When Pauline Ngarmpring opened up about her transformation from a male celebrity to a transgender woman in September, she expected neither acceptance nor a big impact on the LGBT community in Thailand.
In fact, she received both. She says she has now come to terms with her new-found role as spokesman for the group. She sees herself as a person who can help others who feel like they have no voice, contribute to making a society that embraces diversity.
Every day, she said, her Facebook inbox is inundated with messages from people seeking her guidance.
Despite the volume of messages, Pauline tries to give advice or encouragement to everyone who contacts her.
Photo by Patpon Sabpaitoon
However, as human rights activists came together at "Write for Rights 2017", an event organised by Amnesty International to promote social awareness and the fight against oppression and human rights violations, Pauline also highlighted the fact that acceptance begins with oneself.
"When you are honest with yourself and embrace who you really are, you can fulfil your potential. Once we succeed in fighting for ourselves, we will come to think 'why not fight for others as well?'"
Pauline was once known as Pinit Ngrampring, the founder of Cheerthai Power, a group of football fans responsible for pushing the popularity of the sport in Thailand.
After leaving Thailand to live abroad for a few years, her return in august sparked quite a conversation in Thai society.
Thais in general tend to have an open mind, Pauline believes. However, that level of acceptance is often harder to achieve within the confines of one's own family.
"It's far easier to accept those who are not related to us. When it comes to people in our own family, we often find it harder to shower them with acceptance. I think that's a challenge we, as a society, need to address," she said.
Pauline said the issue of acceptance is more severe in rural areas of Thailand, where youths who felt oppressed and unable to express themselves, whether for reasons of gender identity or otherwise, were likely to seek solace through other means.
"Some become antisocial, while others turn to alcohol and drugs as they struggle to come to terms with their true identity," she said.
Pauline stressed that love and understanding from one's family is crucial in allowing children grow into the people they really want to be.
For Pauline, it's the little things that can make the biggest difference, but says she can only find the energy to help others now she has been honest with herself and who she wants to be.
"Every morning, when you wake up, try and remember to spread positive energy that day. I think just by doing that you can change the world," she said.