Thai LGBT+ Activists Raise Pride Flag In Anti-Government Rally

Hundreds of Thai LGBT+ activists and allies gathered in the capital city of Bangkok and raised rainbow flags as they called for democracy and equal rights, as part of a series of youth protests calling for the government to step down. The series of protests under the Free Youth movement, have issued three demands: the dissolution of parliament, an end to harassment of government critics, and amendments to the military-written constitution.

The activists danced and sang and performed stand-up comedy sketches making targeting the government of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former army chief who ousted the elected government six years ago. Pride flags were waved against the backdrop of Bangkok's Democracy Monument, according to ‘NBC News’.

“We're here today mainly to call for democracy. Once we achieve democracy, equal rights will follow,” said a 21-year-old activist who went by a made-up name, Viktorious Nighttime.

“The LGBT community do not yet have equal rights in society, so we're calling for both democracy and equality,” added Viktorious, wearing a glittery tiara and a face mask.

The calls came after Thailand's cabinet backed a civil partnership bill earlier this month that would recognise same-sex unions with almost the same rights as married couples.

“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,”said a 21-year-old protestor who gave her name as Yaya. “Even if they get rid of us, our ideology will never die, we will pass this on to the next generation.”

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