LGBTQ（性的少数者）に寛容と言われるタイ 「BL・GLドラマ」がイメージ後押し　しかし裏では根強い差別も　トランスジェンダーを理由に就職不採用に…｜TBS NEWS DIG

June is known as "Pride Month," a time to promote understanding of sexual minorities (LGBTQ+), and various initiatives advocating for sexual diversity are held throughout the country. While Thailand has gained an image of being tolerant of LGBTQ+ people, persistent discrimination is also being pointed out. Reporter: "Sexual minorities and their supporters are marching to recognize diverse sexualities." Many participants carried rainbow flags, symbolizing diversity. Approximately 400,000 people filled the streets of Bangkok, Thailand, for a large-scale parade. Thai person (sexual minority): "I'm lucky to have been born in Thailand. Everyone knows Thailand is a friendly country for sexual minorities." Thailand is considered a tolerant country for sexual minorities, having legalized same-sex marriage last year, the first in Southeast Asia. Dramas focusing on same-sex relationships play a significant role in this image. These dramas, known as "BL" and "GL," have gained global popularity with their original storylines. When events are held, fans flock from various countries, including Japan, making it a representative content of Thailand. Thai fan: "(BL/GL dramas) offer a different perspective than straight romance dramas." Japanese fan: "(In Thailand) you see (sexual minorities) walking around the city, and while the number is increasing in Japan as well, if you ask if it's tolerant, I'd say it's not that tolerant." Even in Thailand, often called an "LGBT paradise," many members suffer from discrimination and prejudice. Supattara, who lives in Phuket, was born male but identifies as female (transgender). She previously worked as a dancer in entertainment venues overseas. Currently, she is looking for a job in the cosmetics industry, but… Supattara: "I was rejected for interviews at 3 or 4 companies. I was told that if I live as a transgender person, I wouldn't have a chance of getting a job." She says she was rejected simply because she is transgender. Ms. Spattara: "I was very sad. I don't understand why my gender should be the reason I can or cannot work." A friend of Ms. Spattara, who is also transgender, says she has experienced prejudice at work. Ms. Spattara's friend: "I wanted to wear makeup for work, but I was told, 'You can't wear such flashy lipstick. You're a man, so you can't dress like a woman.'" A Thai research institution has published findings indicating that approximately half of transgender women have experienced discrimination at work. Furthermore, the fact that legal gender changes are not permitted in Thailand is cited as a contributing factor to discrimination. Nattineethiti, head of the transgender support group TransTalents: "In many countries, official documents refer to people as 'citizens' rather than 'male' or 'female,' and gender designations are no longer used. As long as gender classifications still exist, I think this is a difficult problem to solve." According to Thai media, transgender women face particular difficulties finding employment in private companies and tend to be concentrated in specific industries such as the sex industry. Sputtara: "We want to be given more opportunities. We strongly hope that people will treat us with kindness and compassion as fellow human beings." Many challenges remain in achieving a diverse society. ▼TBS NEWS DIG Official Website: https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/ ▼Subscribe to our channel [Easier access to the latest news]    / @tbsnewsdig   ▼NEWS DIG Latest News [Important information close at hand] https://www.google.com/preferences/so... ▼Submit information here: "TBS Insiders" https://www.tbs.co.jp/news_sp/tbs-ins... ▼Submit video here: "TBS Scoop Submission" https://www.tbs.co.jp/news_sp/toukou.... #news #TBS #newsdig