Gender expressions and relationships of individuals in Bangkok sapphic bars | |
| Author | Pawinnut Chaiyasuan |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no.GD-25-01 |
| Subject(s) | Lesbians--Thailand--Bangkok--Social life and customs Sexual minority community--Thailand--Bangkok |
| Note | A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Gender and Development Studies |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | This research study's purposes are to explore how different sapphic identities influence the ways individuals access sapphic bars and how these identities shape their experiences of belonging within sapphic bar environments, gender expressions of sapphic identities, and relationship formation within sapphic bars in Bangkok. The qualitative research method and thematic data analysis along with gender performativity as a theoretical framework were applied to the study. Tools of the research were in-depth interview with 9 Thai sapphic individuals with different identities which are tom, lesbian, dy, and bi and key-informant interview with a sapphic bar owner. The findings demonstrated that access to sapphic bars is often mediated by social media platforms, such as Twitter and sapphic circles along with word of mouth. Different identities can be perceived differently within the bars.Feminine sapphic individuals experienced easier access and stronger belonging in sapphic bars, while masculine-presenting identities like toms and transmen often encountered subtle exclusion despite being under the sapphic umbrella. gender expressions within these spaces can be masculine, feminine, and fluid which were contextually shaped and strategized by desire, identity, and personal background. Sapphic bars function as sites for relational exploration, community affirmation, and expression negotiation. Relationship formation among sapphic individuals within the bar scene can be different, from friendship, romantic relationship, to sexual connection. However, the sites are also marked by internal exclusions and subcultural politics. The study contributes to broader understandings of sapphic spatiality, gender performativity, and intersectional belonging in Thai urban settings. |
| Year | 2025 |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| 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;Duanghathai Buranajaroenkij |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Royal Thai Government Fellowship |
| Degree | Research (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025 |