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A tribute to the queen of all queens |
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 Thailand
Lady Gaga may be the LGBT head of state, but now we have two new dignitaries to fly the flag
Barely a week after her Bangkok gig, Lady Gaga remains a hot topic of conversation, especially in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender circle. Whatever impression you may have about her presence in the city, for the LGBT community, Gaga's visit was an unforgettable memory.
"I just want you to know how incredibly amazing and fortunate you are to have such a diverse, cultural city. It's so amazing," said Gaga on stage. That was an honest yet beautiful comment from a pop icon/gay rights activist that was overshadowed, undeservedly, by the controversy about her fake Rolex tweet and an image of her wearing a traditional chada headdress.
The moment of her first appearance in a black latex rubber, floor-length dress was a dream come true to her Thai monsters (she calls her fans "little monsters"). And Gaga knows where to find her peers. On her first night in Bangkok, she explored the city by visiting a ladyboy cabaret show in Ratchathewi.
After exploding onto the music scene with punchy tunes and otherworldly fashion in 2008, the award-winning singer/songwriter immediately became a favourite among gay audiences. Lady Gaga _ or Stefanie Germanotta _ then showed allegiance and special love to her gay fans when she released her third studio album, Born This Way. Since its release, the title single _ a proud proclamation that hit the bull's eye with the LGBT people _ has become the latest gay anthem due to its inspiring lyrics that celebrate self-love and acceptance.
"Thank you, on behalf of the LGBT community all around the world, all of the drag queens and the ladyboys all over the world," she said on stage. "Thank you for showing us how it's done, Bangkok. Tonight, please, let's relish in this freedom. Let's relish in this liberation and in this moment, Thailand."
In certain places, she may be called Satan. But in the hearts of her believers, Gaga is an angel (in a crazy outfit). That unforgettable remark she made on stage last Friday night touched a number of fans so deeply, they cried. Besides Gaga's visit, this month Thailand sees a brighter future for the LGBT community.
Nicha Chaiyapruek, the first runner-up in the Miss Tiffany Universe 2012, has cooked up a buzz for being an unconventional beauty pageant contestant.
The plastic surgery-free, dark skin transsexual from Phattalung, who is currently completing her master's degree in finance and who is a part-time gay rights advocate at the Thai Transgender Alliance, won over the judges and audience with her wit and confidence. She has become a new role model for young transgender people.
Even without first prize, her winning was a proof that society has realised that, when it comes to a contest, beauty must come with brains.
Other groundbreaking news worth repeating is the fact former Miss Alcazar, Yollada Suanyos, won a seat as councillor on the Nan provincial administration organisation earlier this week. She became Thailand's first transgender to hold a political position.
Back to Gaga. It was her first and hopefully not her last concert in Bangkok. The city will always remember her visit, her amazing performance and her controversies that opened our eyes to our own people after the way they reacted towards the fake Rolex and the chada.
Her concert in Indonesia was sadly cancelled over security concerns and about the same time the world learned of the cancellation, Lady Gaga sent out a brain-tickling message through Twitter: "There is nothing Holy about hatred!"
Amen to that, Mother Monster.
By Yanapon Musiket
Bangkok Post
31 May 2012
Photo Caption
Yollada Suanyos, the first transgender Thai to hold a political position |
