The International Relations and Global Affairs Program of Mahidol University International College (MUIC) celebrated Pride Month by organizing “Gender Festival” from June 13 to 14, 2023.

The two-day event included an array of activities recognizing women’s and LGBTQ+ rights which saw Aditayathorn Building decked in rainbow colors and the participation of both prominent personalities and MUIC students.

Kicking off the first day was the roundtable discussion “Women’s Leadership In Politics, Diplomacy and Law” at 10:00 am at the newly opened Screening Room on the 5^th Floor of Aditayathorn Building. The panel of guests was composed of: H.E. Anna Jakenberg Brinck, Minister Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Sweden; Ms. Saranya Tangwongkit, Country Program Coordinator (Thailand), UN Women; Ms. Kunthida Rungruengkiat, Director, Progressive Movement Foundation; Ms. Tisana Choonhavan, newly-elected Member of Parliament (Move Forward Party) and MUIC Alumna; Ms. Jomtien Jansomrag, Program Officer, Raks Thai Foundation; and Ms. Rukchanok Srinork, newly-elected Member of Parliament (Move Forward Party).

This was followed by “How to L.O.V.E Training Session” at 2:00 pm in the same venue with singer-songwriter Ms. Pat Klear as guest speaker. On the same day was also held the signing of the petition supporting the law for Marriage Equality” held at the lobby of Aditayathorn Building.

The following day, June 14, a workshop entitled “Out 4 Mental Health” was conducted by APCOM from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at A249, Aditayathorn Building. Also at 10:00 am, a talk was held in Charinyarasami Hall entitled “Dream with Pride” featuring Khun Fon (Zapsing CEO) and Khun Ko (ThaiTGA) as guest speakers. Yet a third event also started at the same time at the Activity Area of the 2^nd Floor, Aditayathorn Building entitled “Circle of Life” featuring Khun Pattera Puttisuraseat, Khun Wanchai Chankhunthod, Khun David Bigander, Khun Watcharin Francis Angus, and Khun Settha Mateepratchayankul as guest speakers.

As noontime struck, the “Pride Parade” started, with scores of MUIC students and guests marching from Aditayathorn Building and taking the trams to major parts of the Salaya campus.

All throughout this two-day event, there were several exhibitions by the ACWC ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children, the Institute of HIV Research and Innovation (IHRI), and IRGA’s Witchcraft and Gender Representation Class. There was also a Pride Market which featured gender-themed products.