The Cuban singer Eduardo Antonio, popularly known as The Divo of Placetas, was recognized as an LGBTQI+ Icon in a ceremony filled with emotion, where he delivered a heartfelt speech that touched the hearts of those in attendance.
“I am very excited and you will feel it in my voice. I never imagined I would be receiving an award simply for the courage to be who I am,” the artist expressed as he took the stage to thank for the award.
El Divo opened his heart and shared difficult passages from his life: "As a child, I suffered abuse and bullying for being who I am. As a young person, I suffered abuse and bullying for being who I am. Today, after demonstrating to the world a successful career, proving my prestige, earning respect, and showing that I am a good person, I continue to be a victim of bullying for being who I am. For being, at one point in my life, bisexual, and at this moment, simply, gay.”
Eduardo Antonio took the opportunity to send a message of awareness to the new generations: “I want to ask the younger generations to understand, touch their hearts, and feel much more respect for all of us who have faced the toughest battles. We have worked with our own lives and our pain for them.”
Visibly emotional, El Divo also expressed his gratitude for the unconditional support of his family: “I thank my father, who understood from a very young age who I was and who I wanted to be, my mother, my son who, when I got married, said to me: ‘Dad, I’m in a different role, I applaud you, I love you, and I respect you.’ And I thank my husband Roy, my producer, the man of my life, for the strength he gave me to openly tell the world: I am gay.”
The performer also expressed words of gratitude towards the countries that have been key in his journey and personal freedom: “Thank you to the United States for allowing me to have a fabulous, elegant, dignified wedding, as we all in our community deserve. Thank you to Mexico and Cuba, because being Cuban has not been easy. As a Cuban in the era we lived through, I had to say: I am who I am.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Eduardo Antonio and his Recognition as a LGBTQI+ Icon
Why was Eduardo Antonio awarded as an LGBTQI+ Icon?
Eduardo Antonio was recognized as an LGBTQI+ Icon for his courage in being authentic and visible about his sexual orientation, facing bullying and discrimination throughout his life and career. His acceptance speech highlighted his personal struggle and his call to the new generations to practice respect.
How has Eduardo Antonio dealt with homophobic attacks on social media?
Eduardo Antonio has firmly and elegantly responded to homophobic attacks on social media, using his platforms to highlight hatred and promote values such as empathy and respect. He has publicly exposed offensive comments, emphasizing the importance of confronting discrimination with dignity.
What has been Eduardo Antonio's response to the criticism regarding his appearance and surgeries?
Eduardo Antonio defends his right to do what he wishes with his image, showing confidence in his aesthetic choices and criticizing the offensive comments he receives. He has publicly exposed these attacks to denounce the lack of respect and to reaffirm his personal and artistic freedom.
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