6 Thai LGBT and queer films – from The Last Song to Tropical Malady to Visible Silence – which defy gender stereotypes

Jun 18 , 2020

Love of Siam (above) is one of many Thai films that have confronted how LGBT characters are portrayed on screen and in turn how they are perceived in society. Photo: Instagram

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in Thailand still face legal obstacles, but as these six must-watch films show, the country’s movie industry has been giving the spotlight to the LGBTQ+ community and helping to challenge old ways of thinking

The Thai cinema has put its name on the map for its highly-acclaimed horror movies and teen romance dramas. With some dating back as early as the 1980s, their films have been breaking the mould and giving the spotlight to the LGBT community too. Also known as queer films, here are some of the best Thai LGBT movies that you need to add to your watch list.

The Last Song (1985)

This Thai film broke barriers as the first to narrate a queer story and first to star a trans person. It follows the tragic life of a trans performer at a cabaret who falls in love with a handsome male singer who leaves her for a cisgender woman. Highlighting the difficulties of being trans in Thai society, the queer drama sparked a national discussion and spawned a 2006 remake.

The Iron Ladies (2000)

This high-grossing movie shaped the new era of queer cinema in Thailand. Based on a true story, an underdog LGBT volleyball team wins their way to the national championships. Unlike earlier queer films that displayed the LGBT character’s struggles, this movie banked on their success story, introducing a subgenre of comedy and sports.

Tropical Malady (2004)

What happens when you mix reality with fantasy? Well, you win the jury prize at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. This romantic psychological drama is separated into two narratives – the first half depicts a budding romance between a male soldier and a country boy. The second half shifts to a Thai folktale that portrays an allegorical tiger.

Love of Siam (2007)

Before the world fell in love with Mario Maurer in Crazy Little Thing Called Love, he had already won hearts in this romantic drama. It was one of the first Thai movies to show a romance between two teenage boys – a classic case of friends turning into lovers.

Yes or No (2010)

Yes or No made history as the first lesbian genre Thai film with a butch lead character. This romantic comedy drama centres on a conservative girl and her tomboyish new roommate. The two become close friends and wonder if it could lead to something more.

Visible Silence (2015)