Thai LGBTQ activists call for democracy and gender equality

Bangkok, Thailand: Raising a giant rainbow flag and strutting a cat walk, hundreds of Thai LGBTQ activists on Saturday, July 25 evening gathered in near Bangkok's Democracy Monument to emphasize their call for gender equality and condemn Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha's government.

As demonstrations joined by youth sprung across the country throughout the past week to call for the government to resign and dissolve the parliament, the group on Saturday wanted to add to their concerns about the lack of gender equality and rights for sex workers. The event was one of a series of protests under the Free Youth movement, defying a coronavirus ban on gatherings in one of the largest street demonstrations since a 2014 military coup.

The activists on Saturday were seen dancing as they held a giant rainbow flag. One of them, known by his pseudo name Viktorious Nighttime, was seen performing during the protest. "We're here today mainly to call for democracy. Once we have democracy, equal rights will follow. We, as the diverse gender group, face a lack of equality in society so that's why we are out here today," said the 21-year old.

Some protesters said they will continue to gather until their calls have been met. The 21-year-old activist known only by her nickname Yaya said the government was not transparent. "Even if they don't step down from power today, we want to let them know that we won't go anywhere, we will be here. Even if they get rid of us, our ideology will never die, we will pass this onto the next generation," she said.

In the past week there have been small protests seeking to drive Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha from office in at least six provinces, while internal party squabbles have led to six cabinet members resigning. Last Saturday, July 18 about 2,500 people rallied against Prayuth in one of the biggest demonstrations since the 2014 coup, during which there were veiled negative references to the powerful monarchy.