From civil partnership to LGBTI politicians, here's a look back at some of the things that have happened in the rainbow community this year, as well as things to look forward to in 2019
UNEQUAL PARTNERSHIP
One of the most-talked-about issues in the country this year is none other than the civil-partnership bill. The release of its draft last month revealed the contents of the bill, which revolves mainly around financial aspects in a relationship while neglecting the rights for LGBTI people to start a family, and much else.
This is not marriage equality, cried the people, as being in such a partnership wouldn't allow for the same rights, entitlements and benefits as those enjoyed by heterosexual married couples. Many LGBTI people are now rejecting this bill and ask for the committee set up by the Rights and Liberties Protection Department of the Ministry of Justice to slow down and make changes before going any further into the legislative process.
As another option, many call for an amendment of the Civil and Commercial Code, Section 1448 -- the marriage law that allows only a man and a woman of age to be married -- for it to say, instead, that any two persons of age can be married. To many, this path is much more difficult to achieve than the half-baked bill. But if it can be done, it would finally grant the true marriage equality that LGBTI people have always wanted.
The marriage issue will be one that everyone will have to keep a close eye on next year. Everyone is encouraged to voice their opinion and participate in the discussion. And we can all hope -- and fight -- for the best scenario to emerge along this road to equality.
CHARGING INTO A NEW ARENA
Over the past few years, we've been seeing more out LGBTI politicians and diplomats on the world stage. Thailand, too, is following suit in our upcoming, long-awaited election. It's been indeed a pleasure to hear that several out LGBTI figures have decided to step into the political arena to make their voices heard. So far, we've seen filmmaker Tanwarin Sukkhapisit, Pauline Ngarmpring, activist Nada Chaiyajit and a few others raising their hands, joining different parties of their choice as candidates.
It will be interesting to see their campaigns soon, as well as how the general public will react to having LGBTI candidacies. A more important question, also, is whether they will be able to influence real change. We sure hope their candidacy will be able to do more than just add colour and flair to the heated election, and actually make a difference to the country.
UNIVERSAL APPROVAL
Memorable moments have emerged from this year's Miss Universe competition, though none can match the special tribute Angela Ponce from Spain received in the pageant's final round that concluded just last week in Thailand. While Ponce -- the first transgender woman in history to be competing for the MU crown -- didn't make it into the top 20, she got her own spotlight onstage and received a standing ovation from the crowd inside Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani.
"My hope is for tomorrow, to be able to live in a world of equality for everyone. Simply for us all to understand that we are human and that we must make all our lives easier together. That reality for many people is going to change," said Ponce in the touching tribute video shown at the Miss Universe final round. "If I can give that to the world, I don't need to win Miss Universe, I only need to be here."
After the video was shown, Ponce appeared onstage to the cheering crowd. In an unforgettable moment that wasn't quite captured in time by the live broadcast, the Spanish beauty queen kissed her fingers and with them touched the floor of the X-shaped stage, right at the centre of the intersection. Regardless of whether that was intentional or not, the moment symbolised Ponce's own journey, that she has now made her mark in history at this crossroads.
We're looking forward to seeing what the future holds for other transgender contestants who will walk through the door Ponce has opened for them.
CINEMATIC PARADE
We were definitely in love with the number of LGBTI films we've been able to see in Thailand this year. It was quite an impressive and diverse line-up, too.
Director Sebastián Lelio had two films screened in the country: A Fantastic Woman and Disobedience. Set in Chile, A Fantastic Woman tells the story of a transgender woman facing the aftermath of losing her lover. The movie won Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards. In Disobedience, the landscape shifts to an Orthodox Jewish community in London, where an old flame rekindles between two childhood friends (played by Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams, who both gave amazing performances).
Gay films of a polar-opposite nature also joined the ranks. The much talked-about Love, Simon was positively received with its brighter, younger tale of love and the coming-out of a high-school boy. Those who prefer something more raw and sensual will find God's Own Country -- an English drama that observes the budding relationship of a sheep farmer and immigrant worker -- more likeable.
For Thai films, we had Malila: The Farewell Flower, directed by Anucha Boonyawatana, gaining traction and being chosen as the Thai entry for Best Foreign Language Film at next year's Academy Awards. Unfortunately, this story of a farmer and a flower artist wasn't nominated.
NEGATIVE feedbacK
Crossing to another side of Asia, we saw the LGBTI community in Taiwan in quite an emotional limbo. Last year, their constitutional court ruled that same-sex couples should have the right to marry, and thus gave two years for same-sex marriage to be legally recognised. So, by May 2019 at the latest, marriage equality will be allowed in the country. This indeed called for celebration, but just last month the majority of Taiwanese voters rejected the idea of same-sex marriage.
People were disappointed but remained hopeful. At least the vote was non-binding. The government also intended to comply with the court ruling regarding marriage equality despite the voting results.
Still, it was discouraging to witness such public rejection. And at the same time, to think that a marriage between two consenting adults has to call for the opinion of the entire country -- how fair is that really? Taiwan is one nation in Asia that is considered open and accepting when it comes to gender diversity, and so this news came quite unexpectedly.
It also had a lot of us imagining a similar situation in Thailand. If we were to have a similar vote, asking Thais their opinion on same-sex marriage, what would everybody's answer be? Honestly, judging from the mocking and insulting opinions we often find in comments section attached to LGBTI-related news, we would rather not find out.
