Vice Ganda on being an LGBT+ icon: I have to be a better version of myself

Vice Ganda is undoubtedly the "unkabogable" LGBT+ icon of today.

In the latest episode of "Updated with Nelson Canlas," the "It's Showtime" host said having a huge influence on the LGBT+ community also comes with a greater responsibility.

"May pressure din kasi s'yempre may kasama siyang social responsibility 'pag kino-consider ka nilang icon," Vice Ganda told Nelson.

"Ikaw 'yong kahit papaano tagapagsalita nila, 'di ba? Ikaw 'yong representasyon nila sa mga platforms na meron [ka]," she added.

According to the 47-year-old comedian, she has to be a better version of herself because she's not only representing herself in media but also the entire LGBT+ community.

"I have to be [a] better version kasi hindi lang 'yung pangalan ko ang nire-represent ko, hindi lang 'yung kompanya na pinagtatrabahuhan ko nire-represent ko kung hindi isang malaking komunidad, 'yong LGBTQIA+ community," she said.

"Pero I'm happy to be part of that community, and I am very happy to be considered one of their icons," she added.

Vice Ganda is among the mainstay hosts of "It's Showtime," which premiered on GMA Network's GTV last Saturday.

During the debut of "It's Showtime" on GTV, Vice Ganda rode a helicopter from ABS-CBN to GMA. On Twitter, netizens couldn't help but laud Vice Ganda for representing the LGBT+ community on TV through this segment.

Vice Ganda previously said pride for her is the "freedom to be who you are, the freedom to be allowed to express yourself, and the freedom to be able to just enjoy what you want and who you are."

The comedian had a commitment ceremony, a non-legal wedding, with her partner and fellow "It's Showtime" host Ion Perez in Las Vegas in 2021. 

—Hermes Joy Tunac/MGP, GMA Integrated News