Southeast Asia’s LGBT party capital just went next level
Bangkok next month will launch the country’s first LGBTI pride cruise.
Setting sail on 3 March, the boat party along the Chao Praya river will feature performances and international DJs.
Pangina Heals—a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race Thailand—is also slated to perform. What’s more, Bangkok Indie band A Man with High Heels will perform a set.
‘For too long Bangkok has been deprived of a LGBTQ parade also known around the world as Pride’ organizers wrote on Facebook.
‘From New York to Tel Aviv or Sydney such event are a beacon of love and acceptance. Pride Cruise came as an original solution: Take the parade to the river and cruise “fabulous” style’.
The boat, named Bangkok Island, can hold 320 people. It includes an indoor venue and outdoor garden.
Bangkok is renowned as one of the LGBTI party capitals of Asia.
It was the first place outside the US to air a version of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Late last year, the ruling military junta submitted a civil partnership bill to parliament. It is there for vying with Taiwan to become the first place in Asia to recognize same-sex unions.
Sailing with pride
While it may be Thailand’s first LGBTI celebration on the water, it is not Asia’s first.
Neighboring Myanmar’s commercial hub, Yangon, last month celebrated pride with a flotilla on the city’s river.
Around 600 people boarded a flotilla of boats along the main river.
Thousands turned out for pride events that weekend. It was the second-ever public pride event in the country, where gay sex is illegal.
by Rik Glauert
Source – Gay Star News
