Destigmatizing Queer Love: Sapphic Empowerment and Representation in Thai GL Series The Secret of Us

บทคัดย่อ

This study explores the representation of les identities and queer female empowerment in the Thai Girls’ Love (GL) series The Secret of Us (dir. Sarassawadee Wongsompetch, 2024). Historically, portrayals of women-loving-women in Thai media have been limited to the tom-dee framework or relegated to secondary, often tragic narratives. The Secret of Us challenges these conventions by centering on a complex and affirming love story between two feminine-presenting women. Employing thematic analysis, this research examines how the series redefines queer female narratives by emphasizing themes of cultural and familial resistance, personal autonomy, and positive outcomes for queer relationships.

Grounded in representation studies and queer theory, with a particular focus on the contributions of Butler (1990), Foucault (1978), and Ahmed (2010), the analysis demonstrates how The Secret of Us disrupts longstanding tropes of queer invisibility and marginalization, portraying a les relationship that culminates in family acceptance, marriage, and mutual empowerment. The series further aligns with global queer discourses by depicting queer love as resilient, multidimensional, and deserving of societal recognition. This study situates The Secret of Us as a cultural milestone in Thai media, signaling a shift toward more inclusive and affirming narratives for LGBTQ+ individuals. Implications for broader media trends and future portrayals of diverse queer identities in Thailand are also discussed.