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Whenever people travel to Thailand, they always remark about the men and women, walking through the streets, holding hands. We talk about it as a cultural phenomenon, removed from gay, or lesbian, or queer, and often talk it as the North American constraints of demonstrating non-sexual affection. 

Yet, in Thailand, real queer people - those gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered - and real queer expression still struggle for attention and acceptance. These gay and lesbian people  are still struggling with proving that the sexual side is ok too. 

Anjira Assavanonda recently wrote an article, titled ‘Being gay is okay,’ in The Bangkok Post. The subtitle of the article is, “Parents should realise that having homosexual children is not a shameful thing.” And, in the article, she discusses how parents need to learn that having gay children is acceptable, and sometimes preferable. She discusses Frank, who talks about his mother realizing he is gay.

“I felt really bad that I couldn’t be my parents’ good son,” Frank lamented. “I suffered hiding myself until my mother could not see me control myself any longer. She told me to be whatever I wanted to be, as long as I’m a good person and didn’t get involved with bad things,” said Frank.

She also talks about Muk, a lesbian, and her mother. Muk’s mother says, ”We agree there’s nothing wrong with our daughter being a tomboy. Think carefully, having a girlfriend may be safer than dating a boy. At least we can be sure she won’t flirt with men and get pregnant. Besides, Muk is a good child and never causes us trouble.”

These thoughts represent a world changing. A world where we continue to move beyond gender, color, and sexuality. The editor of the Post says,

“As the world becomes ever more open and is willing to accept the various lifestyles of people, it should come as no surprise to parents and friends when their children or their friends decide to come out of the closet to tell the world who they really are.

“Homosexuality is not a crime despite it being outlawed in many countries where the outdated laws continue to punish people for the “crime”. Thailand has come a long way in accepting homosexuals and it is a society that is one of the most tolerant. But, there are sections of society who are still reluctant it.

“Parents and the society should not look down upon those who wish to adopt a different lifestyle as what matters most is not what their sexual preferences are, but what kind of people they are.

“Homosexuals across the globe have been undertaking an uphill battle to be recognised as legit citizens of society, but their voices are still far from being heard. Despite all the efforts to give this group equal rights, they continue to make headlines as they are constantly being denied basic rights, such as insurance coverage or blood donations. There are good and bad people in every society, be it heterosexual or homosexual, but stereotyping a particular group due to their sexual preference is unacceptable.

“Parents and the society have to remember that being homosexual is not the end of the world - it is a positive step in the right direction. Being homosexual does not mean they will not achieve their goals in life as there are many cases where such people have made it big and have served society in ways that has spurred an era of prosperity.”