FROM NOVEL TO SCREEN
Amid the sea of Boy's Love content, our first reaction towards any new Thai project based on Yuri -- romance between ladies -- is one of excitement. However, upon closer look, this initial excitement often turns into suspicions and, sometimes, disappointment.
Such is the case of Rak Kaew, an upcoming TV adaptation of a novel of the same name by national artist Krisna Asoksin. The novel was published in the 1970s and tells the story of a rebellious teen, Roeithongsai, and a ward under the care of the 40-something butch, Rangrong, who harbours unwanted romantic feelings towards the young woman she helps raise. Child grooming alert? Or how about the fact that the novel labels lesbians as sexual deviants. Roeithongsai herself despises the prospect of her female guardian's romantic advances (they're not related) and in a desire to break free, tries to make her own advances towards men. We must remember that this story was written 50 years ago when prejudice towards LGBTI people was on display much more compared to today.
But fast forward 50 years later and we must ask ourselves, is there still a place for a story about a child-grooming lesbian in 2021 in a time when different forms of sexuality are being discussed, criticised and scrutinised? When the media trend is (at least trying to) to be more inclusive and less stereotypical? Lesbians don't have to be depicted as saints but with a track record of negative and exploitative portrayals, tragic endings, male-gaze debate, and the already limited amount of lesbian characters and storylines in mainstream media, they deserve better and greater representation on the screen.
Judging from recently released photos from the drama, producers are making their own adjustment and possibly modernising the story and characters. The story is now clearly set in modern time and while we have yet to learn if there will be changes in the storyline, one difference is already apparent in the characterisation of Rangrong. In the novel, she's a strong butch who can carry a girl easily on her shoulder, however, in the TV drama, she's now portrayed by Cris Horwang (Bangkok Traffic Love Story and The Face Thailand) who's dressed fashionably and femininely in photos. It's an interesting change to step away from the "tom and dy" or the butch and femme narrative of lesbians and instead portray two femme ladies together. It remains to be seen whether the character's stereotypically possessive, controlling and man-hating nature from the novel will be updated as well.
Another interesting and surprising aspect of this drama is that it is set to air on Channel 3. Having a lesbian character leading the drama on national television is definitely something new. The challenge now is how the producers will adapt the source material and portray it in a way that's not offensive or homophobic for the modern audience. The project does have promising aspects such as its director and team whose credits include the hit Bai Mai Tee Plid Plew, which is about a trans woman seeking revenge for childhood trauma and her mother's death. Its cast members are also noteworthy, especially Supassara "Kao" Thanachart (Hormones) who plays the young ward. Audiences and fans have already noticed the leads' age gap and hope the Cate Blanchett/Rooney Mara kind of chemistry will be delivered.
The cast of Rak Kaew. Cris, second from right, plays a lesbian who falls for her ward, played by Supassara, centre. Photo: www.facebook.com/Ch3Thailand
NO MEANS NO
Earlier this month, the Vatican released a statement regarding whether the church has the power to give blessings to same-sex unions.
The answer, simply, was "negative".
Issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the statement came in seven languages and was approved by Pope Francis.
The lengthy explanatory note went on to say that there are "positive elements" in same-sex relationships that should be "valued and appreciated". However, they're still illegitimate to receive ecclesial blessing and are not "ordered to the creator's plan". Should such a blessing be made licit, it would imitate a union between a man and a woman when there's nothing in common between the two or "even remotely analogous to God's plan for marriage and family".
Alan Turing is now the face of England's £50 banknote. Photo: www.bankofengland.co.uk
This declaration, read the statement, wasn't intended as a form of discrimination but rather a "reminder of the truth" as per the church's understanding. God may bless a sinful man but "does not and cannot bless sin".
Pope Francis previously voiced his support concerning homosexual people's right to a family and legal protection in an interview that appeared in Francesco, a documentary that was released last year. The comment was made in reference to civil-related aspects but not within the church itself. It was originally part of an interview with a Mexican TV station in 2019 but was reportedly cut by the Vatican before resurfacing in the documentary.
Many have hoped that the Catholic church might be more open and welcoming towards same-sex unions, especially after news of Pope Francis' endorsement last year, however, it seems the church remains firm in its more conservative stance.
Supporters hold an 'unconstitutional decision' flag in Sapporo, Japan. Photo: AFP
MONTHLY SNIPPETS
■ A new design of the £50 (2,100 baht) banknote in England will feature scientist Alan Turing. The design was revealed to the public last week and will be issued for general circulation on June 23, which is Turing's birthday. As a renowned mathematician, Turing's codebreaking work helped end World War II. However, being a gay man, he was charged with gross indecency at a time when homosexual acts were a criminal offence and therefore, he had to undergo hormone treatment. The British government released an official apology for Turing's prosecution in 2009 and he was later granted a posthumous pardon by Queen Elizabeth II.
■ The Sapporo district court in Japan has ruled that denying same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. The country's constitution currently defines marriage as based on mutual consent between both sexes. The LGBTI community and activists in Japan received this news with glee, viewing it as a step towards a victory that may lead to a change in the marriage law in the future. Japan is currently the only G7 nation that has yet to legalise same-sex marriage.
■ The first LGBTI community centre in Ghana was raided and shut down by security forces. The group, LGBT+ Rights Ghana, revealed on Twitter that it was previously threatened by traditional leaders to burn down their office, adding that police didn't help them. Same-sex relationships are illegal in the country and can result in prison time. Several members of parliament have since introduced a bill to ban all forms of LGBTI advocacy and hope to pass it soon.
