Say It Out Loud 3: I’m PROUD to be ME

Pride Month in 2023 was a special celebration for many in Thailand as the nation’s youth and working people came out to stand for the values of a new generation where all in society are included with equal opportunity.

At Delta Thailand, our initiative for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) has had a major impact not only in our region but for colleagues around the world. This year our new corporate culture has “Inclusion” as we strive to be open to diverse perspectives, respect differing opinions and be inclusive of various backgrounds that offer unique contributions.

For the third year, Delta Thailand continues to lead in celebrating Pride Month and giving our LGBT (LGBTQIAN+) colleagues the chance to speak out about what Pride means to them and why it’s important to feel safe, equally treated and respected as a fellow human being at work.

We commend our four brave Delta Thailand colleagues for sharing in their own words the following questions:

1. Recently there was a Bangkok PRIDE Day event to celebrate the LGBT (LGBTQIAN+) community, why do we need diversity in our society?
2. This year Delta Thailand officially recognized Pride Month for the first time, how do you feel about this?
3. How can we help our workmates feel safe and free to be who they are at Delta?
4. What do you think companies can do to protect human rights and promote equal opportunity for all regardless of sexual orientation?
5. What does “Pride” mean to you personally, and is there any message on diversity and inclusion you would like to share with our Delta Family?

*Please note that the views and opinions expressed in these video recordings and transcripts are solely those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Delta Electronics Thailand.

Chutisorn Singjuy
Hello, my name is Chutisorn Singjuy from MSBU VQA department. During Pride Month we can see a lot of people celebrating transgender people and there is a real openness to being LGBTQ.

Whether we are a woman, man, lesbian, or gay we show a lot of freedom (in Thailand) for all genders. Although Thai law has not yet granted us full legal rights, we are still the number one country for LGBT acceptance in Southeast Asia.

I think it's a good development to have Pride Month awareness at Delta Thailand because it shows that Delta does not discriminate against gender in recruiting.

I would tell workmates that you are the best version of yourself as you are. Because our company is like a family. It's definitely safe for LGBTQ folks here.

I think the presence of LGBTQ people is acceptable for all in the Delta family and my co-workers have accepted it without regard to my sexual orientation at all.

For me, “Pride” means I'm the best version of myself as I am. I'm confident and I don't always have to like men. We will talk to any person we like or feel comfortable with. Whether or not it's a woman, man, lesbian or gay, we can still talk to that person because our (Thai) society is open to all.

Sukanya Kritsanet
Hello, my name is Sukanya Kritsanat from the DNI department. First, I think each person will have personal preferences when it comes to gender, and we are not limited to only males and females.

Nowadays, it's up to the preferences of each individual which is not the same for every person. I choose to identify as LGBTQ. So, I want society to accept this.

I'm glad that our company gives opportunities for LGBTQ people to come and work here. We are here today because we can show that we are equal to males and females when it comes to work.

I’d say to my workmates to be yourself and show your unique abilities. Let colleagues accept who we are and show through your actions that even though we are LGBTQ we are not a risk to anyone.

We should promote equality in things such as employee benefits and welfare. For example, couples who give birth get a gift voucher for the mother and I would like to have this available to LGBTQ couples who are (common-law) married.

Finally, I’d like to say that for me “Pride” is to be proud of your abilities and this will help your colleagues accept us for who you are.

Supakorn Poonsrakroo

Hello, my name is Supakorn Poonsakroo from the MSBU department. I feel diversity is important to society because we all have personal preferences. I feel happy that Delta Thailand has officially recognized and celebrated us LGBTQ folks.

I would tell my workmates that there is nothing to fear because when we work here at Delta Thailand, we work like brothers and sisters.

I think that more companies should be open for the LGBTQ community to have equal opportunities to work.

For me “Pride” means having pride in yourself. We don’t cause anyone trouble. We earn money by ourselves and are able to take care of ourselves with dignity.

For those who are not confident in themselves and are hiding their true identity, I challenge you to come out of the closet and reveal yourself!

Jetsada Phonyiam
Hello, my name is Jetsada Phonyiam from DNI. I think diversity is important mainly because everyone has their personal preferences. Second, I want society to accept LGBTQ and gender diversity. Third, I want to participate in activities. Every activity, no matter what including at work and in society at large.

I appreciate Delta Thailand placing importance on awareness about LGBTQ people and this shows acceptance by our colleagues and management.

I’d tell my workmates to be confident that we can get along with all our colleagues and can work freely with others here.

I would appreciate the ability to ask for more leave days to take care of a sick partner like in the case of men and women with partners. Also, women can take maternity leave and so I’d like LGBTQ folks to be able to take leave to take care of their partners.
I'm totally proud bro! To me “Pride” just means that we are who we are. We are proud of who we are. My family, my parents, accept it. My relatives and friends at work accept me for who I am.

At first, my parents didn't accept me, and they did everything to try to change me. But I kept working, saving money and sending money home until one day they accepted who I was.

I want everyone to fight to reveal their true selves. There is no need to hold back. You can be proud of who you are!

About the Author (Editorial Team)

Delta Thailand

Share