'Old school': John Lapus reacts to Ricky Reyes, Renee Salud views on younger LGBTs

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December 15, 2025 | 2:00pm

MANILA, Philippines — In “Call Me Mother,” John “Sweet” Lapus plays Mother M de Guzman, the “mother” of Mother Twinkle, played by Vice Ganda. The cast also include trans actress Iyah Mina and Internet queer sensation Esnyr. As the more senior among the LGBTs in the cast, Lapus holds the respectable position of being the cast’s default mother figure.

However, two persons are considered the de facto mothers of Filipino LGBTs: the beauty entrepreneur Mother Ricky Reyes and legendary fashion designer Mama Renee Salud.

Reyes said in an interview that marriage is "just for a man and a woman."

"Don’t interfere with God’s work, it’s already there, right? That’s overboarding. That’s not right," he said. 

Salud also shared his view in the same interview.

"As for me, go ahead and give them rights, give them a space in society, but the problem with some gays is that they ask for too much. Too entitled. If you’re only going to pursue marriage for the legalities because of the division of wealth or properties, you can discuss it. Just be partners in that aspect," the fashion designer said. 

Does Lapus, who is also embraced by LGBTs as a mother hen, agree with their polarizing statements about younger generations of LGBTs are asking for too much rights or are too entitled? Here is Lapus’ impassioned response:

“I think their issue is with trans women in particular. Parang may nakita pa akong interview ni Mother Ricky na sinasabi niya na at the end of the day, ang trans women ay bakla pa rin.

“And with all due respect, I think Mother Ricky is wrong. But I can't blame him. Syempre, old school. May edad na Mother natin.

“Siguro 'di pa sya nakaka-attend ng transgender/trans woman acceptance workshop. Or wala pa syang masyadong knowledge that trans women are women, too. And there's such a thing as gender dysphoria. There are people who think and believe that they are in the wrong body. At nangyayari talaga ‘yan all over the world.

“Ako, para sa akin, at the end of the day, tanggapin mo na lang ang lahat. Respect. So, kung sa palagay ng isang trans woman na s’ya ay woman, ang isang transgender naniniwala na s’ya ay babae, ibigay na natin kung ‘yan ang kaligayahan n’ya. Kesa mag-komento pa tayo ng mga bagay na nakakasakit ng damdamin," Lapus said. 

The actor noted how personalities like them with influence and responsibilities should think before they say their piece about issues. Lapus stressed that the younger generation looks up on them, thus it is important that they are conscious about their statements and actions. 

“Ako siguro, sana may matapang na tao na makalapit sa kanila at ma-explain kung ano ba ang tama at nararapat. Baka wala kasi silang ganun, na baka walang nagsasabi sa kanila na ‘Hindi, mali ‘yung pananaw na 'yan.

“Na ang trans woman ay bakla, na ang bakla kahit pitpitin na parang hamburger ay hamburger pa rin. Or something like that. ‘Yun ay maling pananaw. ‘Yan ay makalumang pananaw. At ‘yan ay nakakasakit ng damdamin.”

Message to younger LGBT members

Lapus was also asked about his message for the younger generation of LGBTs, a demographic that has seen an increase in suicide rates. The actor reiterated that the younger generation do not need to worry because there will always be older ones who are going to be supportive and accepting of them. 

“To the LGBT community, who are every day feel that they are not accepted. They feel that they are hated by some. They feel that they are alone. They feel that they are not normal. Don't be afraid. You are not alone," Lapus said. 

He added that there will always be like-minded ones, who face the same problems and challenges. 

“Dahil ‘pag dalawa na kayo, you will feel stronger, you will feel more confident. You will feel more accepted. And you will realize that the people who say bad things about you or things that you do not like are just noise. Ang importante is that you know who you are. You believe in yourself. You love yourself other than the noise around you," Lapus ended. 

RELATED: John Lapus appeals to young people to practice safe sex