Pandemic guidelines for the LGBTI

Covid-19 is affecting everyone around the world in one way or another. But for LGBTI people, they are facing some additional challenges not experienced by others amid the pandemic.

The Foundation of Transgender Alliance for Human Rights (Thai TGA) -- with support from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation -- recently released a guideline on how LGBTI people can protect themselves at this time. The guideline, available in both Thai and English, can be found online and it provides information which is applicable to the general population about the virus such as advice on social distancing and washing of hands, among other things.

The topics which address LGBTI people are mostly directed towards transgender people. The guideline advises them to consider postponing or cancelling hormone therapy and surgery at this time in order to avoid going to the hospital.

There's also a section in the guideline aimed at healthcare providers advising them to be sensitive regarding their patients' gender identity. Moreover, it encourages those who have experienced gender-based discrimination to contact the Department of Women's Affairs and Family Development or the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand for assistance.

Other vulnerable groups during this time also include people living with HIV and those who need to take PrEP and PEP. These groups of people should consult their doctors and opt to receive their medication via delivery, if possible.

For those needing a health check-up or PrEP, they can search for Prep Me Now on Facebook. The group also has a website, prepmenow.net, which provides information on different healthcare providers as well as a bilingual online booking service so people can schedule a certain time slot and avoid queuing at clinics.

Prep Me Now is also advising people to keep physical distance from others and that everyone should refrain from meeting strangers for casual sex. You may not get HIV if you're taking PrEP religiously but you can still get Covid-19 from physical contact. No kissing and touching either. Keep things at a healthy 2m distance, please.

Another Covid-19 survival guideline has been created in English by OUTasia. It offers practical day-to-day advice on where and how to seek mental health services, helplines, social service, suggestions for activities and food, among others, in addition to PrEP/PEP. Feel free to reach out to this friendly organisation via OUTasia's Facebook page if you feel lonely during this period of isolation.

OutRight Action International -- a US-based non-profit organisation that is fighting for the human rights of LGBTI people -- is also offering aid to vulnerable LGBTI communities in various countries, including Thailand. As a response to this crisis, OutRight has set up the Covid-19 Global LGBTIQ Emergency Fund, which will grant US$2,500-$10,000 (81,000 baht to 325,000 baht) to LGBTI organisations -- both registered and non-registered -- to support their community members. Eligible organisations must work directly with and for LGBTI people and be based outside of North America, the European Economic Area, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand. Organisations can apply for the grant on outrightinternational.org. Currently, there is no deadline and applications are accepted while funds last. Donors can also contribute to the fund via the website.

As we strive to remain safe and protected, we can also aim to be kind. Recently, a gay couple made and distributed 300 rainbow face masks to strangers in Gdansk, Poland. Their action was documented on their YouTube channel called Jakub & Dawid. Those who received the masks showed gratitude to the couple in the uplifting video clip. It was quite a daring move to be handing out Pride-themed masks in public as Poland hasn't exactly been a friendly place for LGBTI people. But, in times of need, humanity prevails.

The lockdown continues and this may just be a good time to catch up on all those shows, series and movies you've been missing out or meaning to stream. Aside from household names like RuPaul's Drag Race, Pose, Orange Is The New Black and Queer Eye, Netflix also has many other noteworthy titles for you to explore.

Feel Good

Released last month, Feel Good sees comedian Mae Martin playing a recovering drug addict who struggles to stay clean while also being in a relationship with a girlfriend who is very reluctant to come out of the closet. It's dark. It's funny. It's also very personal. The series debuted with six short episodes, which are nowhere near enough. We need our Season 2, please.

Black Mirror: San Junipero

If this is not already a classic on your list, then it deserves to be one. Black Mirror has come up with some provocative (even upsetting), futuristic stuff over the years. But in San Junipero (found in the show's third season), we are treated with an uplifting story of Yorkie and Kelly, two women who come across each other in a beach town. It's simply a must-watch.

Elisa & Marcela

What's that black-and-white lesbian film with an octopus? Why, it's Elisa & Marcela, a story about the first same-sex marriage recorded in Spain. In 1901, the couple donned a disguise and passed as heterosexual to get a priest to marry them. The film is generally pretty to look at but was also largely criticised for being dull and lacking in depth.

Alex Strangelove

Netflix has loads of teen rom-coms, and this is one of them (without Noah Centineo). Alex is a high school senior who is dating his female best friend. One day, he meets Elliot, who's openly gay, and begins to question his sexuality. It's a teen boy's journey on a road of self-discovery. The story is pretty light, simple and, yes, it ends with a happy ending.

Sex Education

This teen sex comedy-drama is everything a show about teens could hope to be. The series packs lovable characters and relevant stories about growing up and navigating the vast landscape of romance and sexuality. It also tackles tough issues like bullying, sexual harassment, abortion and more. In all its hilarious raunchiness, the story is handled with sensitivity and care and is a must-see for everyone.

The Half Of It

Look out for this new addition on May 1. The film follows Ellie, a shy, straight-A girl who is hired by a jock to write a love letter and win over a girl. The two grow closer and become unlikely friends. However, things get complicated when Ellie finds herself developing feelings for the same girl. The trailer looks pretty promising and we can't wait to watch it.

Contact melalinm@bangkokpost.co.th for news and views about LGBTI.