Uber Philippines has become the latest company to release an LGBT-related ad, with the telling of the uberPOOL story of one @aaronbatangay as part of the company’s #UberSTORIES.
Sometimes, it’s more than just a ride. It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. Watch @aarontabangay‘s uberPOOL story. #UberSTORIES pic.twitter.com/CMk50ylBHo
— Uber Philippines (@Uber_PH) April 17, 2017
uberPOOL is a ride-sharing effort of the company, allowing one to share a ride and then split the cost of that trip with another Uber rider headed in the same direction.
Released on 17 April, the ad features a guy who has a regular co-rider that he has a crush on. He Tweets about his close contact with the co-rider, who is initially not shown onscreen. His driver gives him knowing glances, seemingly aware of what’s happening.
By the end of the ad, the co-rider is shown to be another guy; though the co-rider’s sexual orientation and gender identity remains unknown.
When the company released its ad, it stated: “Sometimes, it’s more than just a ride. It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. Watch @aarontabangay’s uberPOOL story. #UberSTORIES.”
Uber has not been spared from anti-LGBT complaints in the past – e.g. with Uber drivers allegedly kicking out passengers for being LGBT (such as THIS and THIS), and for not protecting LGBT drivers who alleged discrimination.
But with the ad, Uber Philippines joins the likes of Minola, Smart and even the infamous Bench in showing LGBT living in the Philippines.
