IDAHOTB » Myanmar

IDAHOTB 2018 Country Report – Myanmar

Joel Bedos — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 14:07:48 +0000

Color Rainbow reports from Yangon

“Colors Rainbow’s biggest support came from different donors who have been involved with Colors Rainbow for a few years already. In addition foreign Embassies to Myanmar as well as UN agencies contributed funds (European Union for example) and raised the rainbow flag for the whole day. In total the rainbow flag flew in more than 25 locations throughout Yangon while every embassy, organization and embassy posted on Facebook a picture of their flag and staff with a supporting text! This double campaign was really powerful! We collected pictures of the flags on Colors Rainbow’s Facebook page and made an album of all these contributions. It was nice to see the support that drew online.

Regarding the concrete event, we had fund-raised for the organization of IDAHOBIT since the previous year. We chose a very well attended location, Myanmar Plaza, which is a famous, easy-to-access shopping mall. We then worked with different partners and in particular the &PROUD team (yearly LGBT Film Festival) to reach out to the community. With them, we established a list of discussions, performances and movies we could feature on this day. Many talented individuals agreed to support the organization of the event and perform on stage. We also invited six partner organizations working on gender equality, human rights, HIV/AIDS, etc. LGBT advocates from different fields to have a booth and distribute promotional and awareness raising materials and present their work.

In parallel, the French Embassy, on behalf of the European Union, had funds and offered to screen the movie “120 beats per minute” on the night before IDAHOT in cooperation with Colors Rainbow. The movie didn’t pass the government censorship so we decided to screen it at the French Institute, which is considered as a private location. The movie was followed by a discussion on activism. Speakers were former Act Up activists (French and British) now both working for the their respective governments and younger Burmese activists (Colors Rainbow and Equality Myanmar, two Burmese organizations promoting Human Rights in the country).

On IDAHOT day, more than 2000 people attended the event throughout the day (we started at 13:30 and finished at 20:30). Colors Rainbow distributed rainbow pin’s, stickers, key chains etc. and a lot of brochures and magazines we are producing. We also sold T-shirts and rainbow scarves.

In addition, we supported IDAHOT events organized by LGBT Rights organizations throughout the country. In total eleven cities across Myanmar organized an IDAHOT celebration with performances from the community.

IDAHOT 2018 t was a great success thanks to the solidarity, involvement and dedication of the community. We managed to make this event theirs. And they felt brave and proud to show who they are to the world!”

British Authorities in Myanmar combine IDAHOTB and Royal Wedding celebrations!

Joel Bedos — Mon, 21 May 2018 12:51:11 +0000

From MMTimes

How Myanmar responded to the royal wedding

ZUZAKAR KALAUNG 21 MAY 2018

Myanmar paralympians eat elderflower cupcakes during the reception for the royal wedding at the British Ambassador’s residence in Yangon. Aung Khant/The Myanmar Times

With a mix of adoration and bemusement Myanmar people tuned in along with an estimated global audience of 2 billion to watch the royal wedding, Saturday afternoon Greenwich Time.

In London, a sunny, mild spring day stood as the perfect backdrop for a royal wedding which was said to be breaking with tradition (Prince Harry married an American divorcee, something Edward VIII had to abdicate over).

Still, here were no crowd-lined boulevards in Yangon. As Ms Markle was walked up the aisle by the father of the groom, Prince Charles, it was about 6pm local time and still scorching.

But, thousands did tune in to the live stream of the event on Facebook, where user reactions ranged from adoration to utter bemusement.

An overriding theme of the day was that love transcends cultural boundaries. “The royals are a proud family. It’s really heart-warming and I can feel the love,” one user commented on the DVB Facebook page.

The &PROUD LGBT Choir sing during the reception for the royal wedding at the British Ambassador’s residence in Yangon. Aung Khant/The Myanmar Times

Comparisons were also made with the ‘Myanmar elites’. “Wow look at that, she looks totally different to [Thandar Shwe],” wrote a user underneath the live stream of the wedding on the Duwun Facebook page.

Thandar Shwe, the eldest daughter of former General Than Shwe, wore a bright pink gown and millions of dollars of diamonds in her hair at her infamously opulent wedding in 2006. Ms Markle’s simple tiara and elegant bridal whites paled in comparison. Some estimates put the value of the gifts given to Thandar Shwe and her husband Major Zaw Phyo Win at US$50 million.

Still, even though there wasn’t a champagne tower to be seen (or slurped), the occasion wasn’t cheap either. British taxpayers did foot an estimated bill of $43 million for wedding security while private expenses were paid for by the Royal Family through treasury grants. Prince Harry and Meghan asked guests to donate to seven charities of their choice.

The cultural clash did not stop there. Making a reference to Ms Markle’s very discreet make-up, one user said : “If a Burmese make-up artist had put that on a Burmese bride, there would be a problem.”

Commemorative flags are seen during the reception for the royal wedding at the British Ambassador’s residence in Yangon. Aung Khant/The Myanmar Times

Some enjoyed the occasion but were more circumspect: “I’m glad we don’t have a monarchy, if we had royal weddings like this, there would too many problems among the royal family and so much controversy,” one user wrote under the Facebook hashtag #RoyalWedding.

Blue-blooded Burmese do exist, but have no role in state ceremony. (That does not mean that dynastic lineage does not play a role in the exercise of power in Myanmar)

Others weren’t swept up in the wedding fever: “They did not do anything for their country but it cost the [British] public a lot of money for their wedding. I don’t like this monarchy system. I don’t understand it,” read one comment on the 7Day News Journal Facebook page.

Cupcakes and sandwiches

A small reception was held the following day at the British Ambassador’s residence in Yangon, where Deputy Ambassador David Hall toasted the newlyweds calling the occasion a celebration of love.

“Quite a lot of people got that sense that love is universal and that their wedding wasn’t so different from everyone else’s weddings,” Deputy Ambassador Hall told Pulse.

In the colonial-era mansion’s lofty drawing room, guests munched on elderflower cupcakes and tuna sandwiches. Many of the guests were representatives from charities and NGOs focusing on causes dear to the newlyweds.

The event finished with a performance from the &PROUD LGBT Choir to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia on May 17.

Britain’s Deputy Ambassador David Hall poses for a photo with members of the &PROUD LGBT Choir at the British Ambassador’s residence in Yangon. Aung Khant/The Myanmar Times

“For everyone, getting married is about overcoming some sort of obstacle along the way… We have things like ‘do our parents approve? Is it acceptable to marry across class, ethnicity, and racial and religious divides?’ That can be a challenge in any country, and definitely in Myanmar,” said Hall.

“[The Royal Wedding] is one those things that doesn’t seem controversial. People see this as something that’s not political and it’s been wonderful to have this party and all celebrate love together.”

Now that she has married a foreigner, Ms Markle has become the Duchess of Sussex. Unlike in Myanmar, the title already existed and did not need to be created to circumvent constitutional constraints. – Additional reporting by Ei Shwe Phyu.

IDAHOT 2017 country reports: Myanmar

Joel Bedos — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 14:14:05 +0000

Myanmar Times

‘LGBT is an identity’: International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and TransphobiaOn May 17, cities around the world celebrated the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT).

A woman holds a sign advocating for LGBT rights. Zarni Phyo / The Myanmar Times

In Myanmar, where homosexuality is officially criminalised under colonial hangover law, Section 377, and where LGBT persons face discrimination and even violence, this year’s IDAHOT was especially pertinent.

LGBT organisations Colors Rainbow, & Proud and Kings N Queens met in Yangon’s Hledan Centre last week to raise awareness about LGBT human rights.

The event featured panel discussions with author Moe Thet Han and parents of LGBT children as well as a drag talent show.

While this year’s IDAHOT is not a first for Myanmar, it did mark the first time the event was held in a public area, according to Aung Myo Min, the Executive Director of Equality Myanmar and one of the first openly gay leaders during the 1988 revolution.

Transgender models take the stage at the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia in Yangon’s Hledan Centre on May 17. Zarni Phyo / The Myanmar Times

“Usually we hold IDAHOT in a hotel or elsewhere,” he said. “Many people hate LGBT people without reason and, because of it, LGBT people suffer in their homes and environment.

The silent suffering and discrimination of LGBT people in Myanmar motivated Aung Myo Min to put on an event like this free to the public.

“We need to make the public aware of LGBT people here. While many people accept the notion of human rights, they don’t want to accept LGBT rights,” he said. “They say, ‘it’s too early for Myanmar to accept LGBT rights’. But we are human and we are not different.”

Despite social stigmas, this year’s event saw a huge turnout of LGBT people and allies.

Models catwalk for social change. Zarni Phyo / The Myanmar Times

LGBT organisers held signs reading ‘LGBT is an identity,’ ‘Everyone suffers from homophobia and transphobia’ and ‘We stand proud of our differences’ to greet visitors.

Sexual health pamphlets and books as well as safe sex supplies were on display at the event’s entrance.

In addition to attracting LGBT organisations and advocates, this year’