Love Between Women: Historical Discourse Analysis of Lesbianism in Thai Media from 1996 to 2020

Abstract

Despite its reputation as a paradise for gender diversity, discrimination against LGBTQAN+ in Thailand still exists, especially in the situation of lesbian visibility. This article traced movements of lesbianism in Thai media’s text from 1996 to 2020. The article demonstrated how macrosocial relations of power are obscured in the micropolitics of media’s text and affect being a lesbian. As a subject of patriarchy, homophobia, heteronormativity, and gender binary in the context of psychoanalytic knowledge, morality, and capitalism, lesbianism was formed as a sexual fantasy, perverse relationships, tragic stories, and fashion trends. Various forms of violence against lesbians were taken for granted in the media. Lesbians may seek social space by embodying social norms, however, it can create a dilemma in their existence.