Affinity Groups
Unity through community.
Throughout the years, Peace Corps Thailand has had affinity groups in which volunteers with similar identities have come together to create and nurture a sense of community and belonging. PSDN recognizes that these groups can be transient in nature and often come and go based on the needs of different cohorts, so we've developed this page to make them a bit more accessible and easier to find.
These groups exist to support current volunteers, outgoing returned PCVs, incoming trainees, and prospective volunteers. If you want to connect with any of these groups or have any questions, please reach out to the contact listed below.
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Affinity Group Descriptions:
LGBTQ+ Affinity Group
This affinity group is for any and all currently serving Peace Corps Volunteers and Trainees who experience marginalization based on gender and/or sexuality. This includes, but is not limited to, lesbian, gay, bi/pansexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, non-binary, polyamorous, and gender non-conforming (LGBTQ+) people. We are committed to building a safer space where we can openly discuss issues related to our bodies, identities, and experiences, as well as all the latest in LGBTQ+ media, news, and culture.
If you are interested in joining, contact Logan Cox.
Over Fifty Affinity Group
The over fifty affinity group gathers informally to share experiences on a variety of topics. Recent conversations include: Our shared perceptions that our counterparts are uncomfortable with our age and work history; our travel plans; online banking(!); and missing our kids.
Please join us, we are available individually or can organize a group gathering. Reach out to Kate Van Slyck.
Asian-American Affinity Group
The group is open to all PCVs who identify as Asian-American. We informally discuss issues, situations, expectations, and experiences that arise when being Asian in an Asian country. Our aim is to have everyone feel supported and understood during their service. Since Thailand is an Asian country, there are many specific needs to address and we are here to help provide any and all support needed to handle these situations.
If you would care to join, please contact Sirintra Juntaralux or Tim Feng.
Latinx Affinity Group
This group is open to any PCV’s who identify as Latinx/Hispanic-American. In our group we will gather informally (online and in-person) and discuss a variety of topics that any group member can introduce. Potential conversations include: How our race and ethnicity have made our experiences in Thailand unique, colorism and how that affects our service, Latino recipes you can still make here, practicing your Spanish amongst fellow Spanish-speaking volunteers, where is the best place to get latino food in Thailand, where is the best place to go latin dancing in Bangkok, Daddy Yankee vs Don Omar (jk, except not really). In truth, this group will be what we make of it. Whether that’s silly or serious or a good in between this group is a resource and here to provide support.
If you’re interested in joining, contact Shannon Murphy-Berrios.
African-American Affinity Group
Hello! We have created a Facebook messenger group for any and all future and currently serving black volunteers in Thailand. This group provides a safe and open space to ask questions about service specifically related to Thailand, expectations, packing, and anything that may impact your service as a black volunteer. This group will also be open for discussions about black issues (here and back home), to offer/receive help, hair questions/concerns, clothes, integrating, dealing with prejudice/micro aggressions in service and much more. Ultimately , this group will be whatever you want and need. And if we can’t provide that, there are plenty of us with a wealth of knowledge and experience to point you in the right direction or offer available resources!
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To join our group, please reach out to Mariama Bah.