PRESS RELEASE: German Embassy set to host APCOM HERO Awards 2023
Save the date: 24 November 2023
Standing for HIV, Equality and Rights, the HERO Awards is an annual event which acknowledges outstanding service to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) communities, and the HIV response in Asia and the Pacific region.
This year’s HERO Awards 2023, to be held on the evening of Friday 24 November at The Sukosol Hotel, Bangkok. The 7th edition will be officially hosted by the Embassy of Germany to Thailand.
Germany is holding key roles globally, it is the Co-Chair of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) together with Mexico for 2022-2024, the ERC is dedicated to the protection and promotion of the rights of LGBTIQI people around the world, Germany is also the Chair of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) this year, and the next international AIDS conference will be hosted in Munich in 2024.
“We are very glad to contribute to this year’s HERO Awards ceremony. It takes a lot of courage, perseverance and resolve to fight for LGBTQI and HIV response causes. Awardees deserve our deep respect, great admiration and broad support.” says Hans-Ulrich Südbeck, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Germany, Thailand
UNAIDS Regional Support Team for Asia and the Pacific, a long term supporter of APCOM, highlighted the importance of the community-led responses for HIV, as the theme for World AIDS Day 2024 is “Let Communities Lead”.
“The HERO Awards celebrate the leadership we need to get on the path to ending AIDS. Communities should have a leading role in the AIDS response, and the HERO Awards amply demonstrate the wealth of talent, energy and innovation available.” says Scott McQuade, Officer in Charge, UNAIDS Asia Pacific.
“The HERO Awards can only come together with passionate support from sectors that truly want our world to be a more equal and inclusive society for all. We thank the German Embassy for being our host this year, our community partners, and our Principal Sponsor, the Open Society Foundations. Our team looks forward to once again providing a platform to shine a light on individuals, organizations, and allies who have dedicated their lives despite challenges and overcoming obstacles for the betterment of their communities.” says Midnight, Executive Director, APCOM.
The event is also a fundraiser for the Bangkok-based APCOM Foundation, a leading non-profit which works to fight HIV and advance LGBTQI health, rights and wellbeing across the Asia Pacific region. The Awards are being supported by a range of corporate sponsors, community organisations and diplomatic missions.
The community is at the heart of the HERO Awards, and three community organisations, APN+, APTN and ILGA Asia have been key partners to select the honorees and Award recipients.
“APTN recognizes the HERO Award as a way to inspire others, expanding activism and movement. Regarding our partnership - we ensure that trans activists are recognized, and trans demands and voices are heard. We also hope that this space continues to be a platform to learn, connect, and move forward together for trans equality.” says Nhunn Yodmuang, Senior Human Rights and Advocacy Manager, APTN.
Under the concept of “Forward Together”, HERO Awards 2023 will represent that to change the society, LGBTQI and HIV community cannot work alone, therefore, we still need support from multi-stakeholders, covering the government, private sector, academy, and even individuals to join a hand now and move “Forward Together” for equity, dignity, and social justice for all.
“Warner Music Thailand is proud and excited to return as a sponsor for the Hero Awards 2023. The work that APCOM does, and the work of the heroes recognized annually in the HERO Awards, is important, necessary, and inspiring. At a fundamental level, it mirrors a core driving mission of Warner Music, namely embracing and empowering originality in all its beautiful and diverse forms. Through this, and by supporting the work of APCOM and initiatives like the HERO Awards 2023, we can use our creativity to not only entertain, but also to energize and promote positive change in society. We are honored to support everyone involved with the Hero Awards 2023 and to move forward together to create a world that’s more vibrant, enriching, inspiring and equitable for all.” says Karl Kongkham, Managing Director, Warner Music Thailand, a Major Sponsor of HERO Awards 2023.
The event also promises a wonderful evening of inspiration and celebration in Bangkok for an inspirational awards ceremony and fabulously fun cocktail reception with delicious canapes accompanied by fine wines and premium beer. There will be great live entertainment from performers as well as an exciting fundraising activity and fashion show.
The nominations for HERO Awards have been closed, and the honouree list will be announced in due course. Do save the date!
Stay tuned for the ticket sales at
https://www.apcom.org/ and https://www.facebook.com/apcom.org
For further information, please visit https://www.apcom.org/hero-awards/
