Since many of Anjaree's members live in Bangkok, most of its social activities and conferences take place there. However, there is also an active chapter in Chiang Mai, with approximately 20 members. Recently, I met with Chiang Mai representative Amporn Boontan. She graciously took time out of her busy schedule as the project coordinator for the Thai Youth AIDS Prevention Project to talk to me about Anjaree's new publication, as well as issues and problems presently facing lesbians in Thailand. To appreciate the impor-tance of the general public edition of Anjareesan, it is first necessary to understand the place of lesbianism in Thai society.
Women can hold hands and hug in public, live together, even sleep together in the same bed.
Thai culture accepts these kinds of intimacies between women. But as soon as any type of behavior arises which in-dicates a sexual relationship, that acceptance is withdrawn. Interestingly, foreigners often comment on the tolerance afforded gays and lesbians in Thailand. This may be because the overt homophobia found in countries such as the United States and Australia does not typically occur in Thailand. Being nonconfrontational and keeping one's emotions in check are valued behaviors in Thai culture.