A Scoping Review of LGBT + Inclusion in Thailand- Policy Proposals and Recommendations

Abstract

  • Introduction

    • Limited research on LGBT+ discrimination and policy responses in Thailand despite extensive scholarship on sexual and gender diversity.

    • Conducted scoping review to synthesize literature on LGBT+ inclusion and human rights in Thailand focusing on policy proposals.

  • Methods

    • Utilized Joanna Briggs Institute’s scoping review methodology and PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines.

    • Searched 16 bibliographic databases and gray literature, resulting in the identification of 2,341 sources, narrowed to 115 publications (2000-2020).

  • Results

    • Identified discrimination in multiple domains: education (bullying in schools), labor market exclusion, health disparities, and sexual violence.

    • Policy proposals include:

      • Stricter anti-discrimination legislation.

      • Legalization of same-sex marriage.

      • Gender marker changes on identity documents.

      • Inclusion of LGBT+ people in sexual assault laws.

      • Enhanced data collection on LGBT+ populations.

  • Conclusions

    • Numerous policy proposals exist for enhancing LGBT+ inclusion, primarily in health and education, but lacking in family and personal security domains.

  • Policy Implications

    • A rights-based approach is necessary to inform policy development to comply with international legal standards.

Introduction

  • Thailand is viewed as tolerant towards LGBT+ individuals but faces ongoing issues with the realization of full human rights for LGBT+ populations.

  • Existing disparities include economic insecurity, health (HIV), and mental health issues compared to cisgender and heterosexual individuals.

  • Systemic discrimination and stigma contribute to these disparities.

  • Need for a synthesis of literature on LGBT+ inclusion and exclusion in Thailand to inform policy development.

Literature Review Background

  • Existing research identifies health disparities, discrimination, and exclusion of LGBT+ individuals in various sectors including education, civic participation, and political domains.

  • Framework Utilized:

    • Based on WHO/UNDP LGBTI Inclusion Index, aims for realization of UN Sustainable Development Goals.

    • Five domains of LGBTI inclusion identified: health, education, political participation, economic well-being, and personal security/violence, with addition of a family domain.

Rights-Based Approach to Policy Development

  • Definition:

    • Grounding policy development in internationally recognized human rights standards.

  • Benefits of a rights-based approach:

    • Provides explicit guidelines for policy formulations to address systemic injustices.

    • Most effective for addressing marginalized populations, including LGBT+ individuals.

  • Importance of aligning policymakers’ efforts with academic consensus.

Methods

  • Scoping Review Steps:

    1. Define goals and research questions.

    2. Develop search strategy.

    3. Establish inclusion/exclusion criteria.

    4. Implement search strategy.

    5. Extract and synthesize data.

    6. Report results.

Research Questions

  • Focus on policy options proposed for promoting LGBT+ inclusion in six key areas: education, employment, health, personal security/violence, civic participation, and family.

Findings

Information Sources and Search Strategy

  • Searched major databases and gray literature related to LGBT+ inclusion.

  • Utilized various LGBT+ terminology relevant to Thailand.

  • Success due to collaborative efforts with librarians and experts.

Study Selection Process

  • Focus on publications from 2000 to 2020.

  • Included articles centered on LGBT+ individuals or communities in Thailand with relevant data or analysis.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

  • Extracted data on methodology, publication characteristics, and key findings regarding inclusion/exclusion of LGBT+ individuals.

Overview of Included Studies

  • Total included publications: 115 (76 peer-reviewed, 39 gray literature).

  • Notable demographic focus: predominately urban areas (e.g., Bangkok, Chiang Mai).

  • Diverse populations studied with a significant emphasis on gay men and transgender women.

Policy Recommendations by Domain

Political and Civic Participation

  • Develop comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation.

  • Establish a legal mechanism for changing gender identity on official documents.

Education

  • Train educators for anti-bullying initiatives.

  • Establish supportive policies and revise curricula to eliminate stigma.

Family

  • Offer legal recognition for LGBT+ partnerships/marriages.

  • Provide counseling resources to support LGBT+ individuals and their families.

Personal Security and Violence

  • Enact specific laws to protect LGBT+ individuals from violence.

  • Decriminalize consensual adult sex work.

Economic Well-Being

  • Strengthen anti-discrimination in the workplace.

  • Ensure equal access to pensions and benefits for LGBT+ populations.

Health

  • Improve access to LGBT+-specific health services.

  • Enhance training and accountability for healthcare providers.

Discussion

  • Consensus on the direction for policy development suggests the need for comprehensive frameworks to promote LGBT+ inclusion.

  • Highlight the need for advocacy in underrepresented areas such as personal security and family.

Conclusion

  • The review identifies significant policy gaps and stresses the need for a robust human rights framework in Thai policy development for LGBT+ individuals.