POINT OF NO RETURN
Thai LGBTI activists had an unexpectedly dramatic start for 2022.
Human rights activist Sirisak Chaited announced on Facebook that they would return the Ardhanareeswara Award -- which was given in recognition of their effort in LGBTI and human rights advocacy -- to its organiser, the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand (RSAT). The news attracted widespread attention within the LGBTI community as Sirisak is a well-known figure, while RSAT is a major LGBTI organisation in the country.
What went wrong? Last month, Kittinun Daramadhaj -- president of RSAT -- participated in a panel discussion run by the royalist Thai Pakdee political party that criticised street protests calling for LGBTI rights. The panel deemed the protesters rude, irrational and anti-monarchy, which Sirisak felt devalues local LGBTI activism and perpetuates hateful ideology in our society.
During the panel, Kittinun stated: "Democracy starts in the home. You don't need to go into the street" and "there is no dictatorship in this country".
Sirisak views RSAT's participation in such an event as serving to support the coup, dictatorship and human rights violations in Thailand. Sirisak elaborated that it is against both their principle and the purpose of the award itself, which led the activist to return it.
However, nobody told us the Ardhanareeswara Award comes with a no-return policy. Following Sirisak's Facebook post, RSAT was readying to sue the activist for defamation. This, of course, was not received well by the LGBTI community. Many have called this a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) aimed to silence critics. Several activists, academics and groups took a stand by voicing their disagreement and said they would no longer work with RSAT in the future.
In the end, RSAT retracted and issued a public apology. Things seem to have settled for now, but speculations remain on how this rift may lead to short and long term effects for both RSAT itself and the LGBTI rights movement in Thailand.
Sirisak Chaited. Photo: Jetjaras Na Ranong
A PIECE OF PAPER
When Bang Khun Thian district officials announced they will hold a special Valentine's Day event for same-sex couples to "register" their marriage, people were both excited and perplexed. Was this the glimmer of hope the LGBTI community has been waiting for? Are we really witnessing marriage equality taking flight in this country?
But the excitement was deflated quickly when the district office clarified that this registration will carry no legal effect or recognition.
"The district office will issue a document for the couple, signed by the office's director. You are invited. It's a space for same-sex couples to gain equality," was a reply the district office gave to all enquiries regarding this topic on Facebook.
Is this not confusing? But I'm not sure who's more confused, the people or the district staff. Because this legally-irrelevant paper is surely not equality. To be equal, everyone -- regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity -- should be able to legally register their marriage with no discrimination.
Public reactions have been polarised by this news. Some couples expressed enthusiasm and willingness to join in the faux festivity. On the bright side, this event could be considered a good initiative by the state and an opportunity to advocate for marriage equality in Thailand. Others, however, were rather bitter. This is not what they have been fighting for. It is not meaningless papers, false hope and empty promises that people seek. It's the law that needs to be changed. And so long as that doesn't happen, it's just absurdly hypocritical to say equality with a smile while turning a deaf ear whenever anyone brings up amending Section 1448 in the conversation.
Whatever the case, it'll be interesting to see what transpires this coming Valentine's Day and how the event will be received on the day by both the public and LGBTI community.
BLURRED LIPS
Of all the things we see on Thai TV, what would be the scenes that may require parental advice? Violence? Smoking? Gambling? Shooting? These days, we can add one more thing -- a kiss.
A kiss involving two men, to be precise.
Pangina Heals. Photo: Facebook: Pangina Heals
In a recent rerun of the yaoi series, I Told Sunset About You Part 2 -- also known as I Promised You The Moon -- eagle-eyed netizens spotted something in the final episode, which aired on the One 31 channel. The kiss shared between the two male leads was censored. The point where their lips touched was blurred. On the screen, a small word of caution is displayed: "This is inappropriate behaviour. Parents should give advice."
This censorship reportedly only applied on free TV and not other platforms the series has aired. Obviously, heterosexual kisses being featured in other dramas are never deemed "inappropriate", but rather romantic and swoon-worthy. But when two men's lips are sealed, it suddenly requires parental guidance.
The censorship was heavily criticised and discussed online, but there was no substantial response from involved parties.
THE FIGHTER
A Thai drag queen is going global. It was revealed that Pangina Heals has made it as one of the contestants on RuPaul's Drag Race: UK Versus The World. The famous drag contest brings UK and international queens head to head to find a new drag superstar.
Pangina, also known as Pan Pan Narkprasert, previously served as co-host on seasons 1 and 2 of Drag Race Thailand. The third season is reportedly set for release later this year. However, there has been little update so far, and it is unclear if Pangina will be stepping back into the co-host role or not.
Premiering on Feb 1, RPDR: UK Versus The World will be available for international audiences on WOW Presents Plus. We wish Pangina the best. Go Team Thailand!
