It is cruel when the essence of someone's identity is branded as a wrong that needs to be righted. Recently, certain occurrences have reminded society about how the LGBTI people are perceived in a place that is seemingly open, and yet where violence still rages against the rainbow flag.
In Thailand, one of the widespread discussions involved an online ad for a parenting workshop held at the all-male Bangkok Christian College. Its topic was identified as "How to raise a child to not be sexually deviated", a term many use to imply homosexuality. The ad was posted on Facebook, setting social media ablaze within minutes of its release and generating heated discussion, disbelief, concern and even memes.
The post didn't last long and was quickly removed following fierce comments and backlash. A few days later, the school's director issued a statement apologising for any "misunderstanding" and clarifying that the alleged activity was initiated and carried out by the parents. However, it did admit that the school was also involved in the activity.
The case brought about a discussion and awareness on gay conversion therapy and the ex-gay movement. As a sort-of counter movement, social media has taken the poster and converted it to read "How to raise children that respect diversity in people and not to become bigoted", as well as many other memes mocking the original poster's show of prejudice.
The now-deleted poster advertising a parenting workshop on how not to raise a 'sexually deviated' child. PHoto: Bangkok Christian College Facebook
The issue has since faded, but it's important to note the mindset behind it, especially how some parents still believed that being LGBTI is wrong and unacceptable -- a deviation. Worse, when they choose to take active measures against it by trying to "fix" a person's sexuality like a disease that needs to be cured, what are they subjecting their children to?
Imagine a child having to grow up in such an unaccepting and non-affirming household where their loved ones feel -- or, worse, actually believe -- that their sexual orientation and gender identity are a demon that needs to be exorcised. How does a person so young, who may already be confused and scared of society's opinion, live with that? How damaging is it when their own home -- which should be anybody's safe haven -- refuses to accept them?
Crossing over to our neighbour Malaysia, a story of two women being caned for lesbian sex made headlines earlier this month. The act violated a strict Islamic law, namely the sharia regulation which prohibits same-sex relations.
The two Muslim women, aged 22 and 32 and yet to be named, were each caned six times inside Syariah High Court in Terengganu state. About 150 people were reportedly inside the courtroom, witnessing the punishment taking place. The women also had to pay fines on top of the physical punishment.
From the two countries, we witness viewpoints and actions of a religious and cultural practice, as well as a belief that remains in the tight clutch of some people's consciousness. When certain beliefs, or even laws, are so deeply rooted against a certain segment of the population, how can we seek to make amends for them? Is the saying "It gets better" actually true?
Even when it may not look like it, it does get better. Around the world, we've seen different countries and regions coming around by legalising same-sex marriage, banning gay conversion therapy and gender-based discrimination, decriminalising homosexuality, and more. Most recently, India's Supreme Court decriminalised its colonial-era law that prohibited same-sex relationships in a historic verdict which was celebrated all over the world. Of course, global accomplishment may still be tainted by some parts of the world that refused and have yet to catch up on equality. But, as with anything, it takes time. It takes a long journey. And it does, and will, indeed get better.
Contact melalinm@bangkokpost.co.th for news and views of LGBTI.
Malila: The Farewell Flower has been selected as the Thai entry for the Academy Awards' Best Foreign Language Film award. The film, directed by Anucha Boonyawatana and starring Sukollawat Kanarot and Anuchyd Sapanphong, is set in rural Thailand and follows the romantic relationship and spiritual journey of a farmer and a flower artist. It has won numerous awards internationally, including that for Artistic Achievement from Los Angeles' Outfest LGBTQ Film Festival and the Kim Ji-Seok award at the Busan International Film Festival.
One of the latest online debates involves the sexuality of Sesame Street characters Bert and Ernie. The show's former writer Mark Saltzman gave a recent interview in which he revealed claims that roommates Bert and Ernie were written as a reflection of his relationship with another man. Still, it seems Sesame Street isn't too fond of this outing of their characters. In a now-deleted tweet, Sesame Workshop called the two puppets "best friends" and added that they "do not have a sexual orientation", which angered the LGBTI community for erasing queer identity while other characters are allowed heteronormative relationships. It also generated a debate on the lack of gay and lesbian representation on TV. Upon experiencing the backlash, they issued a new tweet saying Sesame Street stands for inclusion, but Bert and Ernie are just best friends anyway. Saltzman later gave another interview, implying his comment may have been misinterpreted. So, it's still unclear if Bert and Ernie are, or aren't, a couple. But fans can keep speculating.
Tonight, head to the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand for the screening of Queer Taiwan, which tells the tale of a fight for marriage equality, gay parents and surrogacy in Taiwan. The screening will be followed by an appearance by Jennifer Lu — chief co-ordinator of Marriage Equality Coalition Taiwan — in a discussion panel on Taiwan's road to becoming the first Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage. General admission is 150 baht. Free entry for members of the FCCT. The screening starts at 7pm.
