Cover In June 2024, Thailand’s lower house passed a bill that moves the country closer to becoming the only market in Southeast Asia—and the third in Asia—to recognise same-sex unions (Photo: Getty Images)
In June 2024, Thailand’s lower house passed a bill that moves the country closer to becoming the only market in Southeast Asia—and the third in Asia—to recognise same-sex unions (Photo: Getty Images)
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Introducing five LGBTQ+ allies who are raising awareness and offering support to the community in Asia
Thailand is poised to become the first Southeast Asian nation to legalise same-sex marriages, marking a significant step forward in the uphill battle for LGBTQ+ rights in Asia.
Only two other markets in the region, Taiwan and Nepal, have recognised the union of same-sex couples. While the acceptance towards the LGBTQ+ community has been growing over the years, they remain a marginalised group facing discrimination and even violence. This is often so in locations where conservatism and colonial-era laws hold sway. An example of this was Singapore’s Section 377A, a law criminalising consensual sex between adult men that originated during British colonial rule in 1938. In January 2023, Section 377A was finally repealed.
Despite intimidation, violence and systemic challenges, many outspoken figures are at the front lines tirelessly lobbying for the queer community. We spotlight five individuals from the Gen.T community who are leading the charge.
Midnight Poonkasetwattana
Executive director, Apcom Foundation
As executive director of the Bangkok-based non-profit organisation Apcom Foundation, Midnight Poonkasetwattana advocates for the rights and inclusion of LGBTQ+ communities across 35 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The organisation celebrating its 17th anniversary in 2024 primarily focuses on HIV prevention and support. Poonkasetwattana established the Hero Awards in 2016 to recognise outstanding allies from the area.
On the progress of legalising same-sex marriage in Thailand, Poonkasetwattana said in a press release that the country is “on the verge of something historic”, but also pointed out that there are still legal obstacles to overcome before achieving full equality.
Read more: LGBTQ+ rights organisation Apcom receives funding from Canadian government
Henry Tse
Co-founder, Transgender Equality Hong Kong
As a transgender man, Henry Tse from Hong Kong encountered condescension, suspicion and dismissal when interacting with service providers and potential employers because his identity card and other legal documents listed his gender as female. In 2023, he appealed to the court and won against this restriction.
This victory is just the beginning of his efforts to advocate for the rights of the transmen community. Tse co-founded Transgender Equality Hong Kong, a non-governmental organisation that published a booklet documenting the real-life stories of transgender men. He continues to campaign for policy changes and greater societal acceptance.
Read more: Trans activist Henry Tse’s legal battle may have concluded, but his struggle for dignity continues
Precious Paula Nicole
Drag queen Precious Paula Nicole became an overnight celebrity after winning the first season of Drag Race Philippines, a reality competition television show based on America’s RuPaul’s Drag Race. Following her success, she established the Precious Foundation, which aims to provide a permanent home and sustainable livelihood for the community of older LGBTQ+ individuals in the Philippines, known as “the Golden Gays.”
The bisexual artist, born Rodolfo Hontiveros Gabriel II, said that her former partner introduced her to drag 17 years ago. Ever since then, she has fully embraced her drag persona, making her feel like “a superhero” capable of accomplishing anything.
Read more: Drag Race Philippines’ winner Precious Paula Nicole on the dynamic world of drag
Joyce Teng
Executive director, Taiwan Equality Campaign
Since 2017, Joyce Teng has been leading the Taiwan Equality Campaign, an organisation dedicated to advocating for the rights of Taiwan’s LGBTQ+ community. The group has been inviting political candidates to state their stances on queer issues and compiling their responses in a guide called PrideWatch for voters to browse before casting their ballots.
In addition to Teng’s work promoting gender equality, Sebastian Lin, the group’s deputy executive director, has focused on fostering inclusive workplaces and gender equality education.
Read more: These are the most followed stars from the Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow 2024
Hush
Chen Pin-He, a solo singer-songwriter better known as Hush, strongly supports LGBTQ+ equality. In 2015, he released a song called Same that advocated same-sex marriage before it was legalised in Taiwan. He has also served as an ambassador for various queer events, including pride parades and the Taiwan International Queer Film Festival.
Above Official music video of the musician Hush advocating for same-sex marriage
His sexuality was once the talk of the town. In response to the discussions, he said at a concert: “Everyone’s sexuality is natural and comes with us at birth. I don’t need to hide or promote something inherently normal.”
Last year, he was honoured with the Best Mandarin Male Singer award at the Golden Melody Awards, Taiwan’s most distinguished music award. Before that, he collaborated with popular Mando-pop icons such as Stefanie Sun and A-lin.
See more Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow from Public Service and Law.
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Based in Hong Kong, editor Yoyo Chow covers the people and ideas redefining Asia’s future—from cutting-edge innovation and AI to bold moves in sustainability and diversity. She also drives content for Tatler Gen.T in Hong Kong, a platform and community spotlighting the region’s next generation of startup founders, creatives and changemakers.
Before that, she was a video journalist producing content for international TV and digital platforms, including Reuters and South China Morning Post. If you have a powerful story to share, she’s all ears. Send press materials, event invites and any inquiries to yoyo.chow@tatlerasia.com.
