Why is it important to have such an event?
It?s important because people need to see that gay/lesbian/transgenders and bisexuals are everywhere in the society and there is absolutely no shame in being who you are.

Would you consider Phuket a gay-friendly place? Why/Why not?
Like most of Thailand, Phuket is somewhat gay-friendly, at least on the surface. But also, like most of Thailand, people in Phuket have a preconceived picture that gay men and ?katoy? are the same thing.
And they will get very provoked if they meet any gay man who does not fit in this preconceived picture. For instance, in 2006 the gay event ?Singaporian Nation Party? was held in Phuket, welcomed by business owners and hotel owners alike as a way to boost business and tourism in Phuket.

However, after the party, some voiced that they would never allow such a party in Phuket again because it was opposite of what Thai culture stood for.

So, what terrible un-Thai thing had happened? Well, along with the Nation Party, came a lot of gay men who seemed to spend many hours a week in the gym. They were muscular and masculine and simply did not fit the preconception about gay men being ?katoy?.

There are many preconceived notions about gays, lesbians and transgenders in both Phuket and the rest of Thailand. In order for Phuket to become a really gay-friendly place, people have to realize that we are all different and we all come in different sizes, heights, skin colours and sexual orientations; but nevertheless, we are, and should, all be equal.

Why should people get involved?
Anyone, no matter what sexual orientation who believes that equality and human rights are important issues should be involved and will be sincerely welcome. It is also an excellent opportunity to party, dance and sing.

What exactly will happen during the parade?
The parade will start from Duangjit resort and go the beach road until Sawadiirak road and RathUthit rd to the paradise complex. There will be plenty of floats and a walking parade with entertainment and music.
It will be very colorful and fun. After the parade everyone is welcome to attend a ?Tea Dance? in Paradise Complex.

Would you say it is easier now to be gay in Thailand than it was?
Yes and no. It has only been a little over a year since the Pride Parade in Chiang Mai was dissolved because demonstrators threw stones and bottles at them. And it?s only been a few weeks since Thailand failed to vote yes to a resolution in the UN stating that all minorities, including those with different sexual orientation, should be protected.

It?s important to understand that with equal rights and the possibility of it being easier to be gay in Thailand also comes a much stronger platform in which we can inform and educate about safer sex and HIV-prevention, as well as protecting human rights.

That should really be in everyone?s interest. Of course it is easy to say that living as a gay person is easier now than it was, that doesn?t mean that we should stop pursuing a society where people can truly be who they are, without having to fear their neighbours? or families? reactions to them.

There are no specific anti-gay laws here but also there no gay rights. We do not have the right to gay marriage, inheritance and transsexuals can not change their sex in their Id-card or Passport. That is why Pride is important.