PHANNAPAST “YOON” TAYCHAMAYTHAKOOL Artist, She/Her
Known for depicting personal stories through her animal characters and flower illustrations, artist and illustrator Yoon recently saw her painting “Forbidden Flower” displayed on a massive Times Square billboard as part of New York’s Cube Art Fair. She was the only Asian artist taking part in the fair. She also runs an online shop called Phannapast Universe, selling lifestyle products, stationery, and fashion items.
Can you recall a moment when you felt LGBTQ+ rights were progressing in Thailand? If we were to be optimistic about it, people who identify as LGBTQ+ have gained greater acceptance in Thailand these days. But from my experience, the most unhappy situation was during my childhood when I couldn’t completely be myself. There were rules regarding birth gender. I am happy and appreciate that many universities are now starting to let students wear uniforms according to their own choice of gender. Some people might think that it’s a small matter, but in reality, it’s about learning who you are. Most importantly, it makes us feel proud of ourselves.
What is Thailand doing right or wrong with regard to LGBTQ+ rights? The education system separates us by our gender during birth. It makes everyone look the same across uniforms, hairstyles, personalities, and behavior. From a young age, cultural values reduce the diversity of who we really are. Sometimes, it limits us to few options of what we can be and confines us to that for the rest of our lives.
TV dramas and news coverage in the past have created stereotypes for LGBTQ+ people that were very one-sided. They have influenced how people view the LGBTQ+ community. For example, in the screening process when I was donating blood, medical staff questioned if my blood was safe. And this was because I didn’t dress according to my birth gender and had no stable partner. It wasn’t based on scientific analysis. This matter alone reflects so many deeper issues the LGBTQ+ community has to deal with.
How can we improve? It takes time for society to improve— to educate, communicate, and break stereotypes. We see acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community in beauty-related careers or entertainment, but what about other industries? Are Thailand’s policies fully supportive of the LGBTQ+ community? These are the types of questions we need to ask. I think support in education and educational spaces is essential because we spend so much time at school. Open-minded educational systems would give us the freedom to choose what to do with our bodies. And it’s not only about people in LGBTQ+ community. Diversity applies to everyone. An understanding mindset comes from being a part of an equal and diverse society, not reading textbooks.
HOW TO BE AN ACTIVE ALLY, ACCORDING TO SHANE BHATLA
01 DON'T SELF CLAIM AS AN ALLY, THIS SHOWS NOTHING BUT YOU NOT HAVING A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF THE ISSUES AT HAND.
02 RESPECT PEOPLE'S PRONOUNS. MISGENDERING IS AN ACT OF VIOLENCE. DON'T DO IT.
03
SHANE BHATLA Activist and Founder of SEEN Asia, He/Him
Thai-Indian LGBTQ+ activist and transgender man Shane Bhatla co-founded the Student Empowerment and Equality Network (SEEN) to develop a network of schools where children could communicate freely and openly. He is also a performer and video producer and is working toward hosting queer weddings in Thailand.
Can you recall a moment when you felt LGBTQ+ rights were progressing in Thailand? I have a lot of moments where I genuinely feel proud of the community here and want to highlight local efforts. But the moment that did it for me was when LGBTIQ+ issues started to be discussed in schools [editor’s note: Bhatla prefers the initialism LGBTIQ+]. I think it is so important to normalize queer relationships, and teaching kids from a young age does that and has proven to improve the overall mental health of students.
What is Thailand doing right and wrong with regard to LGBTQ+ rights? Thailand is not the ideal place to be an LGBTIQ+ individual. However, the fact that we are now talking about queer issues socially and in a much higher political level is a good sign. If you’re a young desi queer kid, you’re not alone. I’ll be your big brother. You are special, you are incredible, you are so fabulous. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.
How can we improve? Remember that Pride is a riot. It was started by trans women of color. We only get to celebrate pride now because of them, Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson. But also don’t forget: we don’t get to fully celebrate until all our siblings do. The fight isn’t over.
How challenging is it to organize LGBTQ+ events in Bangkok? I think it’s difficult to host queer events, and it’s mentally draining for me, because of the horrible comments we get from homophobic people. But overall it’s a great experience and I feel very content knowing that I can help provide a safe space for the community. I’m looking forward to hosting more events in the future.
READ UP ABOUT WHAT ISSUES THE LGBTIQ+ COMMUNITY IS FACING WORLDWIDE.
04 CHECK YOUR FRIENDS WHEN THEY MAKE HOMOPHOBIC AND TRANSPHOBIC JOKES.
05 PERFORMATIVE ACTIVISM HELPS NO ONE. DONATE TO ORGANIZATIONS, SPEAK UP AGAINST INJUSTICE WHEN YOU SEE IT, USE YOUR PRIVILEGE TO HELP A MARGINALIZED COMMUNITY.