[SOGIES] Understanding Myself Through Gender and Sexual Orientation

Recently, learners of The Soil Project completed a series of workshops on gender equality and awareness of SOGIES (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identities, Gender Expression / Temporary Translation: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Gender Characteristics). The program was held at Mab Eaung Natural Agriculture Center in Chon Buri, Thailand, from April 9-11, as part of Module I - Body & Mind Cultivation: Self Understanding.

Throughout the course, TSP experienced the famous international model of Personal and Structural Change from the International Women's Partnership Association for Peace and Justice (IWP), a model that emphasizes three key factors: self-understanding (Self), social understanding (Society), and mindfulness (Mindfulness). Based on the skills of deep listening and mindfulness, the course created a safe and healthy space for participants to share and learn, with the aim of empowering and uplifting others. By harnessing the power of deep listening, we can nurture positive emotions and inner strength to support those around us.

The workshop series provided deep insights into how society operates, stemming from the roots of power and how it shapes our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. The course clarified the social structures that influence our lives and our understanding of ourselves and others in the broader context of the world. Through discussions and sharing, we realized that power is at the center governing our world, with the power sources (power source) that a person possesses often equivalent to their power in society. This insight emphasizes the importance of recognizing and understanding power through the lens of power analysis (power analysis), an important element of the course.

We learned that there are three types of power: power over, power sharing, and power within. Understanding these different forms of power allows us to use power in positive and constructive ways, rather than in destructive and abusive ways. This understanding provides a solid foundation for understanding oneself and personal development.

Within the scope of the course, we spent considerable time exploring a very familiar power source: gender. Through exchanges and experiential activities on the gender box, we realized that we live not only in a power-led society but also in a patriarchal society that values male domination and supports binary views of gender, recognizing only male and female genders. We began a journey of relearning and expanding our understanding of gender, including concepts such as gender identity, sexual orientation, sex at birth, and gender expression. Our facilitator emphasized the flexibility and autonomy of gender, stressing the importance of empowering individuals to be responsible for their own identity. This insight promoted acceptance and understanding among participants, as it acknowledges that individuals may sometimes feel confused or uncertain about their gender identity.

During the program, we visited Sisters Foundation in Pattaya. Thanks to this opportunity, we gained insights into the transgender community and a deeper understanding of gender diversity as well as the importance of raising awareness about gender diversity. This organization is run primarily by transgender women. Through exchanges, questions and answers, and listening to those from the transgender community, we understood better the challenges they face in various aspects of life. Many had to flee their families, even their own countries because of their gender identity, and some have been abused and assaulted by friends and even fined by police without just cause. They also struggle to access education and healthcare, and they also lack complete information to protect their health.

Despite these challenges, we also learned that the government is taking steps to support the community and raise awareness. They fund and support events like the Pattaya International Pride Festival, in partnership with the Thai Tourism Authority and other associations, to promote the rights and inclusion of the LGBTQI+ community. Pattaya has emerged as a popular destination for LGBTQI+ tourists, with a thriving LGBTQI+ scene including bars, clubs, hotels, and events serving both domestic and international LGBTQI+ tourists. Our visit to Sisters Foundation helped us better understand the realities the transgender community faces and emphasized the importance of promoting acceptance, inclusion, and equal rights for all genders.

We believe that to create meaningful impact on the world and become the people we want to be, we must start by connecting with our true selves while also understanding the society in which we are living - how society operates, its challenges and complexities. By combining this self-awareness with mindfulness, we are able to make informed decisions about our actions in life. One of the ways to reconnect with ourselves is to better understand gender equality through learning about SOGIES.