Elijah Canlas, ginamit ang pagiging artista para magsalita para sa LGBTQIA
- Elijah Canlas stressed that public figures should use their platforms to speak truth and help those without a voice, ABS-CBN reported
- He expressed frustration over the continuing stigma faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, especially in the Philippines
- The actor emphasized education and growth instead of antagonism in addressing prejudice and discrimination
- He also promoted his upcoming Pride Month film “Drags to Riches,” his first-ever comedy project
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Elijah Canlas, an actor known for his outspoken views and advocacy work, reiterated the importance of public figures using their platforms to promote truth and social awareness during an interview with PUSH ABS-CBN. He currently co-hosts the advocacy program Y Speak 2.0, which focuses on youth issues and social discussions.
Source: Facebook
According to Canlas, celebrities have a responsibility that goes beyond entertainment, especially in a time of division and uncertainty.
"Very much so, kasi nga, we live in a time of uncertainty. We live in a time of divisions, and maraming mga factions na iba-iba ang paniniwala. And aminin natin o hindi, public figures, celebrities, actors, artists — they have voices. They have platforms. And sayang naman kung hindi natin gagamitin for the better, ‘di ba? Kung hindi natin gagamitin to enlighten and speak the truth for people na walang boses. Sana. Parang sayang 'yung platform na binibigay sa atin," he said.
The discussion also turned to the continuing stigma faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, a theme closely connected to his upcoming film Drags to Riches, which will be released during Pride Month.
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Canlas did not hide his disappointment over the situation but maintained a hopeful stance on change.
"My God, may stigma hanggang ngayon, no? Nakakainis 'yun. Nakaka-disappoint. I feel like 'yun na lang 'yung masasabi ko kasi I don't want to antagonize anybody. I believe everybody's capable of change. I believe everybody's capable of growth. And antagonizing people won't really remove the stigma, ‘di ba? Pero we have to enlighten these people," he said.
He further addressed those who continue to hold prejudiced views.
"Sana naman magbago na kayo ng pananaw sa buhay kasi hindi lang kayo ang naninirahan sa mundong 'to, and hindi kayo laging tama. Mga kapatid natin sa LGBT community, tao sila. At malaya dapat silang gawin kung ano ang gusto nilang gawin dahil tao sila, kababayan natin sila, at mahal natin sila. So sana lagay niyo sa isip niyo 'yun, and tama na 'yung stigma na 'yan, please," he said.
On the relevance of his upcoming film, Canlas highlighted representation and joy as key reasons why the project matters, especially during Pride Month.
"One, it's Pride Month. It's good to empower the community. It's good to represent these stories on the big screen and have the community see themselves be represented in this way na maayos, sensitive 'yung pagkaka-tackle, and totoo, ‘di ba?" he said.
He also revealed that the project marks a new challenge in his acting career.
"Never pa ako gumawa ng comedy. So bakit never pa ako gumawa ng comedy? Tingin nga yata ng mga tao masyado akong seryoso," he said.
Beyond personal growth, he encouraged Filipinos to embrace cinema as a space for relief and reflection amid ongoing societal challenges.
"Deserve nating tumawa, deserve natin maging masaya, and deserve nating mag-enjoy lang sa sinehan. Dito sa bansa natin lalo, sobrang gulo ng mga nangyayari. So maliban sa pagtingin natin sa sarili natin, dapat doon tayo mag-focus. And mag-focus tayo sa how do we move forward from all this chaos and gulo na nangyayari sa bansa natin," he said.
Elijah Canlas is a highly acclaimed Filipino actor and musician who rose to widespread prominence for his powerhouse, award-winning lead performance in the indie film Kalel, 15 and the hit web series Gameboys. Recognized as a versatile multimedia force, he has transitioned seamlessly between major television series like Senior High and Incognito while simultaneously expanding his creative footprint as a hip-hop artist with the release of his debut album South II.
In another report, Elijah Canlas called on Filipinos, particularly the youth, to take part in voter registration and actively exercise their right to vote amid ongoing political controversies in the country. The actor emphasized that being “apolitical” should not be seen as something admirable or trendy, especially in times when issues involving accountability and governance are widely discussed.
Meanwhile, Elijah Canlas also shared a heartfelt birthday greeting for his girlfriend, Miles Ocampo, as she turned 29 on May 1. He posted a black-and-white photo of Miles smiling while enjoying a meal through his Instagram Stories, accompanied by a short but affectionate message for her special day. The post highlighted their close relationship, with Miles also receiving warm greetings from friends and loved ones.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
