Gay couple trolled online for holding hands in public get married
A gay couple who were bullied online after photos of them holding hands went viral have got married.
Noparuj Kaendi – the former creative director of a Thai modelling agency – posted photos of his wedding to model Thorsten Mid on Instagram last week (October 30).
The photos of the pair tying the know have received hundreds of supportive and congratulatory messages from well-wishers across the globe – especially in Southeast Asia.
The couple – who have been together for two years – said they could not be happier and are overwhelmed by the support they have received.
Photos of the two men went viral in April, after images of the pair holding hands on the Bangkok Sky Train were posted on Facebook – with trolls quick to post a series of racist and homophobic comments about them.
“Foreigners are fond of pets,” one wrote.
“I now believe that potions work,” said another, commenting on the perceived disparity their looks, while another told Mid to “wake up, boy.”
However, thousands of others came to the couple’s defence, with some even setting up Facebook in support of the pair.
“I’m not a famous actor nor a public person who knows how to handle criticism… I’m just ME,” Kaendi said at the time.
“We’re just another average couple working hard to get to be together.”
“Thorsten and I – unexpectedly – are so thankful and overwhelmed by the storm of your huge support,” he wrote.
“We never meant to try to be under the spotlight and all… but thank y’all anyway.”
