From left to right
- Nikki Phinyapincha, Founder of Transtalents Consulting Group
- Koko Tiamsai, Global Internal Communications Manager, East- West Seed
- Bella Vongvisitsin, Senior Lecturer, Hong Kong Metropolitan University
March 31, 2024 – Thailand: The current traditional move in Thailand’s approach to legalizing similar- sex marriage has captured the world’s attention, with the House of Representatives passing the similar- sex marriage bill on its last reading by a vote of 400 out of 415. Then awaiting authorization from the Senate and the queen’s support, this policy marks a major action toward equality. While some celebrate, it’s acknowledged that union justice is just the beginning of real justice, as stigma and discrimination persist, especially in important areas like education and career. Not to mention another significant costs that awaits concern: the legal gender identification law for the transgender population.
Despite advancements in some industries, trans people in Thailand and other parts of the world still face significant challenges in various industries. The passage of anti-trans bills and laws in several regions not only harmed transgender people’s rights but also directly threatened their well-being and aspirations for equality. According to World Bank &, APTN survey conducted in 2018, 60 % of Malaysian, 77 % of Thai, and 85 % of Vietnamese transgenders have faced job rejection, discrimination, and sexual harassment at work, as well as denial of promotion to leadership roles due to patriotic systemic barriers, social stigma and gender bias stereotypes of “being not capable/credible/professional” and unfortunately being restricted to jobs only in beauty, media, entertainment, and sex industries. Trans people historically have suffered the most and have traditionally been marginalized among other sexual and gender identities, such as lesbian, gay, and bisexual.
As we approach Transgender Visibility Day ( TDOV ) on March 31, 2024, Nikki, Koko, and Bella exemplify how progressive change is achievable amidst adversity. They are not only forging personal advancement paths, but they are also initiating strategic transformations across sectors, and they are working to promote an inclusive society that goes beyond legal rights.
Nikki Phinyapincha, the founder of Transtalents Consulting Group, emphasizes,” In every meeting room, forum, or stage I speak on, I carry with me the hopes to see trans people like me be part of it while advocating for the trans community and others marginalized, showcasing how collective, progressive actions can influence global equality through the power of opportunity”. With a master’s degree from Switzerland, supported by a prestigious Swiss Excellent Government Scholarship, alumni fellows from the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative ( YSEALI ) from the US government and the Australia- ASEAN Emerging Leaders Program ( A2ELP ) from the Australian government, and her role in launching the first ASEAN transgender professional mentorship program, Nikki’s efforts in consulting for Thai social enterprises and global corporations in diversity, equity, and inclusion ( DEI ) have been globally recognized among the top 100+ LGBTQ+ future leaders by Involve x YouTube.
“Change doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s the product of persistence, education, and the courage to stand up for what’s right. We need to challenge the narrative that limits what trans people can achieve from both bottom up and top down using the lens of intersectionality in addressing the needs of each citizen. Our potential is boundless, and our perspectives are invaluable in creating diverse and dynamic societies.” Koko Tiamsai, Global Internal Communications Manager, East- West Seed, stressed.
Koko Tiamsai’s academic prowess and advocacy are further exemplified by her SOAS University of London master’s degree in gender studies, which was funded by a Chevening scholarship from the UK government. Her previous contribution to significant changes to workplace policies that were based on the theory of self-determination principle at Foodpanda, particularly the gender-affirming policy allowing trans employees to take 30 days of leave to transition to their identities, marked a pivotal moment for transgender equality and visibility in the nation. Koko’s efforts extend beyond corporate boundaries, touching lives and shaping futures through projects like Unite Thailand, which she manages to empower youth through art, education, and freedom of expression. Her work includes starting the project” She Can,” where she trains a group of young trans youth with advocacy, laws, politics, and critical thinking skills in order to prepare these younger generations as future trans leaders of the region.
Research and education are effective tools for challenging the status quo and supporting diversity. My journey is a reflection of how advocacy for equality and understanding can intersect with academia. Bella Vongvisitsin, Senior Lecturer at Hong Kong Metropolitan University and Co- founder of Inclusive Tourism Asia, added.
Bella Vongvisitsin is a shining example of both academic and professional excellence. Bella has a PhD in tourism management from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and her research and scholarship have gained her worldwide recognition. She is leading the charge to integrating DEI into the tourism sector as a Senior Lecturer at Hong Kong Metropolitan University and co-founder of Inclusive Tourism Asia, highlighting the significant contribution of research and education to promoting inclusivity. She has established a diverse research team made up of LGBTQ+ academics from renowned Hong Kong universities with the goal of examining the fundamental frameworks that underlie the perpetuation of gender stereotypes and reinforce traditional patriarchal gender norms. Additionally, she is the author of a groundbreaking study on the transformative role of LGBTQ+ inclusion in promoting organizational change in the hospitality and tourism sector. Additionally, her research collaboration in the area of medical tourism has had a significant impact on making recommendations for transgender people’s well-being and well-being. She has garnered recognition as a distinguished speaker, being invited by esteemed global tourism organizations, such as International LGBTQ+ Travel Association ( IGLTA ), Pacific Asia Travel Association ( PATA ), Skyscanner, and Expedia, as well as renowned universities in Hong Kong, Thailand, and the Philippines, to share her extensive expertise and disseminate knowledge in the field to both industry practitioners and younger generations.
As these three extraordinary people demonstrate, the fight for trans rights and visibility is being waged on numerous fronts. Their accomplishments are milestones in the development of a more inclusive society, from academia to corporate boardrooms. Their tales are a clear call for action, urging us to support and embrace the diversity that makes our world unique.
These compelling arguments for the value of inclusivity and potential within the trans community and beyond are supported by numerous international professional accolades and rigorous academic standards. Let the stories of Nikki, Koko, and Bella serve as reminders of the progress we’ve made and the long road ahead in ensuring equality and opportunity for all, regardless of gender identity as the world observes Trans Visibility Day.
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