Gay Pride Returns in June

 Mark your Calendars because Gay Pride Celebrations return to Supertown on June 10th, 2023!

The event is sponsored by SWING (Service Workers In Group). SWING is a Thailand-based charity that promotes and protects the health, human rights, and dignity of sex workers of all genders, cultures, and nationalities. 

They have three peer-led drop-in centers in tourist hotspots in Thailand and facilitate access to healthcare services for the LGBT community, with a primary focus on HIV and AIDS treatment.

SWING also provides education and advocacy for the prevention of exploitation. Over the past 10 years, SWING has expanded its coverage to include issues that affect male and transgender sex workers.

The Event will kick off at 3 pm in the afternoon. Details are being finalized as this is being written and this post will be updated as details become available. The photos in this blog are from last year's event.

Songkran 2003 Wrap Up

 
The first post-Covid Songkran Celebration is in the books and it was celebrated with plenty of flair in Supertown. Many Bars opened early on the final day with Drink Specials, Foam Parties, and Live DJs!

While most parts of Thailand limit the Songkran Celebration to three days, Pattaya continues the festivities for a full seven days!

People are generally divided into two camps regarding this Holiday. They either love it or hate it. While many people embrace it, others plan to go out of town for the week.

The most important thing to know is, YOU WILL GET WET!  So, dress appropriately, keep your Phone & Wallet in a plastic bag, and enjoy this water-soaked free for all!

Photos: Christian Köppel

Types Of Bars in Supertown

There are currently 34 Gay Bars in Jomtien Supertown. They range from small open-air Kiosk Bars (Smile Bar, Meeting Place, The Point, Sunee Bar)  to traditional Beer Bars (Cocka2 Bar, BC Bar, Coqtales, 4T Bar, Guy Guy Bar)  to Cabaret Show Bars (The Venue, M2M Bar, @Home Bar)  and Dance Clubs (Dragon Music).  

Some Bars are hybrids and combine elements of Beer Bar during the early evening with Cabaret Show or Dance Club later in the evening.

Another Category of Bar combines Drinking & Dining. Divarium, The Venue & Adonis offer prepared food on the premises while other bars provide menus from other establishments that will deliver to your table!

Still, other Bars offer regularly scheduled activities such as Free Bingo (@Home Bar) or Trivia Quizzes (Bubu's, Bongs). About half a dozen bars have Pool Tables, if you are inclined.

Dorothy's Showbar features live music & comedy events on a semi-regular basis.

Nearly all bars offer Live Music or DJs as well as free food and often a Cabaret Show on Party Nights. These parties may revolve around a staff member's Birthday, a Holiday, or just for the heck of it! Typically, parties happen almost weekly (sometimes several nights a week), and you can keep track of them from our  Supertown Facebook Page.

With 34 Bars, there is so much to choose from, seven nights a week. And last, but certainly not least are those handsome, smiling faces waiting to greet you in Supertown!

LGBTQ+ In Thailand

 

Thailand has a rich history of LGBTQ+ culture, with evidence of same-sex relationships dating back to the Ayutthaya period (1351 to 1767) 

However, it wasn't until recent years that the country began to officially recognize and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

In 2008, Thailand held its first Pride event, but the following year's parade was blocked by protesters. It wasn't until 2019 that the parade returned, and in 2022, the country held its first official Pride parade with local government backing.

The Pride parade in 2022 saw thousands of LGBTQ+ people and allies take to the streets of Bangkok to celebrate Pride month. This event came as parliament considered increasing the rights of same-sex couples

Thailand's LGBTQ+ community has faced challenges and discrimination, but progress is being made. In 2021, the country passed a civil union bill, allowing same-sex couples to legally register their partnerships. This was a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand.

As the country continues to move forward, it's important to remember and celebrate the history of the LGBTQ+ community in Thailand. Pride month is a time to recognize and honor the contributions and struggles of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer population in the country. With continued support and advocacy, Thailand's LGBTQ+ community can continue to thrive and make progress towards equality.