Elijah Canlas | Image: Instagram/@elijahcanlas
Despite not being part of the LGBTQ+ community himself, actor Elijah Canlas considers being called gay a compliment but affirmed that gay roles should be given to real-life queer people for authenticity.
After playing a gay role in 2020 opposite Kokoy de Santos, Canlas admitted that, to this day, he still receives accusations of being queer, but he’s fine with it.
“Hanggang ngayon naman napagkakamalan ako. Pero I’m fine. I guess it’s a compliment that people believe I’m gay. Kasi secure ako sa sarili ko. Alam ko kung sino ako. Kilala ko ‘yung sarili ko. I can stay true to myself, and I’m secure with my identity,” he told Ogie Diaz.
Following his noteworthy performance in “Gameboys” as a queer, Canlas played another gay character just recently, but expressed that he would put down the flag for now as he wanted real-life gay people to have the chance to portray themselves on screen.
“Right now, I don’t see it happening. Nagsabi na rin ako last year nung narelease yung ‘About Us But Not About Us, this may be my last for a while. Kasi gusto ko mabigyan rin ng opportunity ‘yung iba pang queer actors,” said the actor.
“Marami akong kakilala na queer actors na mahuhusay, and I’d be proud enough na makakuha sila ng gano’ng klaseng trabaho, and they represent themselves. Syempre kahit ally ako, kahit sinusuportahan ko ‘yung pakikibaka ng LGBTQ community, and nauunawaan ko ‘yung struggle, hindi ako from the LGBTQ community,” added Canlas.
READ: Miles Ocampo mum on real score with Elijah Canlas, but says they’re ‘happy’
Meanwhile, Canlas recently made headlines after sparking reconciliation rumors with his ex-girlfriend, actress-host Miles Ocampo.
However, the two haven’t officially confirmed they are back together but have said that “they’re taking it easy.”
“We’re doing good. We’re very happy. Of course, of course. We’re taking it easy,” said Canlas in an interview with ABS-CBN.
Meanwhile, Canlas last delighted his fans as Paciano Mercado in the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 (MMFF) entry “GomBurZa,” and he is currently part of “Batang Quiapo” and “High Street,” reprising his role as Archie from “Senior High.”