This T-shirt supports our Trans Kids Club and, with the WTBA logo on the chest, can be used as a uniform at most WTBA schools and any WTBA-sponsored event. Our logo, the Thai-style Hanuman on the back, personifies friendship, loyalty, and the warrior spirit. In Thailand, as well as many other parts of the world, "Hanuman" signifies bravery, courage, strength, perseverance and devotion.
The Garuda Tribe logo, on the left sleeve, is very special as well. The Garuda is the most famous symbol in Thai lore seen here with the trans pride colors. The legend of the immortal half Phoenix/half God dates back thousands of years to ancient India. Having unfathomable power, the Garuda was the vehicle of God providing transportation throughout the heavens. And, although the Garuda has wings capable of creating massive gusts of storms while in flight through the clouds and soaring swiftly, the Garuda is also always wise, gentle, and respectful.
In Thai history, since the Ayutthaya period, Kings have been associated with the Garuda and the symbol was inducted to represent the Thai government in 1893. Today the Garuda flag is flown above Royal residences to signify the King’s presence, as well as in front of Royal vehicles. It is also mounted under every portrait of the King and Queen. It is a great honor and mark of distinction to be associated with the powerful Garuda.
The unolome symbols incorporated in the name are commonly seen incorporated with the Muay Thai sak yants. If the spiral is shown on the right side, it represents masculine energy and, if it is to the left, it represents feminine energy. When they are seen together, they represent balance. The symbol as a whole represents the spiritual journey from chaos towards enlightenment/heaven. Our goal is to become more centered and have a balanced blend of energies. The starting point as represented by the spiraling line represents chaos and confusion. But, as these energies progress to approach balance (middle), the infinity-type configurations along the way represent the struggles we encounter as we progress… struggles within ourselves, struggles with society, ethical stuggles, etc. The progession to the straight line symbolizes the resulting passage to enlightment, heaven, etc. All in all, they are symbols to remind us to keep moving forward and that better days are ahead. They are symbols of hope.