Mela Franco Habijan calls out production of 'Pakboys: Takusa' for "LGBTQIA-phobic comedy"
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“I pity you, because as the world has evolved, you are still stuck in your discriminatory, slapstick, LGBTQIA-phobic comedy,” Mela Franco Habijan said.
Actress and Miss Trans Global 2020 Mela Franco Habijan called out the people behind the Metro Manila Film Festival entry Pakboys: Takusa, which she said made a mockery of trans women.
Mela said that she got insulted by the film's “discriminatory, slapstick, LGBTQIA-phobic comedy” against trans people.
Source: missmelahabijan (IG)
“Dear Direk Al Tantay, Viva Films, the creatives, and the main cast of 'PakBoys: Takusa.' Naiinsulto po ako! I just saw the trailer of your movie. Honestly, basing from the title, I already had an idea of what it would be about -- toxic masculinity.
“True enough, the first 10 seconds of your trailer presents a trans woman peeing... while standing. And then Dennis Padilla is seen bothered and feeling victimized by sleeping with her,” she said.
Mela then condemned the movie's "mockery" of the trans women's urination.
“Nakakapanliit kasi ginagawa niyo na namang katatawanan ang pag-ihi namin! Nakakainsulto kasi ginagawa ninyong katatawanan ang katawan namin. Nakakagalit dahil pinagtatawanan ninyo ang pagiging trans woman namin.
“Ano ang nakakatawa sa ipinanganak na may t*t* pero ang isip at puso ay babae? Sa nakatayong umiihi? Sa pakikipagtalik sa trans woman? I pity you, because as the world has evolved, you are still stuck in your discriminatory, slapstick, LGBTQIA-phobic comedy,” she added.
Mela likewise vowed to help the community fight back and retell their stories that are true to themselves.
“Pero habang mukha kaming katawa-tawa sa inyo, as trans writer and actress, I commit: Babawiin namin ang kuwento namin! Hindi niyo hawak ang katawan namin! Hindi niyo hawak ang komedya namin. Hindi niyo hawak ang pagkatao namin! We will fight back and end your toxic masculinity!” she said.
The actress also reached out to MMFF, appealing for the said movie to be disqualified from the festival.
“PS. I hope the MMFF upholds their criteria on gender sensitivity and gender inclusivity. Given the transphobic scene, they will be sending a wrong message to the audience about us. Thus, this film must be disqualified from the festival,” she added.
Mela, an LBGTQIA advocate, was crowned Miss Trans Global 2020 in a virtual pageant held last September 12.
Pakboys: Takusa stars actors Dennis Padilla, Janno Gibbs, Jerald Napoles, and Andrew E.
