Ben&Ben's Paolo Benjamin Responds After Netizens React to His Photo Wearing a Dress
Ben&Ben band member Paolo Benjamin is rallying for the eradication of gender stereotypes with his new Instagram post. On February 8, 2021, the band's vocalist and guitarist posted a series of photos on Instagram, one with him wearing a dress and boots and another with him wearing shirt and pants. The caption reads, "be comfy in your own skin."
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Fans of the homegrown band showed support towards the sentiment and showered the post with positive reactions. Others, however, reacted differently to the photo. On February 10, Paolo took to Twitter to address the negative comments and stand by his cause, saying, "Never assume anyone's gender based on the clothes they wear. Hay Pilipinas, ang layo pa natin *sigh*."
Lastly, the musician encouraged people to leave behind the misconstrued belief of calling someone "bakla" as an insult, which many netizens have commented on his said Instagram post. "As a heterosexual male, I may not be in the place to speak for them but, I will fiercely fight for our LGBT friends and listeners. You are valid, accepted and loved. Pilipinas, let's grow up!" he adds. Industry colleagues like writer Juan Miguel Severo rallied behind the musician and showed their support.
Paolo has been open about advocating for breaking gender stereotypes. Previously, he's also posted selfies of him wearing winged eyeliner and putting on a pink headband.
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