SAN FRANCISCO, California ( The Adobo Chronicles, San Francisco Bureau) – Thousands of gay men and women in San Francisco are coming to the defense of Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao despite his disparaging comments comparing them to animals. In fact, they want to honor him in the coming Pride Parade and Celebration in June this year, his opposition to same-sex marriage notwithstanding.

Each year, the San Francisco Pride committee looks to the LGBT community to help decide on parade grand marshals and other honorees. It is done by public voting.

LGBT community leaders are encouraging community members to vote for Pacquiao for the coveted Pink Brick Award.  If chosen, Pacquiao will be the first Filipino to be honored with this prestigious award.

Previous honorees include George W. Bush, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Boy Scouts of America.

Public voting ends February 29.

For more information on the Pink Brick Award and on the public voting, visit the SF Pride Committee’s website.