MONTHLY SNIPPETS
GagaOOLala, the Taiwan-based streaming platform specialising in LGBTI content, has now launched globally. The platform features a fine selection of content from Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, Thailand and Taiwan, plus a catalogue on the Boy’s Love genre that has become a global trend in recent years. Some of the titles include Present Perfect, Fathers, Spa Night, Bao Bao, Soundless Wind Chime, Rafiki and more. Membership is US$6.99 per month (about 222 baht). The platform is currently offering a free selection of films during the pandemic as well. Visit gagaoolala.com.
In Europe, the German parliament passed a law to ban gay conversion therapy in minors. The controversial practice believed to “cure” homosexuality has been criticised for causing psychological effects, which may lead to depression and a higher risk of suicide. Violators may face up to one year in prison or be fined up to €30,000 (1 million baht). Just last week, Albania also followed suit to ban conversion therapy, becoming the third nation in Europe to do so after Malta and Germany.
The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights released a study this month on the reality of LGBTI people in Europe. The survey had almost 140,000 respondents and is considered the largest of its kind. Some of the key findings reveal that six out of 10 people avoid holding hands with their partners in public, and two out of five say they experienced harassment the year before the survey. Transgender and intersex people have faced double the amount of physical and sexual attacks compared to other LGBTI groups. The complete study can be found on fra.europa.eu.
Australian comedian Hannah Gadsby returns tomorrow on Netflix with her witty new stand-up show Douglas, which dives into the topics of popularity, identity and even a dog park encounter. Her previous show, Nanette, is also available on the streaming platform. It packs punchlines with personal stories on gender, sexuality and childhood experiences.