It's funny, I think I witnessed the birth of safe spaces, which, as you say, began with LGBTQ youth. I founded several groups in the 90s and early 00s, and I explained to educators what a "safe space" was: basically, a classroom where it's okay to be out.
But many raised a good objection: are you implying the rest of the world is "unsafe". Part of me wanted to say, "Yes!" But I think that was kind of a silly answer even then. It was a mixed message to send kids and other teachers, who often were sympathetic but didn't want to wear a sign.
I never loved the concept. It seemed to be building walls not bridges. And now if course it's gone way way way beyond that. 😥
"It seemed to be building walls not bridges" sums it well. With these types of topics, what is the general vibe like in Thailand? I read one of your pieces where you briefly mention "ladyboys," and I was wondering if there would be a need for safe spaces when their general acceptance is rooted in the culture, or am I off thinking that about Thailand?
Man, that's a whole article in itself. Thailand has an interesting relationship with ladyboys -- very accepting in some ways, but there also exist very regimented expectations. There is definitely "a place" for them in society, but they are frequently relegated to sex work but also the hospitality industry. And, of course, the ladyboy phenom is separate from the "gay" question. Thai culture is relatively progressive, but like all cultures, it has blind spots too. And of course this is all affected by Buddhism and (to a lesser degree) Islam (Muslims are a major minority), and also the urban/rural divide. Lots of competing ideas and interests! In general, I suspect Thailand will very shortly legalize gay marriage, with minimal protest, which is a good thing. And they also have a relatively "live and let live" culture. But there are also strong familial traditions and expectations of behavior. Gender roles? Well, it's a mixed bag: less macho bullshit, but also no real traction for the new American idea that "gender is a social construct." (But I'm not sure that has much traction in America either, outside certain progressive circles.)
Keep in mind I've only been here four months and also have no idea what I'm talking about!
Sure sounds like you know what you’re talking about. What you described sounds similar to what a few other people have told me as well. I hope to make my way there and see how everything unfolds.
It's funny, I think I witnessed the birth of safe spaces, which, as you say, began with LGBTQ youth. I founded several groups in the 90s and early 00s, and I explained to educators what a "safe space" was: basically, a classroom where it's okay to be out.
But many raised a good objection: are you implying the rest of the world is "unsafe". Part of me wanted to say, "Yes!" But I think that was kind of a silly answer even then. It was a mixed message to send kids and other teachers, who often were sympathetic but didn't want to wear a sign.
I never loved the concept. It seemed to be building walls not bridges. And now if course it's gone way way way beyond that. 😥
"It seemed to be building walls not bridges" sums it well. With these types of topics, what is the general vibe like in Thailand? I read one of your pieces where you briefly mention "ladyboys," and I was wondering if there would be a need for safe spaces when their general acceptance is rooted in the culture, or am I off thinking that about Thailand?
Man, that's a whole article in itself. Thailand has an interesting relationship with ladyboys -- very accepting in some ways, but there also exist very regimented expectations. There is definitely "a place" for them in society, but they are frequently relegated to sex work but also the hospitality industry. And, of course, the ladyboy phenom is separate from the "gay" question. Thai culture is relatively progressive, but like all cultures, it has blind spots too. And of course this is all affected by Buddhism and (to a lesser degree) Islam (Muslims are a major minority), and also the urban/rural divide. Lots of competing ideas and interests! In general, I suspect Thailand will very shortly legalize gay marriage, with minimal protest, which is a good thing. And they also have a relatively "live and let live" culture. But there are also strong familial traditions and expectations of behavior. Gender roles? Well, it's a mixed bag: less macho bullshit, but also no real traction for the new American idea that "gender is a social construct." (But I'm not sure that has much traction in America either, outside certain progressive circles.)
Keep in mind I've only been here four months and also have no idea what I'm talking about!
Sure sounds like you know what you’re talking about. What you described sounds similar to what a few other people have told me as well. I hope to make my way there and see how everything unfolds.