Rhian Ramos calls for more and varied LGBTQIA+ roles on TV
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Rhian Ramos wants more representation of LGBTQIA+ characters on TV to show that they're more than just "comic relief characters."
In the second part of GMA Artist Center's "How Do You Feel: Beyond Gender," Chynna Ortaleza, Rhian Ramos, Glaiza De Castro, Tom Rodriguez, Ricky Davao, and Divine Tetay continue their discussion on the portrayal of the LGBTQIA+ community in mainstream media.
According to comedian Divine Tetay, they know their capabilities as an actor and they know what they can do given the right role.
"Alam ko'ng marami pa akong kayang ibigay lalo na 'pag 'yung nakakasama mo ang huhusay. Kaya lang, nalilimitahan lang dahil 'yun lang 'yung binibigay sa'yo," said Divine.
Direk Ricky Davao also offered his observation when it comes to stereotyping actors in specific roles.
"Ang mga Pinoy, ma-stereotyping sila. Halimbawa, 'pag action star ka, action star ka lang. 'Pagka bading ka, bading ka lang. 'Pag ilalagay mo siya sa isang very straight role, parang kailangan talagang sobrang tatrabahuhin mo. Ang hirap para ma-break mo 'yung [stigma] na 'Ay bading 'yan e.'
"Ang hirap i-break no'n, I think hanggang ngayon, pero kaya natin. It takes a while lang talaga and siguro hardwork, not only for the actors but also the way they will be directed," he said.
As for Rhian Ramos, she really wants to see more roles for LGBTQIA+ people onscreen that go beyond the stereotype and the mold.
"I think that's where we are right now with gender in the Philippines. Masyadong maraming roles na comic relief 'yung best friend na gay instead of really exploring all the other sides to what that person goes through.
"Ako I felt when I was doing The Rich Man's Daughter, this is my opportunity to make it as real as possible because this is a part of our society that doesn't get the chance to have their story be told. The real-life Jade, the real-life Bachi, the real-life Althea, to show everyone they are real people that have a wide array of feelings.
"I think medyo valid naman din 'yung [criticism na] 'I'm straight pero why are they choosing me to play a character that's gay.' Sa tingin ko okay lang may magsabi ng ganoon kasi kulang talaga 'yung representation.
"In show business, people don't even feel free to say if they're actually lesbian or not. Kung umamin man sila, ilalagay sila sa box," Rhian opined.
Watch the second part of their discussion on the representation of LGBTQIA+ in media below:
