“Mendez, in tears over her son’s courage.”
“Mendez: ”I’m proud as a father””
“the Artist Mendez was commended in the QX-galan in the category of this Year’s lgbtq-friend. “
“the Motivation was the unconditional love he showed when his son, Leo, came out as gay. “
“– If there is anyone who won here tonight, it is my son. This little guy has been so brave, ” says a teary-eyed Mendez from the scene. “
“When Mendez, 43, last year performed in the Eurovision song contest for the third time, he did it with the son in mind. “
“In a prestationsfilm before delfinalen acclaimed he the son of Leo Junior, 21, as his hero. “
” He is my hero. I don’t even think it should become a thing. Unfortunately, it was so in Chile, there is a different way to think, but it’s getting better thanks to this little hero, Junior. I’m so proud of him. He has balls, it takes balls to change. Whether it is in Chile or elsewhere in the world. He did it, he came out, so did he so that the other can come out and be themselves.”
“Nöjesbladet tell Mendez about the life of his son in Chile:”
“– As the father of a gay son, who I love to death, it has been a battle in our homeland, Chile.”
“How would you describe the perception of lgbt people in Chile?”
” We are 50 years back in time. There is no tolerance. There is no respect. It feels like we don’t want to see other people happy. I, as a father, want to see my son happy until he dies.”
“During this year’s QX-gala, he was awarded the prize ”the Year’s lgbtq-friend”, where he was honored for his support of the son. “
“It was a teary-eyed Mendez who entered the stage and once again, he chose to highlight his son’s courage. “
“– I tend to never be nervous on a stage. I had not really expected this. If there is anyone who won here tonight, it is my son. This little guy has been so brave. He chose that 14-year-old to come out, “he says and continues:”
” I am proud as a father, but more proud should you be, Leo, who dared to come out. Was happy until the day you die, and it is the way it should be for all. You should be happy, happy from the heart. “
