Thailand has become the first country in Southeast Asia to recognize same-sex marriage, after a bill was passed in its Senate. This milestone opens up new opportunities for LGBTQ couples, like Singaporean duo Lau and Ong, who plan to marry in the US as their union won’t be recognized in Singapore.
Despite the lack of legal recognition in Singapore, Lau and Ong are excited to celebrate their love with family and friends. They join other LGBTQ couples who have also opted for overseas marriages due to the restrictive laws in Singapore. Activists like Pink Dot’s Clement Tan hope for a more inclusive future in Singapore, pointing to recent judicial rulings in Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea in favor of LGBTQ rights.