Latest news with #Kitty
Metro
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Drag Race star reveals how Supreme Court trans ruling affects drag queens now
RuPaul's Drag Race star Kitty Scott-Claus has revealed how the Supreme Court ruling on transgender people has affected drag queens. The series three finalist spoke about how her fellow drag queens and other members of the LGBTQ+ community have felt 'dehumanised' by what the ruling means for toilet access. In April the Supreme Court ruled that the definitions of 'sex' and 'woman' in Equality Act 2010 refer to 'biological sex'. The Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) then recommended in a interim guidance that 'trans women (biological men) should not be permitted to use the women's facilities' in public spaces. Speaking at festival Mighty Hoopla yesterday, Kitty Scott-Claus told Metro how the ruling has changed how she feels when working in drag. 'If I'm in drag going to the toilet now I'm like, 'Well, what do I do?' 'Because normally I would just go to the ladies toilets if I'm presenting as a woman. 'If this is happening to me in drag, for our trans and non-binary siblings it so how invasive and dehumanising.' Kitty said many of her fellow drag artists feel the exact same way, but are aware that other members of the LGBTQ+ community are also struggling. She added: 'Everyone just thinks it's the biggest joke. 'It feels like a joke that we're gonna wake up from and be like, 'Oh, well. That was a disaster.' 'Stuff like this makes me so proud to stand with charities like Not A Phase and to stand with our trans siblings. 'We need to show our support for them now more than ever.' Reflecting on pride marches set to hit the UK during Pride Month, Kitty said they should return to their roots of being 'protest' events. 'We need to remember, like, Pride started as a protest,' she said. 'It is a protest. It is to show we're here, we're proud, we're queer.' The drag star was speaking during Mighty Hoopla, where she interacted with fans in 'Grindr's Gaybourhood' area of the festival. She spent most of the afternoon standing on a large Grindr bus, which will travel around Europe to promote inclusivity. The dating app's head of marketing and communications, Tristan Pineiro, told Metro: 'Festivals like Mighty Hoopla bring everyone together. 'We are continuing to show up and be proud and unapologetic. 'That is our way of furthering the cause. We're not going anywhere.' Mighty Hoopla is a two day pop festival, popular with the LGBTQ+ community, running over the weekend May 31 and June 1. The festival went ahead after fears it would be cancelled after the High Court backed a campaign by some residents claiming that the application for permission to hold the events had failed to meet all requirements. Speaking about the decision, Kitty said she was relieved that festival goers were still able to gather. More Trending She added: 'They want me to go home and sit in a quiet, dark room and read a book. Sorry, life is for living. 'Queer inclusive spaces shutting down all over the place and I think it's a sign of the times. 'We need these spaces. They're so important now more than ever.' Other acts performing at Mighty Hoopla this year have included Ciara, Kesha, Jade, Lulu, and dozens of other acts. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Bimini: Trans people in public toilets aren't your enemies – they're victims
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Thailand set to U-turn on recreational cannabis use
Thailand set to U-turn on recreational cannabis use (AP) Thailand decriminalized cannabis in 2022. However, it did so without a comprehensive law regulating its sale, production or use. Since then, tens of thousands of licensed dispensaries and retailers selling cannabis and cannabis extracts have opened across the country, particularly in tourist hot spots. Three years later, Thailand is now planning to tighten the control of marijuana use, ensuring that cannabis is only used for medicinal purposes and not recreationally. Under a new medical bill expected to be announced in the next few weeks, dispensaries will be allowed to sell cannabis only to other licensed shops or to customers with a prescription from a medical professional. Chokwan "Kitty" Chopaka, a well-known cannabis activist in Thailand, said the new medical bill could see a 90% drop