17 May 2023
Ajita Banerjie, Senior Research and Policy Officer
To commemorate IDAHOBIT 2023, ILGA Asia organized a webinar along the theme ‘Together Always : United in Diversity.’
While there have been several advancements made in the context of LGBTIQ rights in Asia, the increasingly worrying clampdown on LGBTIQ activism, and the rise in anti-rights narratives, has presented newer challenges. Further, the recent political crises across various parts of Asia have further aggravated violence against LGBTIQ persons. In the recent past, there have been several reports of LGBTIQ individuals being subjected to harassment, arbitrary arrest, sexual violence, and the death penalty, for merely expressing themselves.
“Several strides have been made in the context of legal protections for LGBTIQ persons, with decriminalisation at the forefront of the movement. However, decriminalisation of same-sex sexual acts does not always guarantee a violence-free environment for LGBTIQ persons. There are a range of vaguely defined “indirect laws” such as public nuisance or vagrancy laws that are routinely used to harass, arrest and incarceration LGBTIQ persons. Therefore, our efforts for decriminalisation need to be more inclusive and reflective of the lived realities of LGBTIQ persons who live under oppressive legal regimes. We must call for the repeal of all discriminatory provisions that can be misused against LGBTIQ individuals, sex workers and other vulnerable groups,” said Ajita Banerjie, Senior Research and Policy Officer at ILGA Asia.
LGBTIQ individuals in Asia continue to experience violence and discrimination on the basis of their actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, and/or sex characteristics (SOGIESC). Giving context to, and creating space for, the interrogation of why these narratives of homophobia and transphobia still persist in society, and within the law, is crucial for LGBTIQ movements everywhere. Through IDAHOBIT 2023 webinar, we brought together human rights defenders from all the four subregions of Asia – West Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and East ASia – to reflect on the challenges and strengths within the LGBTIQ movement and strategies to build a better future for all – together.
In the context of West Asia, Dr Charbel Maydaa reflected on how the rise in religious fundamentalism and authoritarianism has created a hostile environment wherein violence against LGBTIQ persons has been normalized. They also highlighted the crackdown on LGBTIQ rights and human rights activism more broadly, in the wake of heightened international attention during the FIFA World Cup held in Qatar. “Contrary to global expectations, this increased visibility has not led to broader acceptance of LGBTIQ identities. Instead, it has triggered severe backlash towards the community, especially human rights defenders. The repression of activism in Qatar, and other parts of West Asia, is alarming and necessitates the global community’s role in holding nations responsible for their role in fuelling human rights violations against LGBTIQ communities.”
In the context of South Asia, Rosanna Flamer-Caldera highlighted the importance of engaging with every avenue – national, regional and international – to advocate for equality and justice for LGBTIQ individuals. She talked about her decade-long engagement with the CEDAW which resulted in a landmark ruling by the Committee highlighting the chilling effect of discriminatory laws that have a stifling impact on activism. “This is how international bodies can think more critically of diverse and post-colonial contexts – by engaging with the lived realities of LGBTIQ persons in the Asia region. She further added, “To fight for progress, it takes a global village. We need to support each and every individual fighting for change and equality at every level. That is what true solidarity looks like.”
In the context of Southeast Asia, Thilaga Sulathireh reflected on the narratives of morality and religious fundamentalism, and broadly anti-gender/anti-rights movements in the region that have manifested both in society, and within the law. “Conservative notions around religion and morality are often weaponized by countries such as Malaysia, where LGBTIQ persons are sent to state-sanctioned rehabilitation camps for being “cured”. This is state-sponsored homophobia and it fosters a hostile climate wherein rights violations against LGBTIQ persons is normalized. Under oppressive regimes, LGBTIQ persons and other minorities are often subjected to discrimination and violence with no recourse to justice.”
In the context of East Asia, Jennifer Lu reflected on the worrying clampdown on LGBTIQ rights in certain parts of East Asia despite several strides made in the same region. “The Beijing LGBT Cultural Centre, one of the oldest physical safe spaces in China, has been shut down. The closure of the Center has led to a lot of disappointment and frustration. However, we must remain optimistic. This could be an opportunity for the community to get away from state control and surveillance and think of innovative approaches to rebuilding a community space. This is where international solidarity and support, and building bridges with other human rights movements could be very valuable.”
The webinar concluded on a note of hope, and as a call to action for us to support and engage in cross-movement building to advance the human rights of LGBTIQ people everywhere.
ILGA Asia is committed to working towards the protection and promotion of LGBTIQ rights in Asia, by continuing to fight against structural discrimination and promoting access to justice for all. To that end, our future work will focus on access to justice and the use of criminal sanctions against LGBTIQ persons across Asia.
Our efforts strive to work within the framework of diversity, intersectionality and inclusivity in all areas of our work, as we remain committed to creating a more just, tolerant and inclusive society. We endeavor to support and amplify the voices of LGBTIQ communities in Asia and stand in solidarity with those fighting against legal and political repression.
Let us stand together – united in our diversity – as we work towards a future where all individuals, irrespective of their gender identity and expression, sexual orientation and/or sex characteristics, are able to live with dignity, and without fear.
A recording of the webinar is accessible here: https://youtu.be/VKX6FeVxgQs
For further queries, please contact :
Henry Koh, Executive Director : [email protected] / Ajita Banerjie, Senior Research & Policy Officer : [email protected]
