May 31–June 4, 2024, Bangkok - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Thailand joins the "Bangkok Pride Festival 2024" on the occasion of Pride Month, in collaboration with the United Nations team in Thailand, civil society partners, the private sector, and the government sector. 'Celebrations of Love' is the main theme of this year's Pride event to celebrate marriage equality.

Ms. Siriluck Chiengwong, Head of Office of UNFPA Thailand, states that gender rights are human rights. The right to equitable opportunity, treatment, and dignity is guaranteed to all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity. UNFPA is dedicated to the promotion of diversity, equity, and participation for all individuals, with the goal of assisting Thailand in its pursuit of gender equality and the establishment of a society that is devoid of discrimination and inequality. The rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals are crucial in addressing the challenges that the world is currently encountering, such as global warming, inequality, inaccessibility to sexual and reproductive health services, and the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Gender equality must be integrated into all aspects of development in order to achieve an equitable, comprehensive and sustainable future.

“As long as it is the right and choice of each person who has made their own decisions with complete and accurate information, UNFPA always supports them according to international human rights principles. We also support laws and policies that safeguard the rights of all genders and all ages, including LGBTQIA+ individuals in Thailand. We strongly believe in the equal right of all individuals to establish a family, irrespective of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Nevertheless, even with the granting of gender rights, societal understanding and acceptance of diverse equality continue to pose a significant challenge. We must work together to push forward,” Ms. Siriluck emphasizes.

Ms. Siriluck asserts that the LGBTQ+ community's celebration of Pride Month this June underscores the significance of promoting gender equality in Thailand. Additionally, during the same period, the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) just celebrated its 30th anniversary in April 2024. The ICPD is a global entity that prioritizes gender equality.

“Thirty years ago, at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), the international community put gender equality, women’s empowerment, and human rights at the center of development. Despite significant progress, there are still unresolved issues. In 2024, we have three decades of achievements to celebrate and the opportunity to place the ICPD agenda, in particular the issues of gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights, firmly in future development agendas. UNFPA expects to commemorate ICPD30 globally, including in Thailand. To mark the ICPD's 30th anniversary, recommended avenues for engagement include organizing      events raising awareness of the ICPD30, shaping ICPD30 dialogues, amplifying supportive voices in multilateral discussions, and rallying networks and new champions. In this regard, UNFPA Thailand will mobilize networks including media partners, new champions, youth, teenagers, feminist groups, community leaders, CSOs, the private sector, government, and key opinion leaders (KOLs), with the aim of celebrating the ICPD30 in Thailand together for the entire year of 2024," Ms. Siriluck addresses. 

In addition to its participation in the Bangkok Pride Parade on the first day of the event, UNFPA Thailand also collaborates with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the United Nations Organization for the Promotion of Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) to organize a Pride Talk on the topic "Empowering Equality: Perspectives on Marriage Equality and the Future of LGBTI Advocacy" in the evening of June 2 at Discovery Plaza, Siam Discovery, Bangkok. The speakers include Kittinun Daramatat, President of the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand; Arm and Porsche, Thai celebrities; and representatives of Taiwanese activist groups. The event is attended by a diverse range of individuals, including members of the public andprivate sectors, civil society, LGBTQIA+ activists, youth leaders, teenagers, academia, and the general public.

According to Ms. Siriluck Chiengwong, Head of Office of UNFPA Thailand, the goal of the forum is to create a safe and inclusive space that facilitates the learning, engagement, and networking of all participants. This platform seeks to facilitate open discussions regarding the rights, challenges, and advancements of LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly in the context of the law legalising same-sex marriage. It also aims to educate the public on the importance of LGBTQIA+ inclusion in advancing societal progress and fostering economic development. In addition, it endeavors to motivate actions toward the establishment of inclusive policies and environments, underscoring the positive impact on the economy and businesses that will attract top talent and enhance our global competitiveness. Furthermore, the forum highlights the invaluable contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals to society and culture while simultaneously envisioning a future of gender equality and acceptance.

“As we embark on the Pride Month in June and celebrate the progress made, it's crucial to recognize that our work is far from over. There are still challenges to overcome and barriers to dismantle. However, by coming together as a community, advocating for change, and championing inclusivity, we can create a future where all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, are treated with dignity, respect, and equality, as well as receiving legal protection and acceptance from society as fellow human beings,” Ms. Siriluck remarks.

In the forum, the speakers present information regarding the positive social, health, and economic impacts of the law legalising same-sex marriage     , which will enhance the lives of LGBTQIA+ couples and families, as well as Thai society as a whole. They also discuss the potential consequences of this law to enable society to anticipate future developments and ensure a higher level of acceptance within Thai society. Furthermore, each speaker shares personal experiences of serving as LGBTQIA+ representation in their lives or professions, as well as suggestions for empowering young people to become equality leaders and make a positive impact on contemporary society. They highlight the importance of education in the pursuit of societal equality. Disseminating information and incorporating a curriculum that fosters an understanding of diversity, including gender diversity, can accomplish this. Giving society comprehensive and accurate LGBTQIA+ knowledge is a method to accelerate the cessation of gender stigma and discrimination, as well as to further diminish societal prejudices against the LGBTQIA+ community.

Media: For more information, please contact Kullwadee Sumalnop at sumalnop@unfpa.org.