The Voice franchise is taking steps to be more inclusive with the launch of an LGBTQ+ version of The Voice Thailand called The Voice Pride.
The special season will air next year to coincide with Thailand Pride Month, which begins in June.
It is unclear if the spin-off will be adapted by other countries, including the United States, or if it will only remain in Thailand.
Several genre talents have performed on international versions of The Voice in the past, including singer Fatt Butcher and drag queen Divina de Campo, both of whom appeared on The Voice UK.
A drag group called Stephanie’s Child performed on The Voice US, while drag queen Jimi the Kween performed on The Voice Australia.
“The Voice Pride is not just a competition but a celebration of love, acceptance and incredible talent,” the show’s producer said in a statement, via real screen.
The Voice franchise is taking steps to be more inclusive with the launch of an LGBTQ+ version of The Voice Thailand called The Voice Pride.
“As Thailand takes historic steps towards equality, we are proud to amplify the voices of the LGBTQ+ community and give them the attention they deserve,” they continued.
“This historic edition of The Voice embodies the format’s core values: celebrating individuality, diversity and the universal language of music.”
In June, Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage following a historic parliamentary vote that was hailed by activists as a major victory.
The upper house of the Senate gave its final approval – by 130 votes to four and 18 abstentions – to changes in the marriage law that allow same-sex couples to marry.
Thailand will become only the third place in Asia where same-sex couples will be able to marry, after Taiwan and Nepal, and campaigners hope the first weddings can take place as early as October.
‘We are very proud of everyone involved in this historic moment. You have helped bring about massive change,” Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, an LGBTQ activist and member of the committee that reviewed the law, told senators after the vote.
‘Today love conquers prejudice.’
The new legislation changes references to “men”, “women”, “husbands” and “wives” in marriage laws to gender-neutral terms.
It’s unclear if the spin-off will be adapted by other countries, including the US, or if it will only remain in Thailand.
Several gender-bending talents have performed on international versions of The Voice in the past.
It also grants same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples in matters of adoption and inheritance.
‘My partner has a child and I want to have legal rights to formally adopt him as my child and have a say in his well-being. This bill will allow that,” said Kevin Pehthai Thanomkhet, 30.
Thailand has long enjoyed a reputation for tolerance towards the LGBTQ community, and opinion polls published in local media show overwhelming public support for marriage equality.
More than 30 countries around the world have legalized marriage for all since the Netherlands became the first country to celebrate same-sex unions in 2001.
But in Asia only Taiwan and Nepal recognize equal marriage. India came close to doing so in October, but the Supreme Court returned the decision to parliament.
“I’m very happy to see how far we’ve come,” said Chotika Hlengpeng, a participant in the Pride march that attracted thousands of enthusiasts in Bangkok in early June.