If we’re going to be completely honest, our country still has a long way to go when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. That’s why we Pinoys mostly just turn our stories into movies so that we can bravely explore and share some real-life LGBTQ+ experiences.
For this year’s Pride Month, we’ve rounded up 5 Pinoy LGBTQ+ indie films that presented challenges on societal norms and pushing boundaries in how we see the love and our fellow human beings.
5. Die Beautiful by Jun Robles Luna
The story revolves around the colorful life of a transgender woman, Trisha, who was played by Paolo Ballesteros. It was all about Trisha’s dream of winning a beauty pageant and the unique and misunderstood struggles of the trans community.
4. Baka Bukas by Samantha Lee
This film was best known for its “hipster” vibe because of the pastel and neon color palette plus the casts’ wardrobe. The story broke the mold of the “tomboy” lesbian stereotype and portray the difficulties of coming out to the people you care about the most.
3. 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten by Petersen Vargas
This is the coming-of-age tale of Felix, played by Khalil Ramos. His everyday life takes a dark and exciting turn when he befriends the twin brothers Magnus and Maxim. He was awakened to a world he never knew existed.
2. Ned’s Project by Lemuel Lorca
Angeli Bayani played a lesbian tattoo artist role who suddenly decided that she want to be a mother. To be able to undergo artificial insemination, she joined a reality talent show hoping she’ll win to get the prize money she needs.
1. Ang Babaeng Humayo by Lav Diaz
Lead artists in this film are Charo Santos and John Lloyd Cruz. The story was about the kind-hearted teacher, Horacia (Charo), who was framed and convicted for a murder she didn’t commit. This film had a grim portrait of inequality and injustice in Filipino society including the LGBTQ+ community. Hollanda (John Lloyd) was a transgender woman who left a major impact on Horacia’s life.
Now, time to ‘movies and chill’ this June. Tag your movie buddy!
