LGBTQ representation in media and drag race Thailand : perceptions of urban youth on promotion of SOGIE rights and challenges in Thailand | |
| Author | Methinee Phoovatis |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.GD-20-06 |
| Subject(s) | Sexual minorities--Thailand Drag racers--Thailand Gender Equality--Thailand Urban youth--Social aspects--Thailand |
| Note | A thesis submitted in patial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Gender and Development Studies, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | This research study aims to investigate the perceptions of Thai urban youth related to SOGIE rights and challenges, media representation, gender equality of LGBTQ people in Thailand. Also, it examines the perceptions of viewers of Drag Race Thailand regarding media representation, gender equality and SOGIE rights of LGBTQ people including their perception and understanding of drag performance in Thailand. The qualitative research method and data analysis was applied to this study. In-depth interview was conducted with 36 Thai urban youths of various of SOGIE have watched Drag Race Thailand and/or cabaret or live drag performances. Also, 4 key informants were interviewed including gender expert, social activist, media producer and Drag Race Thailand contestant. The finding reveals that Thai heteronormative framework has applied to the perceptions of Thai people which sensitive to LGBTQ community on SOGIE rights and challenges. This framework influences how the media create messages that form the urban youths' perception on LGBTQ in media representation. Gender stereotypes and stigmatization still appear in Thai media even LGBTQ community have offered more space in media. Gender equality and SOGIE rights promotion is alien as producers focus solely on business while lacking awareness and deep understanding of the issues. However, paradigm shifts in global trends along with the power of youth on social media have recently improved the situation on promotion rights and gender equality. Drag Race Thailand has succeeded as a positive representation for LGBTQ people. By showcasing the contestants' talents, creativity and family depiction, the show is said to be inclusive and a good depiction that helps in normalizing and raise awareness of LGBTQ people. On the understanding of drag performance in Thailand, the research unveiled how the term "drag" overlaps between the depictions of Chai Rak Chai and trans women in the mind of the informants. While in reality, drag performers can transform from any identity into any other identity, so it is hard to pin the term down to a specific gender. |
| Year | 2020 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Gender and Development Studies (GD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Chatterjee, Joyee S. |
| Examination Committee(s) | Kusakabe, Kyoko;Doneys, Philippe |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Her Majesty the Queen's Scholarships Thailand |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2020 |