Shivananda Khan Awards
for extraordinary Achievement
Recipient
Kamolset Kanggarruar
Thailand
I was born on January 10th ,1957, and I am currently 67 years old. I graduated in social psychology. The reason I chose to study social psychology was because during my childhood I often don’t understand why people around me like to be called “trannys”. I was quite dissatisfied with that kind of calling from the people around me at the time. Until when I have graduated, I just now understand the difference in opinion of people who like to call me “tranny” because in reality, It’s because I’m different. and the differences of all people That makes me think I should do something. So that everyone in this society can understand each other’s differences.
Brief information about your work
I used to work as a social worker at Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, before I retired. While still being a social worker I met her with a group of people who were very different from myself. But another thing that he has different from me is the disease that resides within him.
I began to have an idea that I wanted to make those people At that time he was infected with a serious disease like HIV. I want to make myself feel valuable. Therefore, we gathered together HIV patients of various genders to organize Group Subport activities to provide knowledge about HIV AG for them to take back and teach to people at home. in the community to protect themselves.
From gathering only past AIDS patients Until it became the creation of a volunteer group of gender diversity. Because apart from the problems that they encounter are serious diseases. But there is still the issue of misunderstanding of identity. their sexual preferences as well.
From the day I started educating myself about sexual health Regarding LGBT life skills, on a day when no one will turn to understand people who were born with strange tastes. Different from other men and women. Until today, 26 years ago, I determined to make everyone in society live together amidst differences. It looked like it was succeeding.
Can you explain more about your role that has led to the historic Thailand’s same-sex marriage law?
What kept you going for more than a decade of advocacy?
I cannot tell you how much the existence of equal marriage laws played a part in making this happen. But I can proudly say Because I see that many young LGBT people are determined to make it happen in our country. We humans should have our own choices. in order to achieve equality Having a spouse should be a right that we have ourselves. Born male or female, you have the right to have the love of your own choosing. It is not that being born a hermaphrodite has no right to love.
What’s next for LGBTQI equality in Thailand?
I think that now equality between the genders has begun to become more equal. But what we should do next is create understanding and true acceptance. Because today, even though it is acceptable Because it must be accepted by law. But in reality We are still suppressed by culture, religion, beliefs, and traditional attitudes. This is an important matter that we must try to understand. Let him change his beliefs. change old attitude who saw that the LGBT group was still abnormal. We need to accelerate our understanding of the diversity of gender in society. to create a new social atmosphere to truly have equality and equality.
What do you do to recharge your battery?
We feel proud to witness the social change over the past few years. It’s what we’ve always wanted it to be since we started working decades ago. I feel proud that even though we are just a small person, we can do it. which tells us we can do it That is, we can help friends build networks. Expanded from one person to two people to many people working together until it was successful. It is something that tells us that we can come together to do what we all want. It is a powerful force. Everything, if we intend to succeed, we will be able to do it. When we see that the next generation of LGBT people have gained rights, opportunities, acceptance, identities, and their own space. We can smile happily. At least what we fought for in the past wasn’t in vain. It became powerful. It’s a battery that comes back to charge so we can continue fighting happily.
What is your vulnerability and how do you overcome it?
The weak point that we clearly see is in the coordination between networks, alliances and organized integration. Sharing resources All of which seems like a general picture of the weaknesses in LGBT Thailand’s work. Each person, each group may have different abilities. When working together, it is important to use the expertise of each person who is different. We all have unequal potential. Therefore, working alone may not be successful. I will endeavor to seek cooperation with others. To help fill the gaps in things that you are not always good at.
Can you share with us what else are you working on?
I am currently the secretary-general of the Rainbow Sky Association. which is a civil society organization Carry out social activities for a good quality of life among people with diverse sexualities Those affected by both public health from the HIV epidemic. Making the group of people with diverse genders and the socially disadvantaged have access to rights and opportunities in health. Reduce bias from society that may cause stigma problems. discrimination acts of violence Because of gender differences and also strengthens the potential of diverse communities in various dimensions of society to be able to stand firmly and sustainably.
Do you have any message that you would like to share with the other activists, advocates and allies working on LGBTQI equality in the Asia Pacific region?
Within our country, there are many efforts to promote human rights among LGBT people, and it seems to be moving in a good direction, but there are still many LGBT people in the country. Maybe it was because I didn’t dare to reveal myself. which gives them the opportunity or rights they should have.
I would like to say to the young people who are leaders in driving human rights policy in the LGBT group that we must not forget to help, develop, and create knowledge for everyone. Every group can So that he can have a good quality of life.
