What's a better way to send off 2019 than a big smooch? The gay kiss at parliament last week shook the entire country. Outcries about the inappropriateness of such a public display of affection at a "sacred" place were loud. The symbolic expression was met with polarising responses, even from LGBTI people themselves. Even liberal politicians who called for equal rights apologised for it. Honestly, saying sorry for a kiss seems ironic under a roof where far worse things have taken place. Unfortunately, the public reaction has been mostly negative. The message was inadvertently lost, and many people forgot why the couple kissed in the first place: to advocate for marriage equality.
It was meant as a celebration of love. A symbol of defiance that took place where many crucial decisions regarding every citizen's lives are made, in a country that seems open yet remains hesitant at granting equality, recognition and protection for its discriminated and marginalised population. At the same time, it proved to be too much to handle for many.
What else can people do but kiss? Both behind closed doors and publicly? As the kiss resumed, we also continued to contemplate future possibilities. In Thailand this year, we've seen growing discussions about same-sex marriage, notably the amendment of the Civil and Commercial Code, Section 1448. The prospect is still up in the air, so is gender recognition and title change for transgender people.
As a silver lining, we see improvements regarding the gender-specific uniforms, with more institutions allowing their students to dress according to their gender identity to attend classes and graduation. Problematic health education textbooks have been rectified. Now, they need to include updated and accurate information on gender, and not the bigotry they have long featured.
Heading back to parliament, the long-awaited election has seen out LGBTI people elected as MPs. And they're also allowed to dress according to their identity. This should send a message to society and how parts of it still see members of the LGBTI community, especially transgender people, who are subjected to employment discrimination. Notable this year was the field of teaching.
Same-sex marriage is now legalised in Taiwan. Photo: AP
Entertainment-wise, things have been in a celebratory mood. Earlier in the year, the Academy Awards saw LGBTI-themed films such as The Favourite, Bohemian Rhapsody and even Green Book, as well as their splendid cast members, being honoured with top prizes. Other films worth seeing this year include Portrait Of A Lady On Fire, which won the Queer Palm, Rocketman and even the new Charlie's Angels for anyone needing a good dose of girl power and Kristen Stewart.
From Thai creators, the comedy Tootsies And The Fake is still a box office hit. Dew, by Love Of Siam's director Chookiat Sakveerakul, brought to life the romance between two male high-schoolers living in a homophobic time. The public response has been quite lukewarm, however. There's also the TV drama Bai Mai Tee Plid Plew about love and revenge of a transgender woman. The one we appreciated the most was the lakorn Wai Saeb Saraek Khad 2, which focused on teen issues, one of which was gender creative teens exploring their identity.
Over to streaming, Orange Is The New Black bade farewell, ending its seven-season run with at least a happy ending for its endearing (and enduring) lesbian couple Piper and Alex. We won't ever forget this thought-provoking show, its ensemble of great female characters and the actresses who portrayed them. Despite its long-time hit leaving the scene, Netflix hasn't neglected its LGBTI representation, and continues to push through with shows like Pose, Queer Eye, Special, Sex Education, Stranger Things and more.
There was joy and fun. There was progress with same-sex unions legalised in more countries, plus other legal advancement. But under the Sun, society is still demeaned by discrimination, intolerance and even violence, with stonings, attacks and killings of LGBTI people occurring across the globe. People are still bullied for being LGBTI. As we celebrate all the achievements and milestones, we don't forget the pain, loss and the long fight that lies ahead on this advocacy. All LGBTI people want is a safe and equitable society where they can be who they are and love who they love. How many more kisses will it take for the world to get that message?
'Spectrosynthesis II' is on display at BACC. Photo © Bangkok Art & Culture Centre
Days Like These
- Big LGBTI events don't come by often around here. So, when it was announced that the Chiang Mai Pride would return following a decade-long hiatus due to harassment and threats, people were overjoyed. Many people, both Thai and foreigners, joined in the parade in the northern capital back in February. Fortunately, things went smoothly this time around. A few weeks ago in Bangkok, we had the cosy Tai Pride event at Suan Kru Angoon in Thong Lor where members of the LGBTI community socialised, shared tales, participated in a forum theatre and held a massive rainbow flag. For those who need more rainbow spirit in their day, head to the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre to see "Spectrosynthesis II", the largest LGBTI-themed art exhibition in Asia, which will be on display until March 1.
- Films about katoeys have made it to the National Film Heritage list. One is the once-banned Insects In The Backyard by Tanwarin Sukkhapisit, who's now an MP from the Future Forward Party. The other is Katoey Pen Het from 1954, which is said to be the earliest known Thai film to feature a transgender woman as the main character.
- Transgender women triumphed in local TV competitions. Shows like the modelling-themed The Face Thailand and Drag Race Thailand have crowned transgender contestants — a first for both. Kulchaya Tansiri (also Miss Trans Star International 2018 title-holder) won the all-gender The Face Thailand Season 5, while Angele Anang — with her fiery wig — took home the Drag Race Season 2 crown. The Face also made history by casting a transgender man in its subsequent all-male edition of the competition.
- In the US, gay black men are leaving their names in history. Billy Porter found fame for his role in Pose. He was recognised for his acting talent, winning an Emmy for Lead Actor in a Drama Series. In music, rapper Lil Nas X of the Old Town Road viral hit won a Country Music Association Award for Best Musical Event of the Year, while also being nominated for a Grammy. Both Porter and Lil Nas X are the first openly-gay black men to win these awards in their respective fields.
- Brit singer Sam Smith is out and proud as non-binary, and also goes by the "they" pronoun. They are happy. On social media, they also shared a body-positive message for all this Christmas season.
Orange Is The New Black wrapped after seven seasons. Photo © Netflix
Katoey Pen Het. Photo © Film Archive Thailand
