Alex Diaz says being gay doesn’t make him less Filipino

Alex Diaz | Image: Instagram/@alexandermcdizz

Dazzling as one of the leads in the Hollywood musical film “Glitter & Doom,” Filipino homegrown actor Alex Diaz feels very happy to have raised the Philippine flag, as he affirmed that his being part of the LGBTQ+ community doesn’t make him less Filipino.

“Malaki ‘yung kaba, I’m very nervous. But ultimately I’m happy. My heart is in the right place kasi hindi lang para sakin ‘to. Hindi lang siya queer-led kung hindi Filipino-led. I think it’s one of the firsts in the country. Mabigat ‘yung trust, pero napakita ko rin dito ‘yung values ng pagiging Filipino ko. Sana proud sila sakin,” he told in an ambush interview with INQUIRER.net.

Diaz reiterated that “Glitter & Doom” is not just a victory for the queer community but for Filipino talents as well, as his portrayal of Glitter is a testament to his talent and versatility as an actor.

“It’s not just a win for the queer community. It is for the queer community, but it’s also a win for actors as a whole Filipino talent,” he said. “Hindi bumabawas ‘yon [being gay] sa pagiging Filipino ko. Buo pa rin, ‘yung pagka Filipino ko. Kakaiba lang ang kwento ko.”

During the advanced screening for the film held on Tuesday night, June 4, the 29-year-old actor extended a message in what he hopes the viewers will realize upon watching the film, especially those who are not part of the queer community.

“What I hope when you bring your straight friends to watch is this. The takeaway would be that we didn’t choose the life that we have now. We didn’t choose to be LGBTQIA; it just happened. We might as well enjoy it. Hindi siya bumabawas sa pagka Filipino natin. Nilalagyan siya ng kakaibang kulay,” he expressed. 

Diaz identified as bisexual. In 2019, he was outed online by a fitness coach. At the time, he thought his career was over, but fast forward to now, and the Filipino-Scottish actor considers “Glitter & Doom” his biggest break yet.

The film follows the love story of Glitter (Diaz), a carefree circus performer whose world collides with struggling musician Doom (Alan Cammish). Their love-at-first-sight connection leads them on a summer journey filled with music, camping trips, and late-night conversations on dreams and individuality.

“Glitter & Doom” also features a stellar cast including Ming-Na Wen (“Mulan,” “Agents of Shield,” “The Mandalorian”), Missi Pyle (“Gone Girl,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “The Artist”), Lea DeLaria (“Orange is the New Black”), Tig Notaro (“Star Trek”), and the Indigo Girls themselves, whose music takes centerstage in this narrative.

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