Ryssi Avila embraces queerness through new single For Real

MANILA, Philippines —  “Idol Philippines” Season 2 runner-up Ryssi Avila expressed how she is embracing her queerness through her new music.

On the sidelines of TikTok Philippines’ Pride celebration, Avila shared how she has been in a queer relationship in 2018 with “That’s My Tomboy” finalist Concon Felix.

“Ever since, hindi naman po ako nahiya for who I am because I know na hindi ko siya kailangang itago and I will be accepted sa mga taong willing akong tanggapin,” Avila told The STAR in an interview.

“I am open because I believe na hindi dapat itago ang sexuality natin. Wala naman pong mali. We are accepted, we are loved, we are seen, heard and embraced, sa ating LGBTQIA+ community,” she added.

Avila released her new single For Real, hoping to empower members of the LGBTQIA community to embrace themselves for who they are.

“I wrote this song, so to anyone who can hear it, they will not hide who they are and they can find their voice and have the strength and courage to inspire and empower authenticity, stay true to themselves,” the singer said.

“As a (member of the LGBTQIA+ community) myself, when I heard po that the winner will have the chance to perform in an offline event, to perform and release a single and music video, naging excited talaga ako to join kasi this is my chance to showcase my talent,” she added.

“Parang regalo ko na rin po ito sa mga taong sumusuporta sa akin na they will see something new from me and of course, to empower our LGBTQ family.”

She reminded her queer brothers and sisters that they are “seen and heard, and they are embraced, they are loved.”

“Stay true to yourself because all the people around you will accept you for what you can offer to the world. You don’t have to change anything,” Avila said.

“Being real to yourself and being true, accepting, not being afraid to show who you really are to the world,” she added.

After competing in “Idol Philippines,” Avila is glad that she has used her platform for the LGBTQIA+ community.

“Music has always been my way of expressing myself and through TikTok Live, I found a community who can accept me for who I am,” the singer said.

“And I realized that finding your voice is not just about singing, it’s about using music to inspire people to just be true to themselves and never be scared of anything else,” she added.

After the release of “For Real,” she teased fans that more music will come soon and said: “They will expect that I will keep going, I will keep the momentum, and to achieve as much as we could, and abangan po nila, you’ll never know the next opportunities.”

“More singles to come, more music videos to come, more music na mare-release ko. I’m very excited na pakinggan niyo po ito soon,” the singer said.

“I promise naman sa viewers ko na I’ll keep being consistent and thank you for them and abangan nila ‘yung mga susunod kong gagawin soon,” she added.

Avila also gave words of encouragement to her fellow members of the LGBTQIA+ community as the fight for queer rights continues even after Pride month.

“You don’t have to hide who you really are because that is your truth and your greatest strength. Thank you to everyone who has been spending love, kindness, and acceptance to everybody,” the singer said.

“Let’s keep creating a world where everyone is safe to express themselves and to just embrace themselves for who they are,” she added.