Announcement from ILGA Asia regarding Covid-19

Dear friends and colleagues,

The Covid-19 pandemic has been escalating at a rapid rate in the past few weeks. As of today, Covid-19 has infected more than 330,000 people worldwide. There is no doubt this pandemic has been affecting everyone, including LGBTI people globally. 

In Thailand, where ILGA Asia’s office is located, the number of infected cases has hit 712. Several Thai cities and provinces, including Bangkok, have been put under partial lockdown until April 13. In this situation, ILGA Asia is putting down measures to protect our community and those who we are working with. We are closing down our office, and are requesting our staff to work from home, while encouraging them to restrict movement and social interaction until April 13. All the in-person meetings will be moved online. You will still be able to contact our office through email address(info@ilgaasia.org) and other social media channels. 

Several governments have been restricting cross-border movement for the next few weeks, and possibly even further. However, we will continue to plan for our international meetings taking place during the second half of 2020, keeping in mind that the outbreak may still persist by then, and the possibility of postponing our meetings to a later time. We will be sharing more information on our website and social media. 

We hope that this outbreak will soon come to an end. To make it happen, ILGA Asia is encouraging all of you to practice social distancing whether alone by yourself, or with your partner and family. At the same time, let’s look out for your friends and family whenever possible by checking in with them online every now and then. You cannot see your friends in person doesn’t mean you cannot talk to them! And most importantly, know who you can reach out for help in the local communities when you need.

ILGA Asia is looking forward to welcoming all of you back at the end of this outbreak! 

Sincerely,
ILGA Asia Executive Board