MANILA - In addressing criticism about the portrayal of a trans woman in his latest film, comedian Dennis Padilla brought up the fact that his daughter is in a same-sex marriage.
In the opening seconds of the trailer of “Pakboys: Takusa,” Padilla’s character appears to regret having spent a night with a woman after he sees her peeing on a toilet while standing, apparently to indicate she is transgender.
“When you watch the whole scene, sexy then we have a bed scene so the LGBTQ community will also be happy, because we make love,” Padilla was quoted as saying by PEP.ph, in response to the backlash to the peeing scene.
He then brought up the situation of his eldest daughter, Diane Baldivia, in explaining his personal respect for the queer community.
“My daughter is married to a woman in the States. My eldest daughter Diane, who is 30 years old, is married to Katx who is also a woman. And I respect them because my son loves me, eh, ”he said.
Diane is Padilla’s daughter with his first wife Monina Gatus, prior to his relationship with actress Marjorie Barretto.
Diane was married in California in September 2019, according to Padilla.
“So, when they got married in America, I was happy for them. Am I still rude to LGBTQ, my daughter, [ang] wife, woman? They are legally married. ”
Aside from its depiction of a trans woman, “Pakboys” has also drawn criticism for its humor based on womanizing and other “macho” stereotypes.
Produced by Viva Films, “Pakboys” is one of the main entries in the 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival, which kicks off Christmas Day.
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