In a country where LGBTQ culture is widely visible but equal rights remain elusive, two transgender leaders in the Philippines run for public office—challenging prejudice, political power structures, and personal sacrifice as they redefine what it means to serve and who gets to be called honorable.

Director Biography - Rhadem Musawah, Francis Tanglao-Aguas



Honorablé debuts the collaboration of Rhadem Musawah and Francis Tanglao-Aguas.

Francis Tanglao-Aguas is an internationally awarded playwright. director, actor, producer and educator making his debut as a first time filmmaker. He is Professor of Cinema and Television and AssociateDean at Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. He was awarded the 2002 Carlos Palanca Award in Literature, the Philippines’ literary prize, for his play “When the Purple Settles.”

Rhadem Musawah is an indigenous Muslim gay documentary filmmaker and human rights activists from the Philippines. Rhadem’s films include In Paglayag (A Sulu Story, 2020), Budjang (2021), and Tulipa (2022).

Rhadem is also a member of PhilSilat Association under Philippine Olympic Committee, Changemaker Alumnus of Thomson Reuters Foundation, Core Member of Vote Pilipinas under the Philippine Commission on Election, and boardmember of MUJER LGBT+ Organisation. Consultant for international government on humanitarian programs in the Philippines.