In 2004, when GMA-7 launched the magazine TV show “Out!”, it was – in a way – groundbreaking. The show narrated the stories of LGBTQI people in the Philippines; featured the lifestyle of people in the community; highlighted the successes of members of the community; and documented the endeavors that LGBTQI people face, whether coming out to the family or facing social disapproval.
As such, as many may claim now, “Out!” was ahead of its time as the first and only locally produced LGBTQI-themed magazine show that aired on free TV. During its short run, LGBTQI people were given a face somehow.
As the community celebrates Pride Month this June, GMA-7, in its effort to show its support to the LGBTQI community, will be airing a documentary called “Out and Proud”. The hour long special will attempt to answer the issues the LGBTQI people continue to face.
“’Out and Proud’ is GMA’s offering this Pride month; this is (to show) how GMA appreciates the LGBTQI community. It will feature LGBTQI people who conquered stereotypes, couples who have fought for their love, and many other stories,” JM Cobarrubias, program manager of “Out and Proud”, said to Outrage Magazine.
The documentary is also a tribute to “Out!”, a celebration of its triumphs 10 years ago.
“We want to honor ‘Out!’, a milestone GMA has achieved. So many things have happened since then, and we would like to review the milestones and breakthroughs the LGBTQI people achieved over the years,” Cobarrubias said.
The special will feature the stories of “Out!” hosts JM Cobarrubias, Avi Siwa, and Jigs Mayuga; TransMan Pilipinas’ Nil Nodalo; Internet celebrity Sebastian Castro; couple Aiza Seguerra and Liza Dino; married gay partners director Jun Lana and Perci Intalan; “My Husband’s Lover” lead actors Tom Rodriguez and Dennis Trillo; and others.
And through the interviewees narratives, the show will attempt to answer the following: Is the society now more accepting of LGBTQI people compared to how it’s been 10 years ago? Is the Philippines really the “most gay-friendly country in Asia”? Are the efforts of the government enough to address the needs and welfare of the LGBTQs?
“We are a gay-friendly country, with so many inspiring LGBTs, and this, among other things, is the reason why LGBTQI people should celebrate Pride Month. So let’s be out and proud!” Cobarrubias said.
“Out and Proud” will air on June 22 (Sunday) at GMA-7 at 10:40 PM.
