Elijah Canlas is a rising Filipino actor known for his diverse roles, such as Cairo Lazaro from “Gameboys,” and his willingness to tackle challenging projects. In a recent interview, he discussed his approach to acting and his thoughts on taking on certain roles.
Authenticity in representation
In an interview with Ogie Diaz on YouTube, Elijah shared his views on accepting gay roles. While he has played gay characters in the past and appreciates these opportunities, he believes real-life queer actors must portray these roles to represent themselves better. Despite not belonging to the LGBTQ+ community, Elijah views the mistake of being gay as a compliment and underscores the significance of authentic representation. He expressed his desire to support the LGBTQ+ community and acknowledged the struggles they face, even though he is not from that community himself.
I want to give other queer actors an opportunity. I know many talented queer actors, and I would be proud to see them represent themselves in these roles. While I am an ally who supports and understands the struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am not a member of this community. They understand the struggle better. All I can do is empathize with them and justify the character’s conflict that I’m portraying.
Diverse and Impactful Roles
Elijah also discussed his recent projects, including the series “Senior High,” which addresses youth-related issues such as bullying and self-harm. He believes his casting in this series serves a purpose, showcasing his interest in roles that address significant social issues and appeal to younger audiences. Additionally, he talked about his ongoing TV drama “Batang Quiapo” and his preparation for his challenging role as Pablo Caballero.
