Capitalism, LGBT Activism, and Queer Autonomy in Thailand

Queer Bangkok has been much more influenced by, and become a source of influences for, gay Asia than the gay West. This chapter argues that at the same time that capitalism provides avenues of opportunity for some Thai gay men, it also erects barriers of exclusion for others. As a highly commodified identity with a middle-class caché, Thai gay identity comes literally with a price tag, often excluding men with lower incomes from participating fully in this market-based zone of sexual autonomy. The chapter analyzes possibilities for queer autonomy and rights under capitalism. It also examines market-based aspects of autonomy gained by queer purchasing power and considers the extent to which market-based societies provide opportunities for institutionalizing queer rights in law.