Pride Month may be over, but the fight for equality among members of the LGBTQ+ community continues.

King of Talk Boy Abunda stated that many people and countries still do not accept homosexuality, considering it a crime, during a press conference for the official launch of the six LBTQ+-themed songs at Rampa in Quezon City recently.

"Mga tao kami. In one line I would say that. Pangalawa, huwag na tayong mag debate sa mga ilang bagay. Kung hindi man tayo magkita-kita on certain things, pero palagay ko magkakaintindihan tayo kapag sasabihin ko na tao ka, tao ako, at kung anong meron ka meron din ako," said Tito Boy when asked about his message to people critical of gays.

(We are people. In one line I would say that. Second, let's not debate on certain things. Even if we don't see each other on certain things, I think we will understand each other when I say that you are human, I am human, and what you have, I also have," said Tito Boy when asked about his message to people critical of gays.)

Homophobia, the fear of gay people or their sexual orientation, is still widespread in the modern world, he said.

"We want to be seen and heard. The truth is that we are invisible in many countries. This is 2024, and it's all happening. Last time, in our show 'CIA with BA,' meron kaming kaso kung saan ang tatay ay binubugbog at pinapahiya ang kanyang gay na anak. 

"I had the chance to talk to them. Umiyak ako. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, 'Nangyayari pa ba ito? 2024 na.' Yes, it is still happening. Homophobia is still prevalent. There is homophobia at home, in our workplace, and sometimes nagtatago under the guise of sometimes love. So that's what the song is all about," he added.

(I had the chance to talk to them. I cried. I said to myself, 'Is this still happening? It's 2024.' Yes, it is still happening. Homophobia is still prevalent. There is homophobia at home, which sometimes hides under the guise of love.)

The award-winning personality added: "Hindi po tayo sakit at hindi tayo kasalanan. In one of the songs, I wrote, ang sabi ko anak din kami ng Diyos. Sana mahipo rin ang kanilang puso at malaman nila na anak din kami ng Diyos."

(We are not a disease and we are not sin. In one of the songs I wrote, I said we are also children of God. I hope their hearts will be touched and they will know that we are also children of God.)

"Maraming young people are continuing the struggle or the fight (for equality). Marami pa rin ang hindi nakakaunawa. Hindi lang namin ipinapa-abot ang usaping ito sa local LGBTQ+ community. Hopefully we can reach as many people as we can," he also said.

(Many young people are continuing the struggle or the fight (for equality). There are still many who do not understand. We are not only reaching out to the local LGBTQ+ community. Hopefully, we can reach as many people as we can.)

These songs, each a unique expression of the LGBTQ+ experience, are brought to life by diverse performers. Bilang, Say It Clear, Say It Loud, and Ideal World are performed by Saga, Anton Antenorcruz, and Raven, showcasing the power of collaboration. Kalbaryo is a soulful solo by Anton, while Diyos Ko, Diyos Ko, and Papa Hallelujah are heartfelt renditions by Saga and Raven, respectively. These songs can now be heard or downloaded on various music platforms.

Tito Boy described the completion of his project as "orgasmic."

"But seriously, it took us five years to get to this stage. We just wanted to put up a band and start sana composing songs. Wala talaga kaming clear roadmap," he said.

Tito Boy believes that the project was completed because it was God's will.

"Kung ilalarawan ko paano namin narating ang moment na ito, ipinasa-Diyos na lang namin ang lahat. Ang dami talaga naming pinagdaanan. Hindi ko talaga alam how to compose songs but I know how it is to be gay and the pain and joy of being gay.

(If I were to describe how we reached this moment, we just gave everything to God. We really went through a lot. I don't really know how to compose songs but I know how it is to be gay and the pain and joy of being gay.)

"Ang baon ko lamang noong ginagawa ko ang project na ito ay ang mga kuwento ng mga LGBTQ+ plus community na ganito ang mangyayari para sa aming first LGBTQ+ themed EP. At nangyari na ito, so maybe kagustuhan din ito ng Diyos. Kasagsagan ng COVID-19 noong ginawa ko ang mag kantang ito. We have six songs for the EP.

(The only thing I had in my pocket when I was working on this project were the stories of the LGBTQ+ plus community that this is what will happen for our first LGBTQ+-themed EP. And it has already happened, so maybe it's God's will too. The height of the COVID- 19 when I made these songs. We have six songs for the EP.)

"It was a happy journey. I just started writing songs. That was the process. I was blessed with two composers, Gabriel Umali and Josh Castaneda. Ang support din ni Jonathan Manalo ay umaapaw. Hopefully, what we are doing today will pave the way for the next generation to have a better life," said Tito Boy.

Anton, Raven, and Saga expressed their gratitude for being part of the historic project.

"Salamat sa tiwala na maging part sa project na ito. Sobrang saya na naging part ako nito.Ngayon lang ako nakapag-perform na walang inhibitions. Hindi ko inisip kung ano yung sasabihin ng ibang tao.

"Finally, masasabi ko na part ako ng LBTQ+ community. I see it more as a responsibility. Hindi pa rin ako sanay kung paanio ko talaga ipe-present ang sarili ko although tanggap ko na ang sarili ko. Pero I want to inspire people lalo na yung may takot pa rin sa sarili nila so gusto ko silang isama sa journey na ito though songs," he said.

Raven commented: "Thank you so much for having me. Proud din ako at the same time makasama ko kayong lahat. Ito po ang unang project ko sa music industry."

"I'm very honored to be part of this project. May shame pa rin in being part of this community. I took this chance to embrace being me, part of something very happy," Saga also said.