South-East Asia is beginning to accept same-sex relationships

It was a beautiful spot for a wedding. In the hills of Antipolo, a city east of Manila, the Philippines’ capital, friends and family of Jownie Reyes and Josh Prado Tupaz (pictured) gathered to celebrate the holy union of the two men. Mr Tupaz, keeping his cool in a white suit, matching fur stole and glittering tiara despite the 34-degree heat, posed for photographs with his squad of bridesmaids, all in matching blue gowns. Then the ceremony began. Reverend Crescencio Agbayani, a gay priest and activist, led a service involving both Catholic and Protestant rites. The grooms declared their vows through tears. “If you’re gay, being in love is a joke to many…or worse, you are a secret,” said Mr Reyes, “You love me out loud without disgrace.”

Ceremonies like this are happening in countries across South-East Asia. They carry no legal weight, but they are often officiated by religious or local leaders. In Cambodia couples can sign documents that outline mutual obligations and shared ownership of assets. It is a symbolic protection rather than an enforceable marriage contract. But it gives couples an excuse to throw a traditional wedding ceremony, with local officials and monks in attendance and guests tying red string around the wrists of the spouses.