Thai film director Tanwarin Sukkapisit made history in Thailand's recent elections by becoming the first transgender person to be elected to parliament.

In the politics

Sukkapisit is a filmmaker and director who was previously in the news when her film “Insects in the Backyard” failed the film rating because it was “against public morals”. Her experience of film censorship, which made her feel “like a terrorist”, quickly became her motivation to continue in politics and became a candidate for parliament for the newly formed Future Forward Party.

Political ambitions

"I want to be a person who represents minority groups in Thailand, because LGBT people, like me, for example, don't have the right to get married in a same-sex marriage," she told Voice of America. “We cannot legally adopt children by law.” In a conversation with the Bangkok Post, she made it clear that she wanted to fight for the legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand. “We hope to amend Section 1448 of the Civil and Commercial Code to allow two people, regardless of gender, to get married. “If this can be fixed, it would remove a barrier and open the doors for a lot of other things.”

Acknowledgment

Sukkapisit took to social media after her election to thank everyone who voted for her. She wrote: “Thank you for the hope of everyone who believes that together we are still pursuing a new, bright future.” She added: "Thank you from my little bisexual heart."

See a short video conversation with the brand new member of parliament below:

2 responses to “Thailand elects transgender in parliament for the first time”

  1. Rob V says up

    It doesn't matter to me what someone has between their legs (in the workplace). What counts is a person's qualities, although it is a nice bonus if the workplace shifts more towards a reflection of society. If this representative has the necessary qualities and passion, fine, congratulations. Of course, she can then talk with extra passion about matters that affect her personally, such as the still unequal rights for gays, etc. Not being able to get married, discrimination in the workplace, feeling more tolerated than respected in daily life and so on.

    Reading her motivation, she certainly has the drive to make Thailand fairer and more equal, I support her 100% in that. I wish her much success! 🙂

  2. hanni says up

    I think that in Thailand everyone on the work floor has the opportunity. For example, Big c and 7/11 and other employers almost all employ gay travos ……LGTB people.Very normal.


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