Filipino rapper Gloc-9 shared a touching reflection on his song “Sirena,” a hit known as a gay anthem released in 2012, which he now sees as an unwitting gift to his son Daniel, who is gay. In a heartfelt interview with ABS-CBN, the artist spoke about his initial fears of offending people with the song’s content, emphasizing his deep concern for accurately representing the experiences and feelings of the LGBTQIA+ community without resorting to stereotypes or misconceptions.
“Sirena” was penned at a time when Gloc-9 was unaware of his son’s sexual orientation. The rapper described the songwriting process as stepping into someone else’s shoes, aiming to capture the essence of their experiences faithfully. His worries about potential backlash or misunderstanding were soon alleviated by the overwhelmingly positive reception from both the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals who found the song resonating with their personal stories.
The realization that his work could serve as a beacon of support and understanding for his son and others like him brought Gloc-9 to tears. He expressed a profound sense of pride and love for his son, highlighting the unexpected ways life can reveal its “hints of magic.” The rapper underscored the importance of acceptance and unconditional love, celebrating his son’s identity and looking forward to his future achievements with eagerness and pride.
Gloc-9’s reflection on “Sirena” underscores the power of art to connect, heal, and foster understanding across diverse experiences. It serves as a reminder of the unexpected gifts that creativity can bring, not only to the audience but also to the creators themselves, bridging gaps and illuminating the shared human experience with empathy and love.