Here Comes the Rain-Vows: How Same-sex Marriage Moves Asia Toward Peace and Inclusivity

Imagine loving someone, but having no right to legalize your commitment to each other. This is how most Asians who are part of the Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual — and all those part of the spectrum — (LGBTQIA+) live as most Asian countries do not legalize same-sex marriage. Aside from this, most countries developed a form of discrimination, known as homophobia, towards these members. Luckily, the rainbow has shed its light in Thailand, being the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage.

Following Taiwan and Nepal, Thailand became the third Asian country to recognize same-sex marriage as King Maha Vajiralongkorn signed it into law on September 24, 2024. This new law will take effect on January 22, 2025. Aside from amendments to marriage, this law also grants rights for adoption and inheritance within same-sex marriages.

“This is a monumental step towards equal rights in Thailand,” said LGBTQIA+ advocate Waaddao Chumaporn.

As such, let us look back on how Asia is now taking steps toward inclusivity in giving couples the right to marry who they want, regardless of sex.

To have and to hold. The equality rainbow first showed its colors in Asia when Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage on May 22, 2019. LGBTQIA+ rights in Taiwan became a big issue after Ye Yong Zhi, a 15-year-old member of the queer community, died after being bullied due to sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE). This incident made the country reflect on its existing laws protecting the LGBTQIA+ community from the ongoing homophobia rooted in cultural reasons. Letting the sun shine, however, was not an easy feat. Before the same-sex marriage bill was passed into law, some groups motioned to reject same-sex marriage and ban the rights of LGBTQIA+ education in schools. 

Despite this, with constant overwhelming support from both the government and the private sector, the movement towards inclusivity in Taiwan’s marriage vows became successful. In 2023, Taiwan made big steps again by allowing transnational same-sex marriage and adoption among same-sex couples, allowing queer couples of different races to hold their weddings in Taiwan. This leap not only opened the doors for equality inside the borders of Taiwan but also gave hope to all Asian same-sex couples–showing them that it is possible for their love to be recognized in the East. It paved the way for the equality rainbow to move and dazzle its light in Asia.

Bursting its colors within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, the rainbow successfully gave freedom to Thailand, known as the Land of the Free, by pioneering the region’s step toward marital inclusivity. Thailand as a country is known for its media representation of the LGBTQIA+ community. Besides from its cultural background, Thailand is recognized for producing queer content such as boys-love and girls-love series, as well as having an Asian franchise of RuPaul's Drag Race, a television show known for promoting the craftsmanship of LGBTQIA+ performers known as drag queens. Additionally, every June, Thailand also has a grand and colorful pride parade to rally for inclusivity and equality in the country. These representations have become a vital aspect in moving the legalization of same-sex marriage in the country by becoming eye-openers to the societal issues faced by the rainbow community. 

While it may be hard for ASEAN countries to let equality on the LGBTQ+ community shine upon their lands due to cultural and religious reasons, Thailand's inclusivity in marriage and its media representation can become a trendsetter for ASEAN countries alike. With that said, ASEAN countries should take notes and move forward–forging a better and equal society for all, the motto goes, that the region should aim for peace and prosperity; one way to amplify its call is by building nations aimed at love and acceptance.

In sickness and In health. Like other ASEAN countries, the equality of the rainbow has yet to reach the Philippines. However, it should be noted that our country has already taken steps toward the legalization of same-sex marriage. Senate Bill number 449 proposes the conduct of same-sex unions in the country. The bill also allows rights of inheritance and adoption for unionized same-sex couples. Despite this, the bill clearly states that these should be called “same-sex unions” and not marriages. Furthermore, one of the reasons why same-sex marriage is still taking a long journey in the country is the marriage clause in the Constitution which defines marriage as “a special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman.” In 2019, the Supreme Court denied the motion for reconsideration of a petition for same-sex marriage with finality.

Even with the fight against same-sex marriage still in progress, society’s movements toward inclusivity are far from before. More queer representation in the media has been seen since post-pandemic, with the emergence of Filipino-produced series and movies touching the stories of the queer community. The country also holds one of the biggest pride events in the ASEAN region every June in Quezon City where more than a hundred thousand people attend and march for equality. Moreover, Quezon City issued “right to care” cards, allowing LGBTQIA+ couples to decide on the health of their partners—granting them one of the rights they have been fighting for, for decades.

To Love and to Cherish. Just like same-sex marriage, the movement for an anti-discrimination bill should also be prioritized. A report by the United Nations titled “LGBTI People and Employment: Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics in China, the Philippines, and Thailand” states that 30% of Filipino LGBT are being discriminated against at work due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. With homophobia still present in the communities, fostering a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive society would only be far from reach. As such, it is only right for countries to move towards equality by eradicating discrimination within each country altogether.

The rainbow has always been a symbol of eternal promise and covenant. Likewise, marriage is a lifelong commitment of two individuals bonded by love, to become one and live their whole lives together. To accept is one thing, and to support is another.  Despite the rains and storms, as long as the sun rises, rainbows will always shine. While some Asian countries have already experienced the freedom and promise brought by the rainbow, other nations, including the Philippines, still await the time when that promising rainbow of freedom will come and shed hope on our lands.