I was looking for some fun to do in Bangkok when I saw a poster about Pride Parade happening on the first Sunday of June to celebrate Pride month. I realized I got lucky we went to Thailand at the end of May so that means I'll be able to attend. :D
I didn't know what to expect here since I've never been to a Pride parade before. I just know there will be a lot of people attending, both locals and foreigners. So I read on where the event is taking place and luckily it's just in Siam center, which is just maybe 7 minutes walk away from our hotel.
The parade starts at the Bangkok Art and Culture Center and ends at CentralWorld where there's a big stage for some performances.
As expected, there's a lot of people in here. The parade has a lot of groups involved.
Since I didn't expect to attend some events in Thailand, I just brought 1 lens with me throughout the whole travel. I only have my 23mm wide lens so this photo I have to crop it all the way hahah so it's not the best quality.
"I love myself the way I am"... as how we all should do. <3
There are different communities involved and one of them was the furries community (not the exact name I think lol). Everyone was so proud to parade their dresses, costumes, creations, protest cards, etc.. Thank goodness the sun wasn't that harsh that day but it was still soooo warm that day like almost no wind and yet they are wearing these! The dedication is just topnotch and I'm here to see it! :D
Everyone is just so supportive and would cheer on each other. Seriously all the energy here is just LOVE LOVE LOVE and I've never seen this kind of energy before. Just all smiles and cheers to strangers.
Pride parade is not just a showcase of who we are, but it mainly a protest. I love seeing all these cards/signs(?) and honestly I hope one day this shouldn't exist anymore. That we don't have to protest anymore for basic human rights. Well of course that means because we've already achieved them. Small steps but I think Thailand is slowly getting there.
These queens were being cheered on when they went up the escalator, probably to go inside the mall for the AC haha. But the vibes were like they're at a concert and it was so fun to witness lol.
YES IT IS!
So fucking gorgeous!!!
The main stage took place at CentralWorld and during that time Pita (the one who won the election recently) was speaking about his support of the LGBTQIA+ community and communities related to them. He was also part of the parade to show his support.
In the end were some performances and a lil talk that I wasn't able to understand cos they were in Thai haha. The event finished at 8pm.
I'm so happy and proud of being able to witness this amazing event with such amazing people. Everyone was so vibrant and positive.
I'm so happy Thailand has a community as big as this and I can see they are being so progressive especially seeing a lot of local youths joining the parade. For a country known for having a lot of sex workers, they should have more rights and protection. As far as I know, sex work is still illegal in the country and making it legal will grant them protection.
Still, it is very refreshing to see the youth fight for human rights. I'm so happy for them for standing up and wanting changes for the better.