Social Acceptance Outpaces Legal Rights for Laos Queer Community

Members of the Vientiane-based organization Queers & Cheers pose holding Pride flags representing different LGBTQ+ identities during an event among young advocates, influencers and activists on June 15, 2024.

In an article for New Mandala, Beatrice Siviero writes about the social acceptance of the LGBT community in Laos despite the lack of LGBT rights in the country.

For Thavadxai Xaiyakoumman, 36, project officer at the LGBTQ+ organization Proud to Be Us Laos, being a transgender woman has never really been an issue.

Being part of a diverse sexual orientation and gender identity community is deeply accepted in Laos society.

“In here we are not divided or abuse each other,” she said. “I can firmly say that being LGBTQ or transgender in Laos and our neighbouring country has been the best.”

While she noted that being transgender, especially as a transwoman, comes with unique hurdles, particularly regarding appearance, self-expression, and professional opportunities, she feels that people in Laos are largely eager to reach mutual understanding.

“We cannot expect society to understand us, expect a workplace to understand us,” she explained. “We have to understand other people, understand our workplace and their rules, their culture. So that we can fully adapt and blend into each other.”

Thavadxai Xaiyakoumman said attitudes in Laos are generally relaxed and that most people are accepting as long as individuals do not try to impose their lifestyle on others.