From grappling with her identity in a religious Filipino household to becoming a voice for mental health and queer representation, Rachel Leyco’s journey is as inspiring as it is courageous.

Earlier this year, she starred as one of the leads in Tubi’s “What Happens in Miami.” 

“I loved her transformation, especially her being queer and Asian, specifically," said Leyco of her character. "So many characteristics of her that I really related to when I was younger and a closeted queer woman struggling with that, my faith, and sexuality.” 

Leyco’s role in the Tim Cruz-directed thriller allowed her to step into a character struggling with her sexuality, something that the Fil-Am actress knows all too well from her personal journey. 

"I really grappled with that," said Leyco when asked about coming out. "Having definitely experienced internalized homophobia, I had to do a lot of digging and self-reflection and talking to God, trying to understand: ‘What does this mean for me if I am queer? What does that mean about my faith?'" 

She added: "Ultimately, I realized, well, love is love. I don't want to deny my true self anymore, my authentic self."

Now, the actress-filmmaker is using her platform to break the silence around two often taboo subjects in the Filipino community: mental health and queer identity. 

She is launching at the end of October her new YouTube series “Crazy,” which tackles both topics. 

Leyco also recently starred in an ad for BetterHelp, which provides access to professional mental health therapy.

“A lot of the very specific Filipino BetterHelp ads, some of them are my ideas, some of them are BetterHelp ideas," she said. "And it's great. I love seeing all the comments and Filipinos just being very proud to see that representation.”

Leyco fell in love with acting at a young age, and it helped her come out of her shell.

Raised by Filipino parents who were both nurses, Rachel faced the familiar pressure to pursue a more traditional career path.

She is inspired by outstanding talents of color like Issa Rae and Mindy Kaling, who write and produce their own successful TV shows.

“I was so frustrated with the roles I was going out for as a Filipina," said Leyco. "It was all side characters, supporting small roles, very stereotypical. So I found this power in writing. I can write my own characters, and my own roles, and work on my own projects. I felt very empowered by that.” 

That power is apparent in her pursuit of writing, directing, and starring in her own projects.

One is a short film called “Thank You for Breaking My Heart,” currently in post-production.