Why does the word "gay" become a joke of society?

Thailand in 2026 is a much-changed society. We see more talk about gender diversity. LGBTQ + rights are more recognized than ever before, and marriage equality law enforcement is another key pin that reflects that Thai society is moving towards greater diversity.

But in the midst of these advances, there is a question that cannot help but wonder.

If we accept real gender diversity, why is the word "gay" always used as a joke?

If you look at online content, there are times when the word "gay" is used as a corner of a joke, whether it is a montage of the word "gamer" into "gay," a joke like "who moves gay" that used to be prevalent among students, or the use of the word "gay" to end situations as a joke.

We also periodically hear phrases like "mistake, but don't be wrong." Many people may speak habitually or see them as a catchword, but if you look deeper, this phrase is based on the idea that being LGBTQ + is "wrong," when in reality, gender diversity is not wrong, and it is not something that should be humiliated.

Many people may see this as a little thing, a joke that should not be thought of, but the important question is, do we laugh because the situation is funny, or do we laugh because the word "gay" appears in the joke?

If the answer is the latter, it means that the identity of a group of people is being made the selling point of a joke, when gayness is not unusual and should not be the reason for anyone to become a social clown.

Many may answer, "Well, not with racist intent," or "Just joking."

I believe that many people do not intend to hurt anyone, but sometimes what should be asked is not only "what is the intention," but "what is the result?"

Even if the speaker does not mean to insult it, if the use of the word "gay" is repeated, it is normal for people in society to gradually absorb that gay is what makes laughter.

Of course, humor between friends who agree is another different context, but what this article is reminiscent about is that the word "gay" is so common in public areas that many people are used to laughing just because it's "gay."

Compare it to something else. If someone has ever been teased about height, color, shape, face, or disability, he does not want his identity to be constantly funny. Likewise, gay people are not different from the average person. Adopting a word to describe his identity in a joking word can cause wounds without the speaker thinking.

All this does not mean that we have to stop talking or laughing at everything in the world because humor is part of society, but what we should ask ourselves is whether we laugh at the situation or laugh at someone's identity.

In a democratic society, everyone has the right to have their own opinions, to like or dislike a matter is an individual right, but having the right to express an opinion does not mean that we need to say everything, especially when it may subconsciously diminish the dignity of others.

Today, technology has evolved far, the world is changing rapidly, but what should evolve along the way is how we think and understand people who are different from us. We may not change everyone's attitude, but we can choose what kind of speech we use and what kind of society we build through our own words.

# CHAMofficial