Erap expresses support to LGBT community

Joseph ‘Erap’ Ejercito Estrada is still the Mayor of Manila after the Supreme Court ruling. (Photo courtesy of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada Facebook page)

MANILA —  Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada urges everyone to broaden their understanding and appreciation of the local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community.

“I could not help but look back at how far our LGBT community has reached. They have already been recognized by other countries. It’s about time that we give due recognition and respect for them,” Erap said.

“They are responsible, creative and add color to the world.

Ang galing nilang lahat. (They’re all good.)” he said.

Erap recently held the first-ever Miss Gay Manula pageant at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

The pageant crowned Trixie Maristela as the first winner of Miss Gay 2015.

Maristela said he is grateful for the opportunity that Erap has given him and all the other contestants.

“I would like to communicate with them (politicians) to represent the LGBT community. I want to make a partnership with them so I can create my advocacies,” he said.

Talking about the LGBT community, he said:

“I don’t want them to be limited with the rules of society. I want them to live freely without judgment and discrimination.”