At the request of lesbian activists, Thailand's Mental Health Department has issued a statement informing the nation that gay people are not mentally aberrant and should be regarded as normal, Bangkok's The Nation reported Dec. 27.
The department bases its position on the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases, which also sees gays as normal.
'Homosexual men and women are becoming increasingly more visible in Thai society in all occupational and professional groups, although many more in same-sex relationships choose to keep their private lives under wraps,' The Nation said. 'Most heterosexual people have learned to become more sensitive and develop subtle ways in dealing with homosexual people without being patronizing.'
