Dear members, activists, donors and friends,
As 2023 is coming to a close, we would like to share our immense gratitude to the dedicated members, supportive organizations, frontline activists and amazing friends of ILGA Asia for fueling our journey in advocating LGBTIQ+ rights across Asia. Your invaluable support have helped us reached new heights!
In a recent milestone event, we hosted our inaugural in-person Human Rights and Sustainable Development Training in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This brought together a diverse group of Southeast Asian LGBTIQ+ human rights defenders, fostering rich dialogue on leveraging UN processes for effective advocacy. The event not only marked a significant achievement for the organization but also exemplified our commitment to empowering communities through knowledge and collaboration.
On the global stage, we our support remains with ILGA World who has been actively addressing the urgent crisis in Gaza. With a deep concern for the welfare of LGBTIQ+ communities and the broader population in West Asia, together, we remain steadfast in calling for a ceasefire. We unequivocally condemned attacks on civilians, violations of international law, and the targeting of essential services, emphasizing the importance of human rights protection in times of crisis. This commitment reflects our collective dedication to solidarity, equality, and the promotion of fundamental human rights principles.
As we navigate through these updates, we renew our commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue, promoting inclusivity, and working towards a future where security, dignity, and equality are not just ideals but everyday realities. Thank you for being part of our journey as we strive to create a world where human rights are celebrated, upheld, and protected for everyone. Let's celebrate this end of the year with utmost joy and approach 2024 with strength and resilience!
In solidarity,
The ILGA Asia team
Taiwan: The 21st Taiwan Pride parade supporting the LGBTQ+ community set attendance records on Oct. 28, drawing a crowd of 176,000 people, the largest in East Asia, according to event organizers, the Taiwan Rainbow Civil Action Association.
India India’s top court refused to legalize same-sex marriages, passing the responsibility back to Parliament in a ruling that disappointed campaigners for LGBTQ+ rights in the world’s most populous country.
Malaysia: Gay rights activists have panned Malaysia’s Johor state government over a plan to establish a “rehab” centre for people in same-sex relations, calling the widely debunked and ridiculed method to change sexual orientation a “human rights violation” which breaches the constitution.
Hong Kong: Hong Kong’s courts issued several rulings in favor of granting LGBTQ rights — including no longer requiring conversion surgery to change their gender on ID cards, allowing same-sex couples to apply for subsidized public housing together, and perhaps the most important by the city’s highest court — ordering the government to come up with a framework within two years to recognize same-sex partnerships.
Philippines: Manila-based drag performer Pura Luka Vega was reportedly arrested by authorities on October 5th, 2023, for allegedly violating Philippine’s obscenity laws. Pura’s performance was to a modern rendition of ‘Ama Namin’ - the Tagalog version of the Christian prayer, “Our Father.”
ILGA Asia 2023 Human Rights and Sustainable Development Mechanisms Training for Southeast Asian LGBTIQ Activists
ILGA Asia recently hosted its inaugural in-person Human Rights and Sustainable Development Training for Southeast Asian LGBTIQ human rights defenders from December 9 to 11 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The event brought together 21 participants and 6 facilitators, representing a significant step in our subregional training series. We are humbled and proud to facilitate dialogue among advocates from Southeast Asia on utilizing UN human rights and sustainable development processes for their objectives. Special thanks to the engaged participants and facilitators from organizations like JEJAKA, Equal Asia Foundation, Asia Pacific Transgender Network, International Women's Rights Action Watch - Asia Pacific, ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, and iSEE for their invaluable contributions.
ILGA Word | Gaza: An Immediate Ceasefire is Needed
ILGA World urgently calls for a ceasefire in the Gaza crisis, expressing deep concern for the impact on LGBTI communities in West Asia. Condemning attacks on civilians and violations of international law, ILGA World, with support from ILGA Asia, stands in solidarity with affected communities. Emphasizing the need for humanitarian aid, release of hostages, and restoration of essential services, ILGA World advocates for accountability and protection of human rights amid escalating violence by Hamas and the Israeli Defence Forces.
Standing in Solidarity at Indonesia's ASEAN People's Forum Workshop
Reflecting on the impactful conversations held at the ASEAN People's Forum Workshop on September 2nd, ILGA Asia proudly stood in solidarity with the ASEAN Regional Coalition to #StopDigitalDictatorship. The workshop delved into the pressing need to safeguard digital freedoms and illuminated the far-reaching consequences of digital repression on human rights.
54th Human Rights Council on Myanmar's Human Rights Situation
On September 26, 2023, Lini Zurlia, Advocacy Officer with ASEAN Sogie Caucus and ILGA Asia's Executive Board Southeast Asia Representative, addressed the 54th Human Rights Council session, emphasizing the role of LGBTIQ human rights defenders in Myanmar's democracy restoration and justice.
APCOM's HERO Awards 2023
ILGA Asia proudly acknowledges its role as a community partner of @apcom_org and joins in celebration of the outstanding individuals honored at the HERO Awards 2023. ILGA Asia extends its heartfelt congratulations to the awardees for their exceptional efforts in making a meaningful impact within the community.
86th CEDAW Session
ILGA Asia proudly supports Brenda Alegre, Gender Studies Lecturer at the University of Hong Kong and STRAP Board Member, at the 86th CEDAW session (9-27 October 2023), reviewing the Philippines. Alarming is the convergence of trans and sex worker-erasing perspectives in human rights spaces. This underscores the crucial need to amplify and support the voices of trans women from Asia and the Global South in UN human rights forums.
Taiwan Pride 2023
Taiwan Pride 2023: 🌈🇹🇼 Individuals, Civil Society, Private Institutions and Government Members marched in solidarity at East Asia's largest Pride March in Taipei City. ILGA Asia supports Taiwan's LGBTIQ community in their quest for inclusivity and equal rights.
Intersex Awareness Day
Manushya Foundation, in collaboration with ILGA Asia and Intersex Asia, is joining forces to commemorate Intersex Awareness Day and celebrate the beauty of being intersex. This collaborative effort reflects a shared commitment to raising awareness about intersex issues, fostering understanding, and promoting inclusivity.
Dr. Charbel Maydaa as
New Co-Chair
ILGA Asia announces a leadership change as Esan Regmi, co-chair, steps back temporarily due to personal challenges. Dr. Charbel Maydaa is appointed as the new co-chair following a discussion on October 3. The organization emphasizes transparency and commitment to the mission of advancing LGBTIQ rights in Asia. Gratitude is expressed to Esan Regmi, and confidence is placed in Dr. Charbel Maydaa.
Power of Pride: Join the International Advisory Committee!
Join the Power of Pride Alliance in shaping positive change! We're excited to invite applications for six positions on our International Advisory Committee (IAC), with a focus on Africa (3 positions) and Asia (3 positions). We're especially keen on hearing from individuals under 30, LBQ, transgender/gender-variant, and intersex. As a committee member, you'll play a vital role in guiding our program towards creating diverse and inclusive societies for the LGBTI community.
