Singer Jamie Rivera has spoken out following past remarks made by Alvin Aragon, husband of former Sexbomb dancer Izzy Trazona, who claimed members of the LGBTQIA+ community would “end up in hell.”
In an interview with veteran showbiz columnist Boy Abunda on his television program, Rivera—known as a gospel singer—disagreed with Aragon’s statement and expressed gratitude to the LGBTQIA+ community.
“I would disagree with that. I only have gratitude and great respect for the LGBTQ community,” she said.
Rivera recalled how several LGBTQIA+ friends and colleagues supported her career during its early years.
“In my humble beginnings, Boy Navarrete did my makeup for free up until the time that I could already afford to pay,” she shared.
“Arnold Galang dressed me up. He was the one who gave me my costumes […] As I said earlier, Kuya Boy, you were my publicist and you didn’t ask for anything.”
She emphasized that there is nothing to judge when surrounded by “kind” road managers and LGBTQ friends.
“They protected me. So what is there to judge for if you’re surrounded by angels? Sila ‘yung mga tumulong sa akin. For me, they will go to heaven. That is my point of view,” Rivera said.
Rivera rose to fame in the 1990s with hits such as Hey, It’s Me, I’ve Fallen for You and Heal Our Land.
She performed Only Selfless Love during Pope John Paul II’s visit to the Philippines in 2003, and later sang Papa Francisco, Mabuhay Po Kayo for Pope Francis’ visit in 2015.