Boy Abunda calls for compassion after remarks on LGBTQ parenting

Television host Boy Abunda used his platform to respond calmly but firmly to controversial remarks made by Alvin Aragon — husband of Izzy Trazona — about the LGBTQ community.

Speaking on the 25 February episode of Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, the veteran interviewer acknowledged that Aragon’s statements may have stemmed from faith.

“I’d like to be gracious to Alvin. He’s coming from a point of faith, his belief. His belief is real. But for me, he crossed a line,” Abunda said.

He stressed that while personal beliefs deserve respect, they should not be used to judge families who choose to accept and support their LGBTQ children.

“He went too far when he cited parents like K Brosas, Ian Veneracion and Gloc-9, as if what they were doing was wrong,” Abunda said, referring to Aragon’s remarks. “In other words, he seemed to suggest that embracing LGBT children is not right because it is not written in God’s commandments. To me, that was an overstretch. That was wrong. That’s where he crossed the line.”

Abunda said the most painful implication was the suggestion that rejecting a child could be seen as the “correct” way of parenting.

“It hurts because it’s as if he’s saying this is the right parenting style — that we are right because we do not allow or accept it — as opposed to those who choose to embrace their children with love, dignity, kindness and compassion,” he said.

For Abunda, faith should not be imposed on others.

“You cannot impose your faith. You cannot impose your parenting style. You cannot impose yourself on us,” he said. “No one can tell us — not you, not anyone. If your belief is different, if your faith is different, I respect you deeply.”

He clarified that his disagreement was not personal, noting that he had a pleasant experience with Aragon and Trazona during their guest appearance.

Ultimately, Abunda framed the issue not as a theological debate, but as a matter of empathy.

“Will I go to hell because I am gay? Will parents who embrace their children with love and dignity go to hell?” he asked. “I believe in a God who is kind, compassionate and understanding, who sees my heart.”

Quoting St. John of the Cross, he concluded: “In the evening of life, we will all be judged on love and love alone.”