【Netherlands】

MANILA,Netherlands Philippines — It wasn't too long ago that TV and film productions for mass consumption relied on cartoonish stereotypes of LGBTQ characters.

Often, over-the-top gay characters were written into the plot merely for comic effect.

But today, more Filipino movies and TV shows have invested in developing more mature portrayals of the LGBTQ community, in an effort to promote respect and understanding.

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The public is responding. Some of the mainstream TV shows with gay characters have enjoyed high grossing numbers, while the actors portraying them are embraced by families gathering to watch them in the living room.

The country’s highest grossing film in history, raking in over half a billion pesos ($10.38M) so far is Beauty and the Bestie, a riotous comedy about a photographer played by popular openly gay comedian Vice Ganda.

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The plot sees Ganda disguising himself as a kidnapped beauty queen to confuse his abductors, winning the charismatic lead a legion of fans in the role.

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Many plot lines have tried tackling relationship drama with a lighter hand. In the popular TV series, Till I Met You, viewers are introduced to Ali, played by JC Santos. His character is in love with Basti, played by James Reid, who already has feelings for Iris (Nadine Lustre).

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Also exploring a similar theme is one of the top grossing Filipino movies this year, The Third Party.It tells the story of Max (Sam Milby), a bisexual man in a love triangle with his ex-girlfriend Andi (Angel Locsin) and current boyfriend Christian (Zanjoe Marudo).

While the movie is billed as a comedy, it has been hailed by critics for tackling LGBTQ portrayals with respect, inviting viewers to empathize and engage with the characters.

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But not every show has gone the comedic route. In cop drama FPJ's Ang Probinsyano (The Man from the Province), 12-year-old Makmak (played by McNeal Briguela), was urged to be true to himself and come out.

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Briguela has enjoyed popularity for his sensitive portrayal of the pre-teen's struggle with his sexuality.

In one of the episodes of drama anthology Maala-ala Mo Kaya(Can You Remember), a transgender woman Erica (played by Albie Casino) goes through heartbreak, eventually finding personal triumph for what she believes in.

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The LGBTQ community still struggles for acceptance in conservative Asian countries, but these roles in media light the way for how the country is progressing, and help to open more hearts and minds to everyone in society.

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