Getaway: Singapore’s First BL Web Drama Series Ft. Hirzi, Otto Fong, Steven David Lim From Growing Up

The LGBT community in Singapore has much to look forward to in the next couple of months. Other than the return of Pink Dot at Hong Lim Park in June after a 2-year hiatus, there will also be the debut of Getaway - Singapore’s first-ever gay BL web drama series, starring an openly queer cast including local actor and comedian Hirzi Zulkiflie, among others.

Photo from Dear Straight People

Getaway was produced by Dear Straight People, a homegrown media outlet focused on LGBT-related stories and events in Singapore and Asia, and took half a year to create. The aim of this 5-episode series is simple, clear, and something that’s close to the hearts of everyone involved: “To raise visibility, understanding and acceptance of Singapore’s LGBTQ+ community”.

Photo from Dear Straight People

The BL (Boys’ Love) genre - also known as yaoi in Japanese manga and anime - is centred around male-male romances, and is often by females, for a straight female audience. In this case, however, the entire production was pretty much helmed by an LGBT team, catered towards a gay audience.

That said, this short film series is something that anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, is welcome to watch and appreciate.

Photo from Dear Straight People

Featuring an openly queer cast from Singapore and Thailand, Getaway follows the story of Sam (Sean Foo - Dear Straight People founder and Getaway producer) who faces unacceptance after coming out to his conservative father (Steven David Lim). Sam then flees to Bangkok to seek guidance from his uncle Alex (Otto Fong), who was also disowned in the past for being gay.

Photo from Dear Straight People

In the process of his big search, Sam meets and befriends Top (Paween “Snooker” Nalieng), a Thai dude who’s had little luck in relationships, yet remains a hopeless romantic. We can’t give any spoilers, but what happens next in this journey of self-discovery is sure to touch your heart.

That aside, you can also expect lighthearted humour scattered here and there - as well as some hot and heavy bedroom scenes *wink*.

Photo from Dear Straight People

Here’s the cast’s Instagram handles for your stalking pleasure:

• Sean Foo - @mrseanfoo
• Paween “Snooker” Nalieng - @weensker
• Phillips Loh - @plohhhh
• Patsarun “Ohm” Songput - @ohmbkkth
• Hirzi Zulkiflie - @hirziofficial
• Sirinutt “Sean” Cholvibool - @sean99456
• Zymone - @zymonetrp
• Otto Fong - @otto_fong
• Steven David Lim - @stevendavidlimphotography

Getaway’s pilot episode is dropping on 23 May 2022, and you’ll be able to watch it for free via Dear Straight People’s YouTube channel. Stay tuned to their page for more updates on future episodes!

In the meantime, check out the trailer below:

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