, it’s time na po na isipin ko ang sarili ko. Hindi dahil nominado ako kaya ko sinabi ito kung hindi ito talaga ‘yung purpose ko rin. Yung toxic masculinity sa isang workplace dapat iwasan talaga ‘yon.”
Brx also spoke about the pressure of working in a male-dominated environment, where he feared being judged for his sexuality. He said he never had to officially come out to his family, as they had always been supportive and accepting. “Wala naman po akong coming out moment sa family ko. Since bata ako parang alam na din naman nila, ganoon po ako. Natanggap nila lahat, suwerte po talaga ako sa mga magulang ko. Never po nila ako akong hinusgahan,” he shared.
In the same conversation, Brx revealed that he has been in a committed relationship for nearly 10 years with a partner who is also a seafarer. “Yes po mag-a-almost 10 years na po kami Kuya. Isa po siyang Second Officer, dalawang step na lang magkakapitan na po. Doon din po ako humuhugot ng suporta at saka inspirasyon sa kanya kasi napakabait na tao ‘yon. He is the most kindest person na nakilala ko. Sa 10 years namin, ‘yung respeto talaga nangingibabaw saka siya ‘yung support system ko. Sa lahat ng bagay, nandiyan siya,” Brx said, describing his partner as the kindest person he knows.
Kuya responded with words of encouragement, praising Brx’s bravery in coming out in such a public forum. “Brx, humahanga ako sa katapangan mo. Sa mundong mapanghusga, hindi madali ang pagharap dito. You have taken a brave step. And you have sailed many oceans para humantong sa ganitong desisyon,” Kuya said, reminding Brx to hold on to the support of those who love and value him as he navigates this new chapter in his life.
After his conversation with Kuya, Brx shared his truth with his fellow housemates, admitting that coming out was the bravest thing he had ever done. Overwhelmed with emotion, he told his housemates, “Ito yung pinakamatapang na ginawa ko sa buhay ko. Naiiyak ako. I’m scared,” before they comforted him with hugs and words of support.
Brx is currently one of four housemates up for eviction this week, following the third nomination night on Sunday.
