Queer Creatives on the Importance of Being Seen
For CAD Studios founder and director April Duran, its community of queer creatives and allies isn't just part of the studio's identity—it's what makes the work better.
by Kyla Villena
Published on Jul 1, 2026
The media profoundly shapes today’s society. Whether we realize it or not, the stories we are told and the images we are shown influence our everyday lives in ways both obvious and subtle. They shape how we communicate with others, how we see the world, and even how we express our identities.
With that influence comes a responsibility to create work that is genuine and meaningful—not simply for the sake of creating, but in service of something much bigger.
For CAD Studios, that responsibility is realized through the perspectives of its queer creatives and allies.
Representation Through the Lens of the Queer Individuals and Allies Behind CAD Studios
“Three years ago, I shared with Preview that I wanted CAD Studios to be a place built on respect, diversity, and work-life harmony,” said founder and director April Duran. “Today, that’s still my why.”
In the process of building her team, she began to notice a particular pattern. “People who see the world differently often find each other,” and evidently so. In a short film titled “Our Ways of Seeing,” the CAD Studios team talks about the importance of being seen and why this is the driving force behind their work.
The people behind the Manila-based creative video agency are mostly queer individuals, while the rest are allies. Rooted in these diverse points of view, their process blossoms through an ever-evolving lens of openness—each one sharing the vision to cultivate an environment where people feel safe to work, express, and contribute.
Identity is not a hindrance that blocks opportunities; rather an asset that leads to having big ideas and telling stories beyond one’s own.
The art of noticing plays a central role in their approach. Curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to question what already exists come together to shape concepts that advocate for others and amplify their voices.
Because gender identity and sexual orientation exist on a spectrum—and because the fight for equality in the Philippines is far from over—CAD Studios approaches representation with the understanding that meaningful inclusion in media is an ongoing work in progress.
“The people who make up CAD Studios bring perspectives shaped by experiences that don’t always fit the default,” April continues. “They've spent their lives questioning norms, often making them the same people willing to challenge a brief, push an idea further, or see possibilities where others see limitations.
“Ultimately, they understand the value of being seen—and carry that same understanding into the way they show up for others, too. That is why the work is better.”
Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.