CW: Human trafficking, Racism, Discrimination, Queerphobia
Calling someone by a nickname is incredibly common place in Thailand. Apart from the practical reasons such as reducing the amount of syllables, it most definitely also has some queer advantages. Worapon explains how easy it is to let go of the names your parents gave you.
Then there are names we probably should let go. Artists who appropriate cultures trying to appealing to a global audience should see that backfire. I did consider to skip the Hwasa track for this exact reason. The reasons I played it anyway are simple: I'm spineless and didn't dare to ask Worapon to pick a different track last-minute. Besides, my cultural impact with this podcast is so minimal, it's not like i'm promoting anyone here. At least I hope that's true. If not, please drag me through the mud as well.
Flashback Track: 2002 ราตรี (2002 Ratree) - จีนี่ จ๋า (Genie Ja)
Queer Artist Spotlight: Sam Smith - Leave Your Lover
Best Live Experience: Jeremy Zucker - comethru
Recent Discovery: Hwasa - Maria
Consider Supporting through https://Patreon.com/QueerSounds
Shownotes:
On nicknames: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/thailand/articles/why-do-thai-people-have-nicknames/
Kathoey: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathoey
Hwasa Racism Controversy I: https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/7710346/k-pop-girl-group-mamamoo-apologizes-blackface-performance-uptown-funk
Hwasa Racism Controversy II: https://www.allkpop.com/article/2020/07/i-live-alone-responds-to-mamamoos-hwa-sas-outfit-controversy
