I posted to Sawadee Forum yesterday abut the initiative to remove the mental illness stamp the military uses to exempt ladyboys, transvestites and homosexuals from service. When I posted that article I didn’t know who was behind it.
This morning my boyfriend “Chalerm” wanted to show me something on the Internet, and it was the same news story. Chalerm said that he and the famous ladyboy from the movie “Beautiful boxer” had been to the government offices to lobby for the removal of the mental illness diagnosis. The initiative was organised by the “Rainbow Sky” group, where my bf is a member.
The example they used was Chalerm’s own military service book, which was stamped with this diagnosis when he showed up for the draft in full ladyboy regalia earlier this year.
I remember how angry and sad Chalerm was when he came back from the military drafting session in his province. He was happy to escape the service (it was no place for him anyway) but bitter about being branded as “mental” for life. Now he did something about it.
Today he and the ladyboy boxer are going back to the government offices with flowers to thank them. I am proud of him.
August 13th, 2005 at 8:20 pm
Hello, Silom,
I note you commented that Chalerm went back to the Ministry to “thank them”.
For what, may I ask?
Did they remove the mental note out of his record? Change it, or do anything constructive? Or just treat him decently?
In any event, I suppose it is gracious to thank them, but it would be nice to know if anything was accomplished other than publicity.
G.P.