in licensed cannabis shops in Thailand. "I understand what the government is doing. I don't agree with it," she told DW. "I feel the ones that are going to be left are the bigger shops, who actually have that war chest and they will serve the tourists, and the locals will probably grow their own, because getting a doctor's note is going to be too much of an issue." "[There will be] probably only 1,000 dispensaries left," Kitty government had hoped that decriminalizing cannabis would turn it into a kind of cash crop for Thailand, boosting its tourism and agriculture sectors, with the Thai Chamber of Commerce estimating it could be worth $1.2 billion (€1.06 billion) annually. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Has Honda Done It Again? The New Honda CR-V is Finally Here. TheFactualist Undo What issues has Thailand faced? The government had hoped that decriminalizing cannabis would turn it into a kind of cash crop for Thailand, boosting its tourism and agriculture sectors, with the Thai Chamber of Commerce estimating it could be worth $1.2 billion (€1.06 billion) annually. But the lack of a law governing its use created a loophole which has seen a rise in recreational use, illegal distribution and a saturated market. The free use of cannabis has also seen some backlash from activist groups who have protested against its legalization. Tighter regulations for the use of cannabis also come at a time when tourists have been warned about taking cannabis products out of Thailand. In recent weeks, two British women were arrested in Georgia and Sri Lanka, respectively, for allegedly smuggling cannabis. Marijuana that has been smuggled out of Thailand has also prompted concerns from Thai officials over how easily and in what quantities cannabis can be purchased today. 'Changing everything overnight is not realistic' Gloria Lai, Asia regional director for the International Drug Policy Consortium, said the decision for a new bill seems rushed. "The health minister's announcement appears to be a knee-jerk reaction to concerns about people smuggling cannabis out of Thailand, and it is questionable whether the proposal to restrict the buying and selling of cannabis to medical prescription only will solve that concern," she told DW. "Given the proposal of legislation to regulate cannabis in a more comprehensive manner, it seems more useful to initiate inclusive consultations on those proposals — while allowing reasonable time frames for inputs from communities impacted by proposed cannabis regulations — rather than rapidly introducing new rules that risk causing greater confusion." Rattapon Sanrak, founder and president of the Highland Network, a cannabis organization in Thailand, said the new cannabis bill poses potential problems for the industry. "Sudden enforcement could cause chaos," he told DW. "If the law takes effect right away, businesses, the public and officials will not have time to learn the new rules or adjust their work. Changing everything overnight is not realistic." But Rattapon believes there is still uncertainty over how long-lasting the new rule will be. "This bill comes as a ministerial regulation, decided by a single minister. If the minister changes, the rules can flip again. That is risky for an industry that involves huge investments and thousands of jobs. Passing a full act of parliament would give the rules a stable, democratic foundation and protect everyone who has invested time and money in the cannabis industry," he added. Confusion over the future of cannabis in Thailand has been ever-present since Thailand's Food and Drug Administration officially delisted cannabis from the narcotics list in June 2022. Thailand's ruling Pheu Thai Party had initially pushed for cannabis to be reclassified as a narcotic. But in 2023, former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told reporters at the UN General Assembly in New York that cannabis would be only allowed for medical purposes. Pressure from Thailand's government coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party, whose flagship policy was to decriminalize cannabis, has pushed for the plant to remain legal. The new bill is expected to be a temporary measure before Thailand announces a comprehensive cannabis act to fully regulate the use, production and export of the plant. This is expected to be announced in two years.
DW
4 days ago
- Business
- DW
Thailand set to U-turn on recreational cannabis use – DW – 05/29/2025
Thailand is moving to restrict cannabis to medical use only. What will the new rules mean for its booming weed industry? Thailand decriminalized cannabis in 2022. However, it did so without a comprehensive law regulating its sale, production or use. Since then, tens of thousands of licensed dispensaries and retailers selling cannabis and cannabis extracts opened across the country, particularly in tourist hotspots. Three years later, Thailand is planning to tighten the control of marijuana use, ensuring that cannabis is only used for medicinal purposes and not recreationally. Under a new medical bill expected to be announced in the next few weeks, dispensaries will be allowed to sell cannabis only to other licensed shops or to customers with a prescription from a medical professional. Chokwan "Kitty" Chopaka, a well-known cannabis activist in Thailand, says the new medical bill could see a 90% drop in licensed cannabis shops in Thailand. "I understand what the government is doing. I don't agree with it," she told DW. "I feel the ones that are going to be left are the bigger shops, who actually have that war chest and they will serve the tourists, and the locals will probably grow their own, because getting a doctor's note is going to be too much of an issue." "[There will be] probably only 1,000 dispensaries left," Kitty added. What issues has Thailand faced? The government had hoped that decriminalizing cannabis would turn it into a kind of cash crop for Thailand, boosting its tourism and agriculture sectors, with the Thai Chamber of Commerce estimating it could be worth $1.2 billion (€1.06 billion) annually. Cannabis dispensaries in Thailand provide a steady source of income Image: Tommy Walker But the lack of a law governing its use created a loophole which has seen a rise in recreational use, illegal distribution and a saturated market. The free use of cannabis has also seen some backlash from activist groups who have protested against its legalization. Tighter regulations for the use of cannabis also come at a time when tourists have been warned about taking cannabis products out of Thailand. In recent weeks, two British women were arrested in Georgia and Sri Lanka, respectively, for allegedly smuggling cannabis. Marijuana that has been smuggled out of Thailand also prompts concerns from Thai officials over how easily and in what quantities cannabis can be purchased today. Thailand's uncertain cannabis future Gloria Lai, Asia Regional Director for the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC), said the decision for a new bill seems rushed. "The health minister's announcement appears to be a knee-jerk reaction to concerns about people smuggling cannabis out of Thailand, and it is questionable whether the proposal to restrict the buying and selling of cannabis to medical prescription only will solve that concern," she told DW. "Given the proposal of legislation to regulate cannabis in a more comprehensive manner, it seems more useful to initiate inclusive consultations on those proposals — while allowing reasonable timeframes for inputs from communities impacted by proposed cannabis regulations — rather than rapidly introducing new rules that risk causing greater confusion." Thailand mulls banning recreational cannabis again To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Rattapon Sanrak, founder and president of the Highland Network, a cannabis organization in Thailand, said the new cannabis bill poses potential problems for the industry. "Sudden enforcement could cause chaos," he told DW. "If the law takes effect right away, businesses, the public and officials will not have time to learn the new rules or adjust their work. Changing everything overnight is not realistic." But Rattapon believes there is still uncertainty over how long-lasting the new rule will be. "This bill comes as a ministerial regulation, decided by a single minister. If the minister changes, the rules can flip again. That is risky for an industry that involves huge investments and thousands of jobs. Passing a full Act of Parliament would give the rules a stable, democratic foundation and protect everyone who has invested time and money in the cannabis industry," he added. Confusion over the future of cannabis in Thailand has been ever-present since Thailand's Food and Drug Administration officially delisted cannabis from the narcotics list in June 2022. Thailand's ruling Pheu Thai party had initially pushed for cannabis to be reclassified as a narcotic. But in 2023, former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told reporters at the UN General Assembly in New York that cannabis would be only allowed for medical purposes. Pressure from Thailand's government coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party, whose flagship policy was to decriminalize cannabis, has pushed for the plant to remain legal. The new bill is expected to be a temporary measure before Thailand announces a comprehensive cannabis act to fully regulate the use, production and export of the plant. This is expected to be announced in two years. Edited by: Keith Walker
DW
4 days ago
- Business
- DW
Thailand set to restrict recreational cannabis use – DW – 05/29/2025
Thailand is moving to restrict cannabis to medical use only — but what will the new rules mean for its booming weed industry? Thailand decriminalized cannabis in 2022, however, it did so without a comprehensive law regulating its sale, production or use. Since then, tens of thousands of licensed dispensaries and retailers selling cannabis and cannabis extracts opened across the country, particularly in tourist hotspots. Three years later, Thailand is planning to tighten the control of marijuana use, ensuring that cannabis is only used for medicinal purposes and not recreationally. Under a new medical bill expected to be announced in the next few weeks, dispensaries will be allowed to sell cannabis only to other licensed shops or to customers with a prescription from a medical professional. Chokwan "Kitty" Chopaka, a well-known cannabis activist in Thailand, says the new medical bill could see a 90% drop in licensed cannabis shops in Thailand. "I understand what the government is doing. I don't agree with it," she told DW. "I feel the ones that are going to be left are the bigger shops, who actually have that war chest and they will serve the tourists, and the locals will probably grow their own, because getting a doctor's note is going to be too much of an issue." "[There will be] probably only 1,000 dispensaries left," Kitty added. What issues has Thailand faced? The government had hoped that decriminalizing cannabis would turn it into a kind of cash crop for Thailand, boosting its tourism and agriculture sectors, with the Thai Chamber of Commerce estimating it could be worth $1.2 billion (€1.06 billion) annually. Cannabis dispensaries in Thailand provide a steady source of income Image: Tommy Walker But the lack of a law governing its use created a loophole which has seen a rise in recreational use, illegal distribution and a saturated market. The free use of cannabis has also seen some backlash from activist groups who have protested against its legalization. Tighter regulations for the use of cannabis also come at a time when tourists have been warned about taking cannabis products out of Thailand. In recent weeks, two British women were arrested in Georgia and Sri Lanka, respectively, for allegedly smuggling cannabis. Marijuana that has been smuggled out of Thailand also prompts concerns from Thai officials over how easily and in what quantities cannabis can be purchased today. Thailand's uncertain cannabis future Gloria Lai, Asia Regional Director for the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC), said the decision for a new bill seems rushed. "The health minister's announcement appears to be a knee-jerk reaction to concerns about people smuggling cannabis out of Thailand, and it is questionable whether the proposal to restrict the buying and selling of cannabis to medical prescription only will solve that concern," she told DW. "Given the proposal of legislation to regulate cannabis in a more comprehensive manner, it seems more useful to initiate inclusive consultations on those proposals — while allowing reasonable timeframes for inputs from communities impacted by proposed cannabis regulations — rather than rapidly introducing new rules that risk causing greater confusion." Thailand mulls banning recreational cannabis again To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Rattapon Sanrak, founder and president of the Highland Network, a cannabis organization in Thailand, said the new cannabis bill poses potential problems for the industry. "Sudden enforcement could cause chaos," he told DW. "If the law takes effect right away, businesses, the public and officials will not have time to learn the new rules or adjust their work. Changing everything overnight is not realistic." But Rattapon believes there is still uncertainty over how long-lasting the new rule will be. "This bill comes as a ministerial regulation, decided by a single minister. If the minister changes, the rules can flip again. That is risky for an industry that involves huge investments and thousands of jobs. Passing a full Act of Parliament would give the rules a stable, democratic foundation and protect everyone who has invested time and money in the cannabis industry," he added. Confusion over the future of cannabis in Thailand has been ever-present since Thailand's Food and Drug Administration officially delisted cannabis from the narcotics list in June 2022. Thailand's ruling Pheu Thai party had initially pushed for cannabis to be reclassified as a narcotic. But in 2023, former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told reporters at the UN General Assembly in New York that cannabis would be only allowed for medical purposes. Pressure from Thailand's government coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party, whose flagship policy was to decriminalize cannabis, has pushed for the plant to remain legal. The new bill is expected to be a temporary measure before Thailand announces a comprehensive cannabis act to fully regulate the use, production and export of the plant. This is expected to be announced in two years. Edited by: Keith Walker
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First Post
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
If you are in Japan, you can't name your baby ‘Pickachu'. Here's why
Japan has decided to outlaw overly flashy and unconventional baby names in the country, locally known as 'Karikari' names. For decades, parents have been naming their children after taking inspiration from anime characters, foreign languages, global brands, or the playful uses of kanji. But officials believe the trend has gone a bit too far read more While kirakira names may seem cute or creative, they've caused quite a few practical and social problems in Japan over the years. It has now chnaged its baby naming rules. File image/ Reuters 'Pokemon', 'Naiki', 'Kitty'… parents in Japan will no longer be able to give their babies names that sound like they've come straight out of an anime series or a pop music video. In a move that's got the internet talking, the Asian country has decided to ban overly flashy and unconventional baby names, known locally as 'kirakira' names. For years, these 'glittery' names have been a favourite among young parents wanting their child to stand out. But officials believe the trend has gone a bit too far, and that it might be causing more problems than it solves. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, what exactly are 'kira-kira' names? Why has Japan decided to step in now? What do the new rules mean for parents? And which other countries regulate baby names? Here's a closer look. What are Japan's 'kirakira' names? 'Kirakira,' translating to 'shiny' or 'glittery,' refers to a trend in Japan where parents choose unique, often unconventional names for their children. The trend first started gaining popularity in the late 1980s and has since evolved, often reflecting whatever is trending in pop culture at the time, say academics. These names typically draw inspiration from anime characters, foreign languages, global brands, or playful uses of kanji, the complex Chinese-origin characters used in written Japanese. Parents often get creative with how these characters are read, which can sometimes leave others completely puzzled. Some of the more surprising examples include names like 'Jewel', 'Lovely', 'Kitty', and 'Elsa' for girls, while boys have been named 'Prince', 'Naruto', and even 'Pikachu'. Others have taken it a step further with names like 'Pū', which sounds like Winnie-the-Pooh, 'Naiki', resembling the sports brand Nike, and 'Dorami', a nod to the character from Doraemon. 'Kirakira,' translating to 'shiny' or 'glittery,' refers to a trend in Japan where parents choose unique, names for their children. Some of the more surprising examples include names like 'Jewel', 'Lovely', 'Kitty', and 'Elsa' for girls, while boys have been named 'Prince', 'Naruto', and even 'Pikachu'. Image for Representation. AFP Then there are cases like Olympic legend Seiko Hashimoto, who named her children Girishia (Greece) and Torino (Turin), after the Olympic host cities from the years they were born. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why have unusual names become a headache in Japan? While kira-kira names may seem cute or creative, they've caused quite a few practical and social problems over the years. Since parents often assign kanji with non-traditional or creative readings, it's left school records, medical charts, and government documents filled with names that no one knows how to pronounce, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP). A long-term study on baby-naming trends, published in 2022, also found that the number of 'unique names' has risen dramatically over the past four decades. But it's not just paperwork that's being affected. There's rising concern that children with such unusual names could face social challenges, including ridicule or isolation from peers. Since parents often assign kanji with non-traditional or creative readings, it's left school records, medical charts, and government documents filled with names that no one knows how to pronounce. Image for Representation. Reuters One of the most notorious cases dates back to 1994, when a couple, Shigeru and Ayako Sato, named their newborn son 'Akuma', which means 'Devil' in Japanese. Shigeru defended his choice, telling reporters, 'There will only be one Japanese with this name. If you hear it once, you'll never forget it. It's the best possible name.' While officials initially accepted the name, they later reversed the decision, saying the child might be bullied and that the parents had essentially 'abused the right to name a child'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What do the new rules say? The Japanese government has amended the Family Registry Act. Under the revised naming guidelines, parents are now required to submit not only the kanji characters for their child's name but also the specific pronunciation they intend. If the reading deviates too far from traditional or commonly accepted interpretations, local authorities can ask for a written explanation. In cases where the name is considered too confusing or inappropriate, they even have the authority to reject it. Under the revised naming guidelines, parents in Japan are now required to submit not only the kanji characters for their child's name but also the specific pronunciation they intend. File image/Reuters Officials say one of the main reasons behind this change is Japan's push towards digitalising its administrative systems. Unconventional name readings have made this transition difficult, as systems often rely on standard pronunciations to function smoothly. But this move isn't just about making bureaucracy easier. Many see it as a cultural correction—an effort to preserve the integrity of the Japanese language and naming traditions. Critics of kira-kira names argue that while the intention may be to give children a unique identity, the outcome often leads to social discomfort, teasing, and long-term issues with identity and documentation. Other countries that regulate baby names Japan's move is part of a broader global trend where countries implement naming laws to protect children and maintain cultural norms: Germany: Names must clearly indicate gender and not negatively affect the child's well-being. Names like 'Lucifer' have been rejected. New Zealand: Maintains a list of banned names, including titles like 'King' and 'Prince,' to prevent names that could cause offence or confusion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China: In the Xinjiang region, names such as 'Saddam', 'Medina', 'Mecca', 'Imam', 'Islam', 'Quran', and 'Jihad' have been banned to curb what authorities consider 'extremism.' US: Names such as Jesus Christ, Adolf Hitler, Santa Claus, Messiah, King, and Queen have been deemed illegal, according to US Birth Certificates. With input from agencies
