Tanwarin “Golf” Sukkhapisit

Filmmaker/Transgender MP

Industry : Advocacy

Tanwarin Sukkhapisit, who identifies as non-binary, is a Thai filmmaker and the first openly transgender MP in the Thai House of Representatives. One of Tanwarin’s main motivations for entering into politics actually comes from their filmmaking experience. Tanwarin spent five years in legal battles to earn the right to show their film Insects in the Backyard to Thai audiences aged 20 and above⁠—after three seconds of nudity was cut out of the film. The debacle made them realise that new perspectives were overdue in policymaking. In addition to fighting for reforms to Thailand’s Film and Video Act, Tanwarin has also been busy drafting and pushing reforms of Thai marriage laws to Parliament. They are also working on campaigns to explain to the public why Thai marriage laws should include LGBTQ couples because Tanwarin believes that education is key to acceptance and ultimately change. Facing a lot of adversity as a visible LGBTQ person in government, Tanwarin stays focus with the goal of moving Thailand’s future forward.