HOME-GROWN HATRED

Apiece of gay-related news this week began with the Austin bomber, who was allegedly behind a series of bombings in the past weeks and who blew himself up in a car as the police closed in. On his blog, the suspect wrote: “Homosexuality is not natural. Just look at the male and female bodies. They are obviously designed to couple.”

Gay and transgender people still have a lot of things going against them, and not just from the twisted mind of the person mentioned above. Discrimination, prejudice, harassment, to downright transphobic violence, these problems are still prevalent, limiting the potential and opportunities in life. Professionally, many are looked down upon, and some are denied outright of the work they’re qualified for.

And yet we’re seeing a brighter picture this month with Kath Khangpiboon, who won her case against Thammasat University. In 2015, Kath was denied a position as a lecturer even after passing the screening qualification. This rejection was viewed as discrimination against transgender people, though the university later claimed it was due to the profanity that Kath posted on social media as the basis for their decision.

Kath sued the university. And after three years of fighting, she now emerged a victor following the court’s judgment. She is expected to start her teaching job at Thammasat in two months (The university decided not to appeal).

While we celebrate her victory, it’s best to remember that this problem unfortunately is something that rings true globally, persisting unyieldingly. Discrimination in employment and workplace remains one issue that continues to torment the transgender community around the world.