Rainbow flags rippled in the wind as gay and lesbian couples walked hand in hand down a makeshift aisle in Bangkok’s busy Siam shopping district. Thailand’s Senate had just passed a marriage equality bill, and the local LGBTQ+ community was in the mood to celebrate. While the ceremonies were symbolic enactments of same-sex weddings, the real thing could be just around the corner. “When I was young, people said people like us couldn’t have a family, can’t have children, so marriage was impossible,” Bangkok resident Pokpong Jitjaiyai told CNN on the day the bill was passed. “Now I can freely say that I am gay,” said Pokpong, who can’t wait to marry his partner Watit Benjamonkolchai.