Thailand

Thailand is widely known to be progressive on LGBTIQ issues; however, LGBTIQ people still face barriers to full equality. While large cities, like Bangkok, are LGBTIQ friendly, rural parts of the country remain conservative on LGBTIQ issues. In 2015, The Gender Equality Act passed, making discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity illegal. However, the act allows for religious exceptions, as well as exceptions in education and for the public interest. These exceptions significantly weaken the force of this otherwise progressive law. LGBTIQ people experience discrimination in employment outside the entertainment industry. Thai media accurately and sympathetically addresses LGBTIQ issues. Although transgender people are visible in society, and gender reassignment surgeries are readily available, there is no path to legal gender recognition, leaving trans people vulnerable. While same-sex marriage is not allowed in Thailand; a civil partnership bill has been approved by the Cabinet and is awaiting Parliamentary approval in the latter half of 2020. Several political parties publicly express support for LGBTIQ people’s human rights.