The steady advancement of LGBT rights in Western Europe and North America has faded from the front-page news, but it’s a different story in countries such as the Philippines, which has historically acknowledged the existence of homosexuality and gender variance, but where traditional and religious resistance impedes widespread acceptance of LGBT people.

OUT RUN documents the historic emergence of Ladlad (“Out of the Closet”), the first and only LGBT political party in the world, led by Bemz Benedito, who dreams of being the first transgender woman in the Philippine Congress. Taking their scrappy equality campaign to small-town hair salons and regional beauty pageants, Benedito and her eclectic group of volunteer activists rally the working class against their primary political opponent—a homophobic evangelical preacher—in an appeal to be taken seriously by the Filipino electorate.

Challenged by the country’s strong Christian ties and the lack of unity within the LGBT community itself, Ladlad struggles to give its potential representatives a chance to bring an LGBT voice to congress. By closely following this monumental effort and by revealing the personal risks and political compromises that go with fighting from the heart for dignity and equality, Emmy-nominated documentarians S. Leo Chiang and Johnny Symons deftly capture the emotional triumphs and heartbreaking setbacks leading up to a decisive election day.

Sponsored by Accenture, CenturyLink Prism TV, and Gay City: Seattle’s LGBTQ Center. Food provided by Root Table, drinks provided by Barefoot Wine & Bubbly. Tickets on sale September 15.