There were rainbows everywhere. From the stage and the cake to the crowd that adorned themselves in seven bands of colour and more, everything was bright and vivid at the annual gay pride reception held at the US Ambassador's Residence on Wireless Road last Tuesday.
Set aside the fact that June is actually LGBT Pride Month, this celebration couldn't have come at a better time. It was just two weeks ago when the world was hit by a heartbreaking tragedy that claimed 49 lives in Pulse nightclub in Orlando. More so now than ever, the LGBT communities need a little fun time, something to remind them why they are fighting each day: a chance to live freely and equally in a safe environment with no prejudice or hate targeting them.
Almost 700 guests from among the local LGBT communities were there at the Residence. Drizzling rain helped a little in cooling off the packed property. Still, most were fanning themselves with a rainbow plastic fan they got from the Foundation for SOGI Rights and Justice's stall. Few other organisations such as the Service Workers in Group Foundation (Swing) and the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand (RSAT) also had their stalls set up at the event to educate guests on rights, safe sex, HIV and more. But there was no stall dedicated specifically to lesbians or transmen.
Nearby the NGO's stalls, the complimentary photo booth that sat in the corner of the room seemed to be the crowd's favourite. Flashy feathers, crowns and masks were the props for the evening. The messages were clear on the booth, trailing with hashtags #comeoutwithus and #lovewins.
At 7pm, the US Ambassador Glyn T. Davies -- the evening's host -- stepped on stage to welcome his guests. The night was the largest and most colourful pride reception held by the embassy.
"Tonight is a party -- a celebration of an idea," said Davies in his welcoming speech. "An idea that every single person no matter who they are, what they look like and how they identify themselves in terms of gender, they deserve to be valued and loved for who they are.
"What happened in Orlando just a few days ago teaches us a lesson. It teaches us that the fight is not over. There is more work to be done."
Last year, the US Supreme Court's legalisation of same-sex marriage brought on a celebration worldwide from LGBT people, families and allies alike. But opposition and hindrances didn't fade away easily. From Kentucky's county clerk Kim Davis to the bathroom bill and religious freedom bill -- and now to Omar Mateen -- no one can deny the fact that, indeed, more work is still needed before the country, and the entire world, comes closer to being acceptant of gender diversity and equality.
A moment of silence -- precisely 49 seconds -- was observed by the crowd to honour 49 fallen souls. The shooting wasn't just an attack on Orlando, said the ambassador, but rather an attack against LGBT communities worldwide.
At the end of his speech, the ambassador introduced drag queen Pangina Heals to the crowd. The Thai artist made her way to the rainbow stage in a pink ensemble with a feathery, glittery headpiece -- the very definition of fabulous. She danced and lip-synced to classical hits like Ain't No Mountain High Enough, It's Raining Men, Hot Stuff and Lady Marmalade. That's when the party truly started. Glasses of wine were downed, platters of canapés served. And finally the rainbow cake was cut.
It was important to stay strong and remain joyous, especially in this period of mourning. In the end, there is just one thing we -- straight or LGBT -- can all do now: to live boldly as though there's no tragedy and hatred in the world. When we cower, hate is winning. So, don't kneel. We don't surrender. Love can win, though it will take all of us to fight together and rid our society of this plague of hate and discrimination.
The pride reception at the US Ambassador's Residence was a celebration of gender diversity, and that is what we should all do: celebrate. This world has seen enough candlelight vigils and moments of silence. From now on, let's remember the deceased in jolly celebrations -- show pride in their lives -- that they once lived and roamed the Earth with love in their hearts, that they were once someone's loving sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, mothers and fathers. It's not just their immediate relatives that are now grieving; the LGBT communities across the globe also lost their family members that day inside Pulse.
Though it's hard, everyone will eventually need to move on. The horrid June 12 is a harsh reminder, a realisation that this fight must not stop. No more people should die for being who they are, or for expressing love for another person of the same gender.
Like any civil rights movement, it'll take time before changes happen. And hopefully, the Orlando incident could act as one catalyst to fuel a positive change within our society, whether regarding the countries' legal movement or the people's attitude.
Prejudice will stay. And Davies foresees it will take education to make people understand that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer individuals are also humans, and that it is okay to love who you want to love.
"I think [the shooting] reminds people that members of the LGBT community are still in danger. There are still people in our society and many people who don't like this change and they're fighting against it," said the ambassador in an interview with Life.
"It takes a long time to fight civil war. We have struggles. We have riots and shootings. But, little by little, in a democracy where you can talk about these things, debate them and try to resolve them through a transparent process, you will make progress."
Contact melalinm@bangkokpost.co.th for news and views about LGBT.
US Ambassador Glyn T. Davies, left, and his wife Jacqueline with one of the guests.
A guest has fun at the photo booth.
The pride cake.
