5 Reasons Thailand Is a Gay-Friendly Destination

If you’re thinking this is just another tourism board attempting to slip their sticky fingers into our pink pockets without taking real action to support LGBT rights, think again. Here are five fast facts on why Thailand is a true leader in LGBT rights.

1. Legal rights

Homosexual activity has been legal in Thailand since 1956

To put this in perspective, homosexuality only became legal in the USA in 2003 after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of us during Lawrence v. Texas.

2. Government protections

Sexual orientation and gender identity are specifically protected in the Thai constitution

While there are no standalone laws protecting the LGBT community, both “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” are specifically mentioned and protected from discrimination in the Thai Constitution.

3. Bangkok’s gay village

Thailand has the largest and loudest gay villages in Asia

Gay travelers in Bangkok must visit Silom to experience the country’s (if not the continent’s) liveliest gay village. Outside of the capital, raucous gay districts are found in Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai. Even smaller cities are peppered with cabarets and gay hangouts!

4. Military service

Thai LGBT people can serve openly in the military

Again, unlike America where Trans people were recently banned from serving, Thailand welcomes anyone into its military ranks.

5. Transgender Woman

Transgender people are widely accepted

While there are many roads to pave when it comes to transgender rights in Thailand, the community as a whole is widely accepted and, in some ways, celebrated. The popular opinion of trans people is extremely favorable and trans individuals are well represented in pop culture and Thai television.

Credit : https://www.outadventures.com/gay-travel-blog/gay-thailand-travel/