The LGBTQ+ community has an ally in Jackie Lou Blanco.
In an interview with Fast Talk with Boy Abunda on June 9, 2023, the actress proudly shared the coming-out story of her eldest daughter Rikki Mae Dabao.
She recalled, "I had a feeling na kasi. So when she came to me, she goes, ‘Mom, I have to tell you something.'
"Sabi ko, ‘Okay.’ Tapos feeling ko, ‘Oh my, ito na talaga ito. I think this is the day.'"
But when the moment came, it seemed like Rikki Mae was having trouble finding the right words.
Jackie Lou continued, "And then, dumating na siya, pero siyempre may kasunod na girl. Pero nakatayo siya dun ng 15 minutes na walang sinasabi.
"So sabi ko, 'Rikki Mae, do you want Mama to tell you what I think you’ll tell me?'
"Sabi niya, ‘No, Mama. I have to do it. Let me say it.'"
As it turned out, the pivotal moment needed only the simplest words.
"Sabi niya, ‘Mama, I’m gay.’ Sabi ko, ‘I know.’”
As for how she reacted, Jackie Lou admitted that she cried.
But the actress clarified, "I think I cried because I didn’t have to wonder, and I was so thankful that she had the courage to tell me.
"Because she was saying, ‘Mama, actually I was planning not to tell you na kasi feeling ko alam mo na.’
"Pero iba daw pala talaga pag sinabi mo na. So I was very thankful that I knew.”
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ALL ABOUT LOVE
Back in 2015, Jackie Lou spoke to PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) about how she felt when Rikki Mae came out to her.
At the time, she did not go into detail about the coming-out story.
Jackie Lou said, "I cried, not because I did not accept her.
"As a parent, we always have dreams for our children. I already have dreams for my children since they were born.
"But it is their life, not ours. Dapat isipin rin natin na kung may pangarap tayo para sa kanila, ano naman kaya ang pangarap nila para sa sarili nila?"
For Jackie Lou, it all comes down to loving your child unconditionally.
In the same interview, she expressed, "As a parent, all I did was to love.
"My feelings for my daughter never changed when she came out.
"Life is hard in itself. They need love and understanding.
"At the end of the day, being a parent is really all about love."
READ Jackie Lou Blanco admits her eldest daughter is gay
ADVICE FOR PARENTS OF LGBTQ+ KIDS
Jackie Lou acknowledged that not all parents may be able to handle the news as well as she did.
To some, acceptance happens gradually.
In the Fast Talk with Boy Abunda interview, she said, “Rikki Mae nga told me, ‘Mom, for some parents kasi, remember, even if the first reaction is not a good one, meaning, hindi ko alam kung paano kita tatanggapin or matatanggap ba kita, it’s not naman a permanent reaction.
"After a while, they might change their minds, and they might be more accepting.'"
Jackie Lou’s advice back in 2015 continues to hold true today.
She told PEP.ph, "The best thing is to accept your son's or your daughter’s choice.
"Kung pinalaki mo silang maayos, walang mababago doon whether they choose to be gay.
"It’s all love. Love will always win sa mga ganitong situation ng buhay natin.”
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