Pinoy gay films

Conflict arises when Donna discovers that a powerful former client is controlling the opposing mayoral campaign.

Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa (2011)

Where to Stream: JuanFlix

College student Marlon (Paulo Avelino) is struggling to keep up with his literature class.

Starring Gold Azeron as the film's protagonist Adam, the film explores the conditions and inner thoughts of someone who was raised as a boy but soon discovers that he is, in fact, born with two genitals. “Big Night!” highlights the intersection of LGBTQ+ issues with broader social injustices, making it a must-watch this Pride Month.

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As such, his literature classmate, Dennis (Nacino), offers to help Marlon with dance. The film is notable for its nuanced portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes, mental health, and the journey towards self-acceptance. As the two men spend more time with one another, their feelings for each other deepen. As Remington begins to feel the curse take effect, the town’s gay population becomes the target of a deadly goo.

Oliver (1983)

Where to stream: YouTube

Oliver, directed by Nick de Ocampo, is a gripping documentary that follows a female impersonator who, during martial law, supports his family by performing in Manila’s gay bars.

Changing Partners (2017)

Where to stream: IWantTFC

Directed by Dan Villegas and based on the Palanca Award-winning musical play by Vincent de Jesus, Changing Partners tells the story of Alex and Cris at four different periods of their lives.

Big Night! As Nonoy grows up, Coring raises him as his own, concealing his true identity to protect the boy from societal prejudice. The story follows Dharna, a gay beautician who discovers that his name is on a watchlist of suspected drug offenders. As the two become closer while planning for Juliet’s big day, a romantic relationship between them begins to bloom.

Markova: Comfort Gay (2001)

Where to stream: Netflix

Directed by Gil Portes, Markova: Comfort Gay is a biographical drama loosely based on the life of Walter Dempster Jr., the last surviving Filipino “comfort gay” from World War II.

The film unfolds with an interview between the elderly Markova (Dolphy) and journalist Loren Legarda (playing herself), focusing on the different stages of Markova’s life.

Sila-Sila (2019)

Where to stream: IWantTFC

In this award-winning Cinema One Originals entry, directed by Giancarlo Abrahan, Gab (Gio Gahol), a 30-year-old man who returns to Manila and is compelled to confront his past, comes face-to-face with his ex-boyfriend Jared (Topper Fabregas) during their high school reunion.

Señorita (2011)

Where to stream: JuanFlix

Señorita centers on Donna (played by director Isabel Sandoval herself), a transgender woman who tries to leave sex work behind by taking care of her friend’s son Tomas (Dominic Milano Palomo) and joining a mayoral campaign.

Through the help of a fortune teller, Luke and Dominic find each other at a religious retreat and forge a friendship that is confusing and rife with tension. J E Tiglao's film, Metamorphosis explores the unique circumstances of someone who is intersex. The film beautifully captures the awkwardness and excitement of first love, as well as the challenges of navigating one’s sexuality in a conservative society.

This Cinema One Originals film is directed by Rae Red and Fatrick Tabada, the filmmakers behind Patay na si Hesus. The film features a complex narrative involving a love triangle between a transgender woman, her best friend, and a Japanese soldier. Rookie (2022)

Directed by: Samantha Lee

“Rookie” is a coming-of-age sports drama that centers on a high school girl, Ace, who joins the boys’ volleyball team and falls for her team captain, Jana.

The political drama was disqualified from the 2020 Sinag Maynila Film Festival, a choice which director Joselito Altarejos asserted was due to the film’s critical stance on former president Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war.

The Boy Foretold By the Stars (2020)

Where to stream: iWantTFC

This coming-of-age romantic drama by Dolly Dulu follows Dominic (Adrian Lindayag), a senior high school student at an all-boys Catholic school.

Directed by Ara Chawdhury, this indie gem offers a unique perspective on gender and societal norms, wrapped in a story that’s both touching and thought-provoking.

6. Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita (2004)

Directed by: Joel Lamangan

Set during World War II, this historical drama tells a powerful love story against the backdrop of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines.

Starring Agot Isidro, Jojit Lorenzo, Anna Luna, and Sandino Martin, the film explores shifting genders and sexual orientations, highlighting a couple struggling to navigate the storms of their long-term relationship.

Ang Tatay Kong Nanay (1978)

Where to stream: JuanFlix

From director Lino Brocka comes Ang Tatay Kong Nanay, a comedic drama about Coring (Dolphy) a gay beautician who, after breaking up with his lover Denis (Phillip Salvador), is left to take care of Denis’ son, Nonoy (Niño Muhlach).

The film follows the story of a successful lesbian lawyer, Sylvia (played by Aunor), who falls in love with a spirited and straight woman, Sabel (played by Santos). She juggles the confusing feelings she has for her new classmate, Billie, alongside a surprise pregnancy brought on by her relationship with her boyfriend. “Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings” is not only a comedic gem but also offers a poignant message about acceptance and identity.

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Throughout their budding friendship, viewers question the medley of feelings each character may have for the other. In retaliation, Pops cursed Remington to become gay on his 21st birthday.