When a movie touches me, the images continue rolling in my mind after the lights go out, the frames stop.
In a natural setting illuminated by sunlight, on any given school day, anywhere in the suburban geography of Chiang Mai, Thailand, a teenager is determined to accept his own homosexuality in front of others, even knowing that this step can represent for him the hatred, discrimination and intolerance of those who hate, reject and fear homosexuals.
Motor, which is the name of the young man, played by actor Jo Ronaporn Vipataputi, known for his performances in 'My Streamer', 2023, 'Boy Scouts', 2022, 'My Star' and My Star: Uncut Version', both the 2024, he has lost his fear of making himself visible, and is ready to leave behind his heterosexual image with which he has always intended to "be cool in front of others."
He has been involuntarily led to this decision by Gentle, the boy he loves, played by Fongfong Pathomporn Panfa ('My Star' and 'My Star: Uncut Version' 2024), a teenager who is clear about his sexual orientation and lives it without fear, guilt or shame, who, feeling despised by Motor, has chosen to distance himself.
Questioned by Gentle about his attitude, Motor will respond that his behavior consists simply of trying to please others. And Gentle responds: "Being cool isn't about who sits on your bike. It's up to you if you treat people differently."
Motor will not know the meaning of this answer. Motor is unaware of his internalized homophobia and denies it. Motor goes to great lengths to hide the shame and guilt of living his sexual orientation. Not wanting to make others uncomfortable, not wanting to change the image that others have of him, has led him to deny something that is part of him, something that is himself.
However, Gentle's message is clear. Nobody likes to feel stigmatized and rejected. But isn't Motor more afraid of his self-rejection? Isn't it worse to feel shame, disgust, anxiety, and even have behaviors of avoidance or denial of everything related to homosexual orientation due to fear of being rejected?
If in 'My Biker' it is Gentle who pulls the strings of dramatic tension by recognizing that he loves another man, Motor, the heterosexual teenager who in that 2023 film receives the confession of love from his friend, today expresses the conscience of those who are going to fight for their place in the world, even if this means that they have to suffer the hatred and discrimination of homophobes.
The short film, scripted and directed by Nitchapoom Chaianun (Nicchi), delves into the romantic story begun in 'เราและนาย My Biker', between a high school student who falls in love with his heterosexual best friend.
Produced by Wayufilm Production, in association with Pigeon Pictures, 'My Biker 2' contributes to changing the way society views members of the LGBTIQ+ community, especially in countries that, like Thailand, still refuse to recognize equal marriage and where discrimination against gays, lesbians, bisexuals and other members of that human community persists.
'My Biker 2' reminds us that not everything is always "so pretty", as many BL fans seem to believe, and that there is still a long fight ahead.
Works like this should appear from time to time on the screens of many lovers of the genre, so in need of shaking off so much emptiness.
After watching the series 'To Be Continued' I asked myself: "When will BL series come to reflect the real diversity of the LGBT+ community in Thai society? While dozens of BL series are produced and broadcast every year, the stigma and discrimination against LGBT+ people continue to occur. When will creators and directors of television channels understand that making homoaffective representations in BL series more nuanced and political could bring important and positive changes in a society that begins to observe its diversity through television creations?"
From 'My Biker 2' I could say that I would have liked a little more romantic interaction between the two protagonists, such as a kiss, holding hands or resting their head on the other's shoulder. I could express my dissatisfaction with the way in which the existence of a romance between them is evident before the final scene. I could state that I am not entirely pleased with the way in which the pain is shown in young people when they perceive that their romantic relationship is at mortal risk, but I prefer to remain with the conviction that 'My Biker' contributes to the struggle of LGBTIQ+ people.
It is not just the sunlight that illuminates the stage at any point in the suburban geography of Chiang Mai, on any given school day. Together with the Astro Sun, the light of hope also shines. This is its main message.