The LGBTI community has much to cheer this month, even in Thailand's much-maligned new parliament
Addressing intolerance
The LGBTI community has much to cheer this month, even in Thailand's much-maligned new parliament.
This month, as well as the annual International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia And Biphobia on May 17, there were also many other reasons for LGBTI people and their allies to celebrate.
Following a fierce global outcry, Brunei announced earlier this month that it would not impose strict new laws which sanctioned the death penalty by stoning for those convicted of gay sex. Activists worldwide, including Hollywood celebrities, helped take a stand against this brutal law. And it paid off. It goes to show the strength we have when we all stand up together for a common cause. The united international front eventually helped cause the reversal of a major decision that would've otherwise jeopardised many lives.
Elsewhere, Taiwan became the first Asian nation to legalise same-sex marriage. A big hooray, indeed. But while it seems like a big win, upon closer inspection, there are some dark shadows in the background.
Some issues that have been raised include the fact that this isn't an amendment of the country's existing marriage laws, but rather a new, separate law for same-sex unions. It covers most rights applicable to heterosexual couples, but, crucially, not all. Adoption, for instance, is only allowed to same-sex couples if the child is genetically related to one of the prospective parents.
Furthermore, same-sex couples from countries without marriage equality won't be able to get married legally in Taiwan. This means a Taiwanese man can't marry his partner if he's not from a country with a similar law. So Thailand and all other Asian countries are pretty much out of the picture. This, of course, limits the opportunity for Taiwan to become the big gay wedding destination many hoped it could be. We celebrate the big step Taiwan has taken, but there's still room for improvement.
Back home, Thailand also has something to boast about. After persistent misinformation on gender and sexuality in school textbooks for many years, a change is finally happening. Kittinun Daramadhaj, president of the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand, announced that health education textbooks for both primary and secondary students will now feature updated, accurate, multidimensional information on gender.
Previously, these textbooks featured negative content alluding to LGBTI people as sick, sexually deviant or worse. Fortunately, future generations of Thai students will be spared these outdated views. The new textbooks are now available, just in time for the start of a new semester.
Road to parliament
Thai politics may seem hopeless at times, but that doesn't mean there's no silver lining.
For the first time, Thailand has out LGBTI and non-binary MPs. Among them is Future Forward Party's Tanwarin Sukkhapisit, a filmmaker who has become a prominent representative of fluidity in our society. Tanwarin defines herself as non-binary, and doesn't mind which pronoun we use to refer to her. She has succeeded in her goal of becoming the first katoey MP in the country.
Tanwarin and some other MPs recently filed a request to allow them to dress according to their gender identity as they go about their official duties and when they attend formal ceremonies. They hope to bring new standards and equal rights to the Thai political scene.
"As a member of parliament elected by the people, I believe that being a Thai citizen means we should have the right and freedom to dress according to our gender identity," said Tanwarin to the press at parliament.
Shop with pride
Some new shopping gear has popped up on our radar. The home-furnishing giant IKEA has unveiled a limited-edition rainbow shopping bag, just in time for Pride Month.
The bag, dubbed Kvanting, will be available to purchase from IKEA US stores, starting June 1. Priced at US$3.99, all of the profits made from sales of the bags will go to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF)'s programme to support LGBTI youths and families.
Additionally, all IKEA US stores plan to raise the rainbow flag on June 1 to mark the beginning of Pride Month.
"At IKEA, our culture is centred on the value of togetherness. We believe equality is a fundamental human right and that all homes are created equal. We know everyone deserves a home you absolutely love and a workplace where you can be yourself," said Rafael Fantauzzi, IKEA US Diversity and Inclusion manager.
Originating in Sweden, IKEA now operates 369 stores in 30 countries, including 50 in the US. It was on Forbes' "Best Employers For Diversity" list this year, as well as earning 100% on HRCF's Annual Scorecard on LGBTQ Workplace Equality for four consecutive years. The company has long been known for its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. In 1994, IKEA aired the first national TV commercial to ever feature a gay couple, which saw two men shopping together at an IKEA store. Sadly, we won't be seeing the bag here, according to IKEA Thailand. Still, be inspired and take the opportunity to extend your collection of rainbow gear. Some of the brands we've seen offering special rainbow items include Ralph Lauren, Under Armour, Adidas, Converse and more. A few of them are partnered with civil organisations and will donate the profits to LGBTI-related causes.
Contact melalinm@bangkokpost.co.th for news and views of LGBTI.
