“If Today Were Bangkok Pride, ...” by June

Issue 159

“If Today Were Bangkok Pride, ...” (2021) is my latest conceptual work in response to my on-going "United Love: Documenting Pride in Asia.” Thailand is viewed as a “paradise” for the LGBTQIA+ community. However, Thai LGBTQIA+ do not have Equal marriage nor Gender Recognition Act. There was also no Pride in my hometown, Bangkok.

Since the first time I have attended Pride in other cities, I have always wondered what Pride in Bangkok would be like — all the love, smiles, and tears shared. I have been dreaming of seeing the Pride flag on Bangkok street. Then, I have seen Pride flags on streets in Thailand in other cities’ Pride like Chiang Mai and Pattaya, and also during the pro-democracy protests in Bangkok in 2020.

As the Pride Month was approaching, I decided to transform my own imaginary Pride of Bangkok into reality. I have invited people from different groups who have contributed to the LGBTQ community in many aspects —social movement, human rights, politics, and entertainment to express themselves as if today were Bangkok Pride.

#iftodaywereBangkokPride
Finally, Bangkok Pride has happened in 2022.

Watsamon “June” Tri-yasakda (she/her) lives and works in Bangkok, Thailand and is presently studying in London.
watsamontriyasakda.com | @junewatsamon

Images © Watsamon “June” Tri-yasakda