English Learning: LGBTQ+ Rights Progress in Asia

Current Situation

The LGBTQ+ rights landscape in Asia is characterized by a significant diversity in legal and social acceptance. While some countries continue to maintain conservative stances, often influenced by traditional or religious values, several nations have shown remarkable progress. Taiwan was a trailblazer, becoming the first in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019. More recently, Thailand made history by passing a marriage equality law in June 2024, becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to do so. Japan has seen progress at the municipal level, with an increasing number of cities and prefectures recognizing same-sex partnerships, though nationwide marriage equality is yet to be achieved. Additionally, discussions around anti-discrimination laws are gaining traction in various parts of the continent. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, with many regions still lacking legal protections or facing social stigma.

Key Phrases

• skimmed it: to read something quickly to get the main points.
  • Example: I only skimmed the report, so I might have missed some details.
• pioneering social reform: leading the way in making significant changes to societal structures or policies.
  • Example: That country is known for pioneering social reform in healthcare.
• a wave starting: a trend or movement beginning to gain momentum.
  • Example: There’s a wave starting of people choosing remote work.
• cultural shift: a fundamental change in the prevailing attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors within a society.
  • Example: The increased awareness of climate change represents a significant cultural shift.
• baby steps: small but steady advancements.
  • Example: We’re making baby steps towards our big goal, but at least we’re moving forward.
• a mixed bag: a situation that involves both good and bad aspects.
  • Example: The project’s outcome was a mixed bag; some parts succeeded, others failed.
• gains traction: starts to become popular or accepted.
  • Example: The new environmental policy is slowly gaining traction among the public.

Grammar Points

• 1. Present Perfect Tense for Recent News/Ongoing Situations:

  Used to talk about actions that started in the past and continue to the present, or actions that happened at an unspecified time in the past and have a present result. It’s often used when discussing recent news or developments.

  • Structure: Subject + have/has + past participle.
  • Examples:
    • Thailand has just passed a marriage equality law. (Recent news)
    • Discussions around anti-discrimination laws have been gaining traction. (Ongoing situation)
    • I haven’t finished reading the whole article yet. (Action started in past, continues to present)
• 2. Modal Verbs for Possibility and Speculation (e.g., *might*, *could*):

  Modal verbs are used to express possibility, ability, permission, obligation, and more. In discussions about news or future developments, ‘might’ and ‘could’ are often used to talk about things that are possible but not certain.

  • Examples:
    • I might have missed some details in the article. (Possibility)
    • Things could improve rapidly in the coming years. (Possibility)
    • Getting a job without hassle could be more important for many. (Speculation about importance)

Practice Exercises

1. Multiple Choice (Vocabulary):

   1. Which phrase means to read something quickly for main points?

   • a) pioneering social reform
   • b) skimmed it
   • c) cultural shift

   2. If a situation is “a mixed bag”, it means it has:

   • a) only good aspects
   • b) only bad aspects
   • c) both good and bad aspects
2. Fill-in-the-Blanks (Grammar – Present Perfect):

   Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses (Present Perfect).

   1. Thailand ________ (pass) a new law this month.

   2. Many countries ________ (start) to discuss similar changes.

   3. I ________ (not finish) reading the whole article yet.

3. Sentence Transformation (Grammar – Modal Verbs):

   Rewrite the following sentences using the modal verb provided.

   1. It is possible that the situation will improve. (Use ‘might’)

   -> The situation ________ improve.

   2. There is a chance they will achieve full equality. (Use ‘could’)

   -> They ________ achieve full equality.

4. Short Answer (Comprehension):

   1. What significant step did Thailand take recently regarding LGBTQ+ rights?

   2. Besides marriage equality, what other type of law is being discussed in some places?