Cultural Crossroads: LGBTQIA+ Pride, Progress in Thailand and the Philippines

Bangkok, Thailand – In a revealing discussion, a Thai student and a Filipino specialist highlighted the nuances of LGBTQIA+ identity, pride, and progress across their respective cultures. The dialog, featuring Tevit “Pote” Smakul, a Thai university student, and Paul Payawan, an LGBTQIA+ Operation Transformation Specialist from the Philippines, sheds light on both shared challenges and unique cultural contexts shaping LGBTQIA+ experiences today.

Thailand: Tolerance vs. Acceptance

“More tolerant than accepting” is how Pote describes the current atmosphere for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Thailand. He acknowledges that growing up amidst diverse identities has fostered a sense of Thailand as a safe space. However, deeply rooted conservative views continue to challenge full acceptance, emphasizing that true inclusivity requires understanding and space for the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Philippines: Conforming to Norms

In the Philippines,a conditional acceptance prevails.”You can be an LGBTQIA+ person, just don’t challenge the norm too much,” Paul notes, drawing parallels with Thailand’s struggles. He attributes these challenges to strong religious influences, where LGBTQIA+ individuals are often expected to conform to traditional behaviors, especially in family settings.

Legislation like the SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression) Equality Bill, aimed at legalizing same-sex marriage, faces opposition from policymakers holding traditional views of family. The bill could grant same-sex couples rights similar to heterosexual couples.

Pote emphasizes the critical importance of such legislation: “Having our rights and our identity represented in the House of Representatives means that we are also having our rights protected by the government and getting recognition from the government.”

Media Representation: A Double-Edged Sword

The discussion then pivoted to LGBTQIA+ representation in media. Thai media, particularly its popular Boy’s Love (BL) series, has significantly increased LGBTQIA+ visibility. However, this representation often falls into predictable patterns, with characters frequently portrayed in a “binary” manner-one masculine, one feminine-thus limiting the spectrum of real-life LGBTQIA+ identities.

Paul notes that while similar issues exist in The Philippines, media is beginning to showcase more diverse narratives, including transgender characters finding love with straight men.

Generational Divides within the LGBTQIA+ Community

Generational differences profoundly impact perspectives on LGBTQIA+ issues. Older generations, having faced significant stigma and discrimination, often remain less open about their identities.

“I think we now in the younger generations are being more present and vocal about it, hopefully it helps them,” Paul shares, with Pote reinforcing that understanding diversity is possible at any age.

The Meaning of pride: A Personal Journey

For Paul, “pride means freedom.” Growing up Catholic, he was taught that pride was a sin, making self-acceptance challenging. His experiences in Thailand shifted his understanding, revealing a society where LGBTQIA+ acceptance could coexist harmoniously with social advancement.

Pote echoes this sentiment: “It’s like being unapologetic, being what you really are, accepting and owning your identities and being fully able to express them.” Pride, therefore, encompasses self-acceptance and embracing others in their authentic selves.

The perspectives of Paul and Pote underscore that while progress in LGBTQIA+ rights varies, true pride stems from self-acceptance and mutual respect. Bridging cultural and generational gaps becomes achievable when communities value diversity and champion the freedom to be authentic.

How can communities better support LGBTQIA+ individuals? What steps can individuals take to promote inclusivity in their daily lives?