GMA Artist Center show tackles Pride Month and how artists take on gay roles
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month (LGBT Pride Month) is celebrated in June to honor the Stonewall riots of June 1969. The riots were staged by patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City to protest against police harassment and persecution to which LGBT Americans were subjected. This marked the beginning of a movement to outlaw discriminatory laws and practices against LGBT Americans and, eventually, the movement spread worldwide.
Before COVID-19, the celebrations and events for Pride Month include parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts.
Pride 101: “How Do You Feel?: Usapang Artista”
On June 6, GMA Artist Center launched a new show entitled “How Do You Feel?: Usapang Artista,” which airs on GMA Artist Center’s YouTube channel and GMA Network’s Facebook page every Saturday night at 8PM. The show is produced by acting coach Ana Feleo and Artist Center talents Chynna Ortaleza, Benjamin Alves and Mikoy Morales.
Ana, Chynna, Ben and Mikoy conceptualized the show during ECQ. In fact, they saw it as a venue for celebrities to share their thoughts and opinions on different issues and events, among other things.
“How Do You Feel?: Usapang Artista” is a roundtable discussion where Kapuso actors give sound bites on their craft, forms of expression, innovative improvisations and experiences in show business and even out of it.
LGBTQ characters on screen
In celebration of Pride Month, two episodes brought together artists who have portrayed LGBTQ characters on screen: “My Husband’s Lover” star Tom Rodriguez, “The Rich Man’s Daughter” lead performers Glaiza de Castro and Rhian Ramos, comedian Divine Tetay and director and veteran actor Ricky Davao.
Facilitated by Chynna Ortaleza, who also played a lesbian in “The Rich Man’s Daughter,” the latest episode of “How Do You Feel?: Usapang Artista” will witness the guests talk about the processes that they went through in playing their LGBTQ roles.
It’s interesting that Chynna, Tom, Glaiza, Rhian and Ricky are straight while Tetay is gay.
“Regardless of gender, you go through the same spectrum of emotions,” said Tom.
“Kapag lumabas ka dun sa isip mo, ang dami mo palang madidiscover: Ang dami palang mundo, ang dami palang klase ng pagibig, ang dami palang klase ng pagmamahal, ang dami palang klase ng relasyon,” said Glaiza.
Of course, expect intelligent discourse on how these artists’ views have changed or remained the same as they took on LGBTQ roles.
The first part of this Pride Month special aired on June 13 (you can still watch the replay) while the second part will air on June 20 at 8PM on GMA Artist Center’s YouTube channel and GMA Network’s Facebook page.
