The leads of the new Boys Love Series, #Influencers Chollo Sotiangco and Leon Eustaquio, shared their thoughts on different LGBTQIA+ issues in an exclusive interview with LionhearTV.
Firstly, on their thoughts about straight actors portraying LGBTQIA+ roles, Leon answered that actors should know the motivations of the character and story.
“As long as alam nya yung pinaglalaban nung story, nung character,” said Leon.
Then, Chollo added that actors should recognize their responsibility of being a representative or an ambassador. He also highlighted that actors should study the issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.
“I just think yung pinaka importante is these people would recognize their responsibility that being an actor is not just a project, it’s not just a role, it’s a being a representative, being like their ambassador. You have to study every point, yung issues, where they are coming from, yung issue nila,” said Chollo.
Next, the two also shared their thoughts on the Sexual Orientation Gender Identity Expression Equality Bill or SOGIE Equality Bill.
Firstly, Chollo noted that after years of neglect, society has finally moved to a progressive era. People are now trying to fix the previous treatment of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“The community has been neglected in maybe both conscious and unconscious ways. We’re advancing into this era wherein we recognize what’s wrong with the society and we try to fix it,” said Chollo.
He also expressed his sadness over the misinterpretations of the SOGIE bill.
“It’s really saddening no. Because other people, they get misinterpretations of the SOGIE equality bill,” said Chollo.
He then added that people should read into details to have a better understanding of the bill.
“We should read into details. Know what we are dealing with. Sobrang kulang sa understanding yung ibang tao when it comes to that.”
“Di mo magegets until you try to listen first,” said Chollo.
Leon on the other hand admitted that he didn’t know much about the SOGIE bill first. Because of this, he researched more about the bill. He found that the bill benefits all Filipinos regardless of gender identity.
“Before dati ako about sa SOGIE bill, kulang talaga yung knowledge ko about that. Pero syempre kailangan natin ieducate from time to time yung sarili natin sa mga nangyayari sa society natin ngayon. So ako regarding sa SOGIE bill na yan.
“Niresearch ko yung mga bagay bakit hindi naiintindihan ng lahat ng tao. Kasi lahat naman tayo, di lang naman LGBT community ang may SOGIE. Kaya nga dinissect into four SOGIE Bill like, homosexual, bisexual, asexual, heterosexual. It’s like basic human right.”
“Okay sya, kung iintindihin mo man ng mabuti, yung bill, lahat tayo makikinabang,” said Leon.
Both actors had a message for people who are struggling with their sexuality.
First off, Chollo notes that it’s a great time to be alive. Especially because society recognizes the LGBTQIA+ community and has been united.
“It’s really great time to be alive and to be part of the community this present time. Unlike before where people who are part of the community are totally neglected, and discriminated. Now, the society somehow recognizes the community, and yung community nagkakaisa na,” said Chollo.
He then added his message to those people still struggling with their sexuality and noted that they can come out on their own terms.
“It’s okay not to come out yet, kung di pa kayo ready. It’s totally fine. I just want to tell these people na, it’s okay, you don’t have to go out if you don’t feel safe,” said Chollo.
He then added that as an ally, he and so many others will wait and continue to support them. He also wanted to let them know that they do have a family waiting outside of the closet.
“No one belongs in the closet, but if you feel safer inside, and your not ready to come out, we’ll be here guarding kaming mga nakakaintindi. And you don’t have to force yourself to come out. One day when you’re ready enough, we’ll be here supporting you. Mayroon kang pamilya sa labas ng closet,” said Chollo.
As for Leon, he said that people still struggling with their sexuality do not need to prove themselves to others. He then pointed out that what matters most is being a good person.
“It takes time talaga. And hindi mo naman kailangan ipagsigawan sa mundo. Hindi mo kailangan gawin yun para lang iaccept ka ng tao, okay na yung maging mabuti kang tao at wala kang tinatapakan.
“Di mo na kailangan patunayan yung sarili mo sa kanila. As long as me’ron kang good heart, yun na,” said Leon.
Chollo is currently a 3rd year BA Communication student. Leon on the other hand is a graduate of Behavioral Sciences, and currently taking his pre-medical course. He is also an advocate for mental health.
Directed by Renz-Bhil Tugelida, and written by Stephanie-Rose Quiros, catch the episodes of #Influencers via Camp Studios’ official YouTube page. The series also has advanced screenings through Ticketnet Online.
