Boy Abunda is turning 68 on Oct. 29.
Considered an LGBTQIA+ icon, Boy Abunda actually started his showbiz career as publicist and talent manager before establishing himself as a reliable talk show host.
In a recent interview with "24 Oras," Boy shared some of the hardships he experienced before he got to where he is now.
"I roamed the streets of Manila. Natulog ako sa benches ng Luneta dahil wala akong matirhan. Nagutom ako, minsan wala ako makain..."
Although a practicing Catholic and an ardent Marian devotee, Boy is openly supportive of same-sex marriage, expressing disagreement with the Church's stand on homosexuality.
Asked if there is something he would like to do for the community, Boy shared his desire to initiate an LGBT census here.
“I want to launch the Philippine LGBT census. Ano ito? Gusto kong bilangin kung ilan ang LGBT people in this country. Naniniwala ako that data is power. Kung malalaman natin ang LGBT people in this country, simple lang ‘yun, I will go to the senate and say, ‘Mga senador, pitong milyon po kami gusto niyo ho bang pakinggan kami?’”
As he celebrates his birthday this weekend, Boy shared a message for the youth.
“Be the best of who you are and be the best on all that you do. Be true to who you are."