The LGBTQIA+ community has faced long-standing challenges in gaining acceptance, and many of these issues still persist beneath the surface. For Nachale “Hua” Boonyapisomparn, her activism began as a teenager, when early experiences in student organising and volunteering ignited her commitment to advocacy.

From navigating her own gender identity to realising the importance of supporting others, her journey has been one of empowerment and dedication to the cause. Hua has become a leading voice for trans rights in Thailand. Her work has placed her at the forefront of the movement, advocating for equal rights and social justice for transgender individuals. Now, Hua’s passion for trans advocacy has grown even stronger. Her journey reflects a life dedicated to change, empowerment and creating a more inclusive world for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Discovering Purpose: From Student Organiser to LGBTQIA+ Advocate

“I have been engaged in activism since my teenage years, with experiences in student organising and volunteering shaping my journey toward being an activist.”

She reflects on the challenges of being called katoey, a Thai term sometimes associated with transgender or effeminate individuals as she grapples with expressing her gender identity and expression. With the support of others, she was able to step out of her closet and realised the importance of helping others. This led her down a path she is now proud of as an activist. 

She learned more about the LGBTQIA+ movement when she discovered the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand through her volunteering at the International AIDS Conference in 2004, and became interested in taking part in the movement. She decided to work by volunteering on an HIV programme targeting men who have sex with men (MSM) in Bangkok. At the time, the project was not designed to address the needs of transgender individuals, and transwomen were included in the MSM community despite having different health needs and socio-cultural contexts. 

She also met transwoman activists from different parts of Asia who, despite identifying as women, were included as MSM due to the limitations of the programme. This led to a call for change, urging HIV funders to develop plans specifically for transwomen and their communities. Later in 2005, she moved to Sisters – the first transwomen HIV programme in Thailand that works exclusively for the local trans population based in Pattaya.

“I turned my curiosity and passion into a driving force for trans activism.”

Driven by the belief that the responsibility of protecting and promoting the rights of trans people rests with the community itself, she is committed to advocating for change, recognising that this vital work is unlikely to be taken on by others. She understands how much it can impact individuals in the community who feel left out or face even greater challenges, such as violence and discrimination. 

A Journey of Advocating for Trans Rights

“Working with Sisters has taught me the importance of collaboration. To me, Sisters is like a family where every member, from the founding members to the president, is equally important in helping the mission to improve the quality of life for trans people.”

During the three years with Sisters, Hua witnessed pervasive discrimination and violence against trans people in various contexts, highlighting a systemic lack of safety for trans individuals in Thai society. She shifted her focus and founded the Foundation of Transgender Alliance for Human Rights, or ThaiTGA, in 2010 together with her friends. She identified the lack of a trans-led organisation as a major barrier to the progress of trans rights and the Women’s Health Advocacy Foundation became the first funder to support her vision. She brought together 16 trans activists for a workshop at the International Women’s Partnership for Peace and Justice (IWP) in Chiang Mai. There, they collectively discussed how they could work together within an exclusive Thai society. The establishment of ThaiTGA was no longer just her dream—it became a shared vision among many trans advocates. Their collective efforts turned the dream into reality. 

“Thank you to the many trans individuals, allies and friends whose support has helped ThaiTGA become the strong organisation it is today.”

After founding ThaiTGA, Hua moved to the US in 2010 to broaden her understanding of global community issues.  She volunteered with a harm reduction project in Washington, DC, where she distributed condoms and syringes to sex workers and people who use drugs, gaining insights into the intersections of oppression, racism and marginalisation.

“What I realised is that trans people face oppression everywhere, even in countries that claim to promote freedom and equality. This experience affirmed that I am on the right path, dedicating myself to helping others in this community.”

She decided to study for a master’s degree in Public and Community Health at Trinity Washington University and graduated in 2018. After that she moved to New York City, working as a care coordinator for people living with HIV/AIDS, particularly within the Asian community. She then became a manager for a transgender and non-binary health programme, helping clients access gender-affirming care, inspiring her to bring similar advocacy to Thailand. In 2020, she left New York with a new mission: to promote access to gender-affirming care in Thailand and advocate for its inclusion under the country’s Universal Health Coverage system.

Hua’s Vision for Trans Rights and the Future

“Legal gender recognition is the top priority within the trans movement. I only hope it doesn’t have to feel like moving mountains to advocate for this recognition for trans, nonbinary and intersex people.”

Although marriage equality for same sexes is now legal, the fight for legal gender recognition for trans people remains ongoing. Since 2012, ThaiTGA, under the leadership of Hua and in collaboration with other trans advocates and LGBTQIA+ organisations, has been championing this crucial cause. Their collective efforts have brought about a significant milestone: the drafting of the GENACT law, which now awaits parliamentary review. Though progress has been made, the journey is not complete. Legal gender recognition is a human rights issue, and Thailand is now under the global spotlight, with the world watching its next steps beyond marriage equality. 

“There are many young activists in the movement, bringing fresh ideas and energy. They need a space where they can advocate for trans rights in their own way. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to create a platform to support the younger generation.”

Apart from the legal gender recognition, Hua wants to focus on young activists with ThaiTGA, which was designed to also support young trans people. She has been helping build inclusive practices to promote a safe space and environments for LGBTQIA+. 

Lastly, Hua would like to leave a message to encourage young activists to step up for the community, sharing with Koktail:

• Take small steps in social change activism and never feel guilty for resting when you feel exhausted, burnt out or overwhelmed.
• Work in solidarity with those oppressed in different movements, as we need more allies in this fight.
• Practise compassion for yourself and others. Remember loving yourself is a crucial part of your work.
• Always reflect on you, your work and your power.
• Be yourself and contribute to positive change.