Illustration by @bypersimmon
While it’s certainly a time to celebrate how far society has come worldwide regarding awareness and acceptance in the LGBTQ+ community, there is still a long way to go, especially in Thailand.
It's important that we take time to promote tolerance and raise awareness of the prejudices still faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
What is LGBTQIA+
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or Questioning), Intersex, Asexual and + symbolising the range of sexual orientation on the spectrum.
Why Pride Month Is Important
Commemorating the 1969 Stonewall riots (demonstrations by members of the gay community in response to a police raid, marking a turning point in the fight for LGBT rights)
Showing allyship to LGBTQIA+ communities
Loving others and yourself proudly and passionately
Remembering and believing the power of diversity
Helping with accepting who you are and just being yourself
Honouring the LGBTQIA+ activists fighting for equality
Understanding we are all different, yet all human
Raising awareness and education about LGBTQIA+ topics
Celebrating love and the uniqueness of our identities
“It is a testament to our times and the progress we continue to make when acceptance and equal opportunities are bestowed on every member of our community. The trans women featured (June 2021 Thailand Vogue) within these pages are proof that through inner strength, grace and due diligence in moving mountains, their life and career choices are no longer confined to pageantry or entertainment. From the corporate arena to parliament and even behind the camera; the stories they generously shared are affirming to the tune that when humanity works collectively with love and respect for one another, true progress is made. Their incredibly inspiring path stems from an innate desire to be true to themselves, and a resilience to not be defined by how the world chooses to see them. Acceptance is inward. We can all do better in supporting this mission."
Quote by Vogue editor in chief @kullawit
Reflection of the LGBTQ+ Movement & Efforts in Thailand //
- In response to a petition signed by 60,000 people, proceedings to recognise same-sex civil partnerships started moving again in 2018. The bill would enable same-sex couples to be ‘life partners’ and gain the same rights as heterosexual couples. If this is passed, same-sex life partners will be able to adopt, which is currently limited to married couples.
- Sex reassignment operations have taken place in Thailand since 1975, however trans people do not have the right to legally change their gender and cannot legally change their names even after surgery.
- While private and consensual sex between same-sex couples was decriminalized in 1956, it was only in 2002, the Ministry of Health decided it would no longer be regarded as a mental disorder.
- Thai same-sex couples are usually tolerated in public, particularly in cities, however the law does not officially recognise same-sex marriages, partnerships or civil unions. Although there have been attempts to legalize gay marriage in the past, they have always stalled (most recently in 2014).
In Other News //
In a presidential proclamation (an official statement from the US President on an important matter), Joe Biden has formally recognised Pride Month, saying “He will not rest until full equality for LGBTQ+ Americans is finally achieved and codified into law”.
Biden additionally called on Congress to pass the Equality Act - a bill that would protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in housing, education, health care, public accommodation, credit and many other areas of life.
The Biden-Harris administration also reversed the Trump administration’s ban on transgender people enlisting and serving in the military.
Rainbow Washing //
While some people, governments and corporations take part in ‘rainbow-washing’ (not doing tangible work to support LGBTQ+ communities at any other time during the year), the usage of the rainbow flag symbol has become more generic in marketing to claim ‘allyship’ without addressing, or thinking about the issues the flag represents.
- Correcting friends when they say something homophobic or transphobic
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Learn, Support, Educate
Be Proud: A Short Video
All In My Family: Documentary // Gay filmmaker Hao Wu faces the dilemma of introducing his partner and children to his traditional family in China.
Disclosure: Documentary // Leading trans creatives and thinkers share heartfelt perspectives and analysis about Hollywood's impact on the trans community.
The Death & Life of Martha P. Johnson: Documentary // One of the icons of the gay rights movement in the 1960s, the self-described "street queen" of NY's gay ghetto. Uncovering the truth of her death, and celebrating her legacy. - Donate towards impactful LGBTQ+ advocate organisations such as GLAAD
- Rethink your biases, stereotypes & assumptions
- Listen to LGBTQ Youth and be understanding
- Be a role model for kindness & inclusion
- Make your workplace more inclusive by hiring and promoting a safe space
- Send a LIABOX in support and celebration of loved ones, or those in your circle that are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. From coming out to parents, celebrating milestones of a transitioning journey, to celebrating acceptance of learning who they are, your thoughtfulness will go a long way and nurture your special relationships.
Pride isn’t limited to just one month, show your support for the LGBTQIA+ community year long.
Instagram Accounts To Follow //
@lgbtq._a // @lgbt // @mentallylgbtq
And a special mention to @deeristravelling who we reached out to for Pride Month. Read their blog post “This Is How LGBTQ Equality Looks Like In Thailand” here
Their Story:
We are Aon and Lan, an intergaycial couple from Thailand and Russia, based in Thailand!
We matched on Tinder and we were so busy, so we met for the first few months after that. But when we finally did, we had this click and our story started! We both didn't plan to stay in Bangkok as Aon wanted to move to Canada to study more and Lan was in Bangkok to Learn Muay Thai for a year with the plans to travel more but looks at us now!
We started our blog for the reason that there are almost no LGBTQ+ friendly resources about Thailand. Plus, we always were looking for hidden gems places around Thailand but there is not much information either. At first, we were confused and later decided to make deeristravelling.com to show how it is to be a gay couple in Thailand, but also show the beauty of Thailand that regular tourists couldn't see. We actually won the award The Blogger Thailand in 2019 from the TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) and now we are actively working with many big hotel chains across the travel industry.
Our Blog & Social Media Channels:
https://deeristravelling.com/
https://www.instagram.com/deeristravelling/
https://twitter.com/deeristravellin
https://facebook.com/deeristravelling
"That being said, the fight for rights is far from being over, but no one is equal until everyone is equal. Su su*, rainbow sisters and brothers!" - Aon & Lan (Deeristravelling)
* Susu in the Thai Language means to keep fighting and never give up.
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