At Thai protests, LGBT activists strengthen calls for gender and marriage equality

The rainbow community has taken centre stage at pro-democracy rallies as they call for equal rights for LGBTQ people and same-sex couples

Thailand’s parliament, which consists of elderly army loyalists, is under increasing pressure to enact reforms as a youth-led movement sharpens its aim

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Angele Anang holds a bowl with a machine gun representing the military’s grip on power. Photo: Handout

Published: 1:00pm, 21 Sep 2020Updated: 9:33pm, 25 Nov 2020

When it comes to protest fashion, Thai transgender cabaret performer Angele Anang goes for style and symbolism.

For the weekend rally just past, she put on a ribboned wedding dress – in a strike at both the kingdom’s lack of democracy and laws which stop short of giving the LGBTQ community full rights in same-sex unions.

“Democracy brings rights,” said Angele, who brought an offering bowl with a machine gun representing the military’s hold on power to complete her outfit, which included many white ribbons – one of the symbols of the democracy movement.

“We look at Taiwan and how they have led Asia on the marriage issue,” Angele said. “Here, the law still doesn’t match what people are thinking. So you see many LGBTQ activists, because protests give us the space to speak out and show who we are.”

Angele Anang wore a dress with white ribbons – one of the symbols of the democracy movement – on Saturday. Photo: Handout

LGBTQ and women’s rights activists have taken centre stage at pro-democracy rallies which are drawing tens of thousands to Bangkok and smashing taboos of criticising the country’s power structures, especially the royal family.

Stirring the crowd with golden microphones, a group of advocates – wearing wigs, glittering dresses and even a Thai Airways cabin crew uniform – received wild applause as they carried a large rainbow flag through the Sanam Luang royal field on Saturday.