We take a look back at our partnership with Amazing Thailand and some exciting LGBTQ+ initiatives that made us smile this year…
It’s certainly been a year to remember for our friends at the Tourism Authority of Thailand. As an important partner for IN Magazine, the ambassadors of the beloved LGBTQ+ destination have been a part of some incredible initiatives that have brought a smile to members of Canada’s LGBTQ+ community. Let’s take a look back at a few of them.
Toronto’s One-Of-A-Kind Virtual Pride Parade
As a result of the global health crisis, Toronto’s beloved Pride Month ventured into new territory by going completely virtual earlier this year.
“We are excited to announce that Pride Toronto will continue with June Pride celebrations in a new, creative, and unique way that ensures the safety of residents and proper physical distancing,” Toronto Pride said in a statement.
Pride Month forged on under the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic and Toronto Pride became an unexpected celebration with countless online events that featured DJs, performers, drag artists, singers, dancers, diversity workshops and more! When it came time for one of the most anticipated parades of the year… the festival didn’t disappoint and brought people from around the globe together. Toronto’s virtual pride parade on Sunday, June 28 was a non-stop celebration and Amazing Thailand was there to help connect our community.
Pride can’t be cancelled, it can just be re-imagined and the celebrations with Amazing Thailand this year proved that.
Thailand Drag Queens Take Over Vancouver Pride
Over the past years, Thailand has had a meaningful presence at Pride Toronto, Pride Vancouver, Pride Montreal and Calgary Pride, and has supported initiatives and events that celebrate the acceptance of all who identify as LGBTQ+.
One of our favourites? In 2019, IN partnered with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to bring Drag Race Thailand season 2 finalists Kandy Zyanide, Kana Warrior and the winner, Angele Anang, to the streets of Toronto. The beloved queens demonstrated their exceptional talents during Toronto Pride Parade, at Thailand’s Streetfair Booth, and at the ‘Drag Ball’ stage at Yonge and Dundas Square. This year, fierce live performances were out of the question (boooooo!) But, the girls still came through and created a pre-recorded video for Vancouver Pride that took place on August 5.
Missed the girls? You can watch their message below:
Now… Everybody say “Love!”
Going Forward
The world is a big place with plenty of places to explore but there’s a reason why Thailand remains so popular with LGBTQ+ travellers. Thailand is a recognized global leader when it comes to welcoming travellers of all backgrounds, identities and gender expressions. Thailand’s relaxed and warm sensibility embraces LGBTQ+ travellers, and encourages them to discover this magical place, travel freely and be comfortable.
IN contributors have penned countless travel diaries throughout the last decade highlighting the countries vibrant commitment to celebrating LGBTQ+ communities. If you’re looking to read up… This year alone we’ve penned: Dream To Travel: Why Is Thailand So LGBTQ-Friendly, Thai Islands: Off-The-Beaten Path For Queer Travellers and ran an incredible contest to win an exciting 5-night Thai adventure for two!
As we begin to start planning our future travels, let Thailand’s incredible diversity inspire you. For more information, visit gothaibefree.com/inspire.
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