Dear members, activists, donors and friends,
Welcome to ILGA Asia’s first quarterly newsletter for 2024! In our commitment to amplifying LGBTIQ voices across Asia, we have been working closely with our partner organizations and institutions to see how else we can bring this goal to fruition this year and beyond, across different platforms for discussion and dissent.
We started the year by bringing voices of resilience and solidarity to the fore— from highlighting stories of resistance and identity through our Conversion Therapy Stories in Asia series, to weaving together art, community, and expression in our Human and Arts series. We also saw several wins for the LGBTIQ community in different parts of Asia—while we welcome change and steps toward the liberation of our queerblings across different cultures and countries, the fight for equality persists until everyone is free.
In the next few months, we aim to grow our community and create more spaces for dialogue as we announce the 10th ILGA Asia conference. As we drum up the excitement for the conference, we hope that you can stay tuned to more details and announcements on our platforms.
As our first quarter focused on setting the stage for the rest of 2024 through asking, “how else can we, as a community, champion LGBTIQ narratives?”, we are excited to share snippets of the past quarter with you through this newsletter, and look forward to creating a more colorful rest of the year with everything we have in store for 2024 at ILGA Asia.
In solidarity,
The ILGA Asia Team
Taiwan: Huang Jie, a proud LGBTIQ advocate, secured a landmark victory, becoming Taiwan's first openly LGBTIQ legislator. Representing the Democratic Progressive Party, she triumphed in Kaohsiung's 6th District, marking a significant step for LGBTIQ representation in the nation.
Thailand: As Thailand moves closer to legitimizing same-sex marriage, the country now paves the way to becoming the first Southeast Asian nation to guarantee marriage rights for LGBTIQ couples.
India: After a four-year hiatus, Mumbai celebrated its Pride March on February 3 through the streets of Gamdevi, South Mumbai.
Philippines: A transgender student at a public college in the Philippines was forced to cut their hair following threats to deny them enrollment from the institution itself. This has sparked anger from the public and discussions on the country’s discriminatory school policies against LGBTIQ students.
Hong Kong: The Housing Authority in Hong Kong Kong pushes for an appeal to dissolve a ruling that allows same-sex couples the right to inherit public housing flats owned by their partners.
Human And Arts:
A Spotlight on LGBTIQ Artists
An integral part of fighting for the rights of the LGBTIQ community is honoring creative ways self-expression is presented. This year, we are making every stroke, note, and word be a courageous voice in the dialogue of authenticity and liberation through our Human and Arts series.
In celebration of Women's Month, let's delve into the inspiring journeys of four remarkable LGBTIQ music artists who are trailblazing in the realm of music, championing women's representation and diversity in the industry. Each of these artists brings unique and captivating sounds that resonate with audiences globally, challenging norms and pushing artistic boundaries.
Learn more about their music:
ASA JOYA KAI MAE
Episode 6: Alvin (Hong Kong)
We Can't Change: Conversion Therapy Stories in Asia
"They didn't force me to finish their counselling, but it was not easy to leave when these [anti-gay] messages become so ingrained, and when you are so determined to change."
To this day, institutions and religious denominations still regard being LGBTIQ as a “sickness” that they can “cure”, through traumatic and destructive methods of “conversion therapy”. In collaboration with All Out, we invite you to listen to Alvin’s story of survival through “conversion therapy” in Hong Kong. Witness Alvin’s religious perspective over time and explore how he ultimately discovered solace and assistance within his church community.
Watch it here:
Full Video Promo
