US ambassador hosts Bangkok's annual Pride reception
HOUSE OF RAINBOW
Earlier this month, the US Ambassador's Residence on Wireless Road was once again lit up in rainbow colours for its annual Pride reception. The event, hosted by Ambassador Glyn T. Davies, saw members of the LGBTI community and distinctive guests -- drag queens, gender advocates, diplomats -- coming together for a night of fun.
In his welcoming speech, the ambassador touched on the progress of LGBTI inclusion around the world, acknowledging the years of global advocacy before reflecting back to his own country, which established marriage equality nationwide back in 2015.
"It was super important, and we're never going back," announced Davies to the crowd. "Now, when Americans think about [marriage equality], they used to think that it would be so difficult, that we can't do it, and now they think why didn't we do that 10, 20 or 30 years ago."
He also gave his message of encouragement to members of the LGBTI community in Thailand. "Many people are with you. Take part. Be strong. You are fighting a very important fight," he insisted. "Your day is coming and we want to stand with you as you work through this." The end of the ambassador's speech also marked the beginning of the night's festivities, with drag shows as well as Born This Way and Crazy In Love ensuring a great evening.
All in all, the night carried a fun and friendly atmosphere. Indeed, a safe space for all to mingle and enjoy each other's company in celebration of diversity and of the fundamental friendship we share.
EYE FOR ONE ANOTHER
Queer Eye is now back on Netflix for the second season!
The hit reboot of the makeover show has since omitted the "for the straight guy" part of its original title and is now reaching out to be more inclusive, especially to fellow members of the LGBTI community. In Season 1, we saw a man come out to his stepmother. Now, Season 2 expands the scope to include a religious mother with a gay son and, for the first time, a transgender man who's recently undergone his top surgery.
While anyone would be receptive to the charm and fun (plus some useful tips) of the show, some episodes can really get tears welling up in your eyes and tug on your heartstrings. In the Sky's The Limit episode of Season 2, we see our favourite gurus the Fab Five help Skyler, a transgender man who transforms his place to be a haven for his friends in the LGBTI community. Skyler's friends also help him fundraise money for his top surgery.
This episode is very enlightening as it sheds light on the lesser known female-to-male transitions -- the struggle and journey on a personal, social and legal level. It is indeed eye opening, not just for the general public but also for the rest of the LGBTI community.
"So many gay men, lesbian and bisexual people don't truly know the trans experience. We support them as brothers and sisters, but we don't know everything they go through," commented Karamo Brown, the show's culture expert.
LGBTI people are often seen by the public as one big, homogenous community congruent with the ever expanding acronym. While people tend to therefore assume that members of the group are mutually aware and understanding, that's not always the case, as manifested by the members of the Fab Five, for whom contact with transgender people constitutes a learning opportunity as well.
The episode sends a positive message of solidarity, and of the willingness to no longer live in ignorance but to be open-minded and understand more about what others go through in their lives. And then there's the power of being there for one another.
As Skyler was ostracised by his own parents, he decided to walk away and eventually found a new family in his friends and LGBTI community. We can see people reaching out to one another -- giving, sharing and changing each other for the better -- as Skyler reached out to his friends, as his friends supported him in return, and as the Fab Five lent a friendly helping hand.
This is how a community can thrive in the face of the discrimination and prejudice that persists -- side by side, with a solid foundation built on understanding and open-mindedness.
Contact melalinm@bangkokpost.co.th for news and views of LGBTI.
Happening now
Make way for the latest LGBTI film this week, Disobedience, now showing at several Major Cineplex and SF Cinema venues, plus House RCA. Not a bad release for a film with major lesbian characters, the likes of which come to Bangkok once a blue moon (and sadly, not much elsewhere in the country). Directed by Sebastián Lelio, Disobedience sees Rachel Weisz teaming up with Rachel McAdams as they find themselves in the strict Orthodox Jewish community of London. Old flames flare up again when the estranged Ronit (Weisz, who also produced the film) returns home following her father's death and meets her childhood fling Esti (McAdams), who is now married to Ronit's cousin. The film is widely praised for the cast's performance and Lelio's direction. Especially, the chemistry between the two leading women should be earning the film its place among other modern lesbian classics like Blue Is The Warmest Colour and Carol.
Serindia Gallery now hosts the "LGBTQ: Loves Get Better With Time Quietly" art exhibition by Sudaporn Teja, which explores gender fluidity and inclusion in our society. The mixed-media collection features the use of oestrogen hormone gel, breast reduction gel and more as part of its conceptual pieces. Admission is free. The exhibition will run until July 8.
"Co-Exist LGBT Art Exhibition" is happening at Tentacles. The non-profit art project from Taiwan focuses on the relationship between gender, politics and violence, as well as the Taiwanese people's perspective on the probability of gay marriage in the country. Artists include Chen Han-Sheng, Huang Chih-Cheng, Liou Shing-You, Ou Jing-Yun and Yeon Jeong. The exhibition concludes on July 1.
It's World Cup season! Pauline Ngarmpring, the founder of the football fan group Cheerthai Power, is providing live commentary and game analysis on Monday at 2pm via Voice TV 21's Facebook page. The "Cheer Football with Pauline" special Facebook live session will return weekly until the end of the World Cup.
UPCOMING
Bangkok Screening Room will be hosting its first "LGBT+ Film Festival Bangkok", starting July 3. Films showing include Tom Of Finland, The Queen Of Ireland, Signature Move, Tale Of The Lost Boys, and The Adventures Of Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. There will also be talks, performances and exhibitions. Visit bkksr.com/lgbtff2018.
Get a glimpse of queerness in the Deep South's Muslim society with "Otherwise Inside", a photo exhibition by Samak Kosem, which will be featured as part of the Photo Bangkok Festival 2018. The exhibition will be on display from July 19 to Aug 16 at WTF Gallery. The photography festival itself, a non-profit triennial international festival established in 2015, will start on July 5 and last until Sept 9 at several venues and galleries across Bangkok. For more information, visit photobangkokfestival.com.
