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28 April 2022

Dear Subscriber,

We've made it through the first quarter of 2022! 🌈

Against the backdrop of the global pandemic, LGBTIQ people have experienced both progress and setbacks across the world.

Amidst all of this, we continue to be inspired by the work of grassroots communities throughout Asia and beyond to reach new heights, push boundaries, and advance rights in innovative ways.

Their efforts to fill the widening socioeconomic gap that is aggravated by intersectional oppression that affects women, refugees, youth, the working-class and other marginalised people, deserve more than applause or a re-share on Facebook. They require resources, support, and protection from all of us.

This newsletter brings together some of ILGA Asia’s key efforts in supporting activists and movements in the region and what we are looking forward to in the upcoming months.

In solidarity,
The ILGA Asia team

News from Asia

🇱🇰 Sri Lanka: CEDAW condemns the country's criminalisation of same-sex acts.
🇵🇭 The Philippines: ASEAN SOGIE Caucus receives ECOSOC Consultative Status.
🇶🇦 Qatar: A coalition of CSOs including ILGA Asia expresses concerns over LGBTIQ rights in the country.
🇰🇷 South Korea: South Korea’s highest court overturns military convictions of two gay soldiers.
🇮🇳 India: First openly gay prince vows to fight for conversion therapy ban after years of enduring it himself.
🇮🇶 Iraq: IraQueer and Human Rights Watch release report on violence against LGBTIQ people.
🇲🇲 Myanmar: LGBT Alliance urges Red Cross to investigate junta rights abuses in prisons.
🇯🇵 Japan: Tokyo Pride Parade returns after three years "more determined than celebratory."

ILGA Asia Highlights

REPORTS
Country Report on SOGIESC Rights In India: An Unfinished Agenda

Developed in partnership with local consultants, this report on SOGIESC rights in India provides deep insights into the issues, challenges, and opportunities for LGBTIQ rights advocacy in the country.

PRESS RELEASE
Singapore: Repeal Section 377A of the Singapore Penal Code and Uphold the Human Rights of LGBTQ Individuals.

ILGA Asia, together with Amnesty International, ICJ and HRW, calls on the Singapore Parliament to repeal Section 377A and uphold the human rights of LGBTIQ individuals.

NEW STAFF
Since February 2022, 6 new staff members and interns have joined ILGA Asia!

Ajita Banerjie, Research Officer
Omair Paul, Global Advocacy Officer
Bilguun Batjargal, Campaigns Coordinator
Jean Linis-Dinco, Strategic Communications Fellow
Yap Lay Sheng, Human Rights Advocacy Consultant
Venus Aves, Communications Intern

PODCAST
New LGBT & Faith podcast episodes

Suspended as a Methodist Minister for marrying a woman, Ecclesia is now the director of Inclusive and Affirming Ministries whose mission is to prepare clergies and churches to include LGBT people.

OPEN LETTER
Letter to the German Government Calling for the Protection of LGBTIQ Afghans

ILGA Asia, together with LSVD, 6rang, Afghan LGBT, Rat&Tat and the CSD Bremen, demand for six points of action in response to the crisis in Afghanistan.

OPEN LETTER
The Philippines: Immediately repeal SIM Card Registration Act that undermines online freedoms

The act would have disastrous impacts on transgender people and other marginalised people in the country.

Upcoming Events

2022 ILGA ASIA CONFERENCE | Registrations for the 2022 ILGA Asia Conference will open soon! Stay tuned for updates.
WEBINAR - LGBTIQ AND FAITH: ADVANCING RELIGIOUS INCLUSION IN ASIA | Co-organised by ILGA Asia and Salzburg Global Seminar on 25 May, featuring faith and community leaders, activists. Register here.