Daring to speak its name | Bangkok Post: Arts & Culture

QUEER EYE

Shortly after we embraced the arrival of 2012 there was good tidings for the LGBT community when several local newspapers broke the story of two gay men from the South who found each other through Facebook and went on to solemnise their relationship by hosting a traditional wedding, which was attended by both sets of parents. Since same-sex marriage is not legal in Thailand, all the guys gained from the ceremony was a happy memory and recognition of the union by their nearest and dearest.

The continuing lack of matrimonial rights for gay and lesbian couples in this country often surprises foreign tourists who are aware of Bangkok's unofficial status as the "gay capital" of the region. Greater social acceptance and more vigorous campaigning by LGBT locals will, sooner or later, bring the day when two hard-working tax-payers of the same gender will be able to have the dream wedding they deserve and have their union recognised by the State.

Moved by that inspirational story from our southern provinces and in anticipation of Valentine's Day, now only a little over two weeks away, Queer Eye has chosen five very watchable films that give different perspectives on our world of rainbow love.