Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd on 2024 TIME 100 Next list and tackling social norms

It was 5am in the morning in early October when Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd woke up to an email, containing news that Kyoka had been listed on the TIME 100 Next list for 2024, which highlights emerging leaders shaping the future of the world, published annually by TIME Magazine.

Kyoka was in disbelief upon receiving the news, but later screamed with excitement. The first thing to do was to call their sister, to make sure that the prestigious recognition was real.

“I just woke up, and I never check my emails that early,” Kyoka says, recounting the excitement upon learning the news. “So, I was like, okay, let me actually read the email, and it actually took me a while to realise how significant that was.”

Kyoka, a young LGBTQ rights activist, describes the moment as a huge surprise. In fact, it was already an honour to be on the same list as other influential Thais included in previous years, such as Thai K-pop artist Lisa of BLACKPINK, former Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat and current prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

The recognition is much more meaningful than that, considering how hard it has been for Kyoka to get past the naysayers, who advised against becoming an activist.

“People told me to stop doing what I was doing,” Kyoka said. “I was told to go to high school, graduate, get a job, and do whatever you want but, after finally getting that recognition, I feel really seen. I felt heard, and that was the moment when I felt that I don't want to stop what I'm doing.”

Staying true to one’s beliefs

Kyoka's interest in social movements began pre-teen, becoming a climate justice activist at only 12 years old. This was inspired by the “Fridays for Future” social movement, led by young Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, where students around the world skipped classes on Friday to join demonstrations against climate change.

Kyoka said “I was a huge environmentalist but, at the same time, I've been calling myself a feminist since I was 12,” which explains the beginnings of advocacy for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community.

“I finally understood what intersectionality meant and how social issues are just not single issues. Everything comes together and it's about what lens we focus through, and I think, when I started questioning societal structures, that was when I started advocating for LGBTQ+ rights,” recalls Kyoka.

Of course, it is not easy to be open about gender, especially as a teen and being surrounded by those with opposing beliefs.

Kyoka, who identifies as non-binary, recalled moments of struggle while studying at a Japanese school and becoming embroiled in a battle against those with patriarchal views on gender, particularly peers who echoed beliefs that women should stay at home and should be taking full responsibility for cooking and cleaning. The discomfort was much worse when with Kyoka’s Japanese grandparents.

“It was extremely difficult,” Kyoka says. “I really had to put a mask on when I was at school or when I was in Japan, at my Grandma's place, because there was no way out for me to just tell them to stop thinking the way that they are thinking.”

While it may be easy for people to be swayed by the views of the majority, Kyoka’s own beliefs remained strong. The only way to overcome these struggles was to turn to resources and media that supported these views, while also self-educating about existing social structures related to gender.

Feeling truly free only came when Kyoka moved to an international school. Despite having the freedom, Kyoka admitted that it took a while to feel comfortable when expressing such beliefs, without fear of being judged. Regardless, Kyoka’s past experience has increased the eagerness to fight for justice.

“I think the patriarchal society I was in throughout middle school really shaped me into the person I am today,” Kyoka says. “When I moved back to an international school, I felt free in a certain way that's indescribable, because I felt that my voice was much more heard and respected. So, I think it's always about the place, the people you're with and just believing in what you're doing.”

Your stories and your voice matters

Now, at the age of 19, Kyoka feels more liberated than ever. Apart from actively taking part in Pride events and social movements for gender equality, Kyoka has written two books, “Be The Change” and “I Hope You Hear Me”. The LGBTQ activist also made a momentous speech in parliament, after the marriage equality bill passed back in June.

As a new-generation LGBTQ activist, taking part in social changes, which have led to improved perceptions of gender diversity and equality in Thailand, has been a success for Kyoka. Receiving global recognition on the TIME 100 Next list is a whole other level though. Kyoka‘s family is also “over the moon” after learning the news.

“After I had a quick call with my sister, she texted me and said, ‘Now, you're the cooler sibling’. It was because we were just both really excited. When I told my mom and dad, they were also just really excited and happy and I told them, ‘Don't tell anyone yet because I'm not supposed to tell you’. Apparently, they started telling all their friends because of their excitement.”

Even Kyoka’s Japanese family, who strongly oppose liberal views, were surprised by such an achievement.

“They really didn't know what the TIME100 Next list was. They tried searching and when they found out, they were like, ‘Oh! Interesting, cool.’”

Kyoka’s next steps include the launch of new Pride-related projects, such as “Queer Youth Collective”, and mentorship programs for high school students who want to start their own Pride clubs in schools. Another dream the LGBTQ activist hopes to work on are theatrical musicals.

“I've not seen queer musicals in Thailand that much - it’s very underground and I think it's time to nurture the community I want to see,” Kyoka explains, adding a desire to see streets and public spaces in Bangkok “filled with colours, music and a lot of vibrant energy”.

“When I was in New York, at Washington Square Park, I saw a lot of people selling artworks, singing and busking, and I was like, this is what we need in Thailand, and Bangkok is a great place to start,” Kyoka explains.

Lastly, Kyoka would like to encourage and empower others, especially the LGBTQ community, by reminding them of the importance of their own voices and stories.

“Your stories matter. Your voice matters. It's time to trust and believe in yourself, believe in the story that you have, because stories can turn pain into power, pain into passion and pain into purpose.”

By Nad Bunnag, Thai PBS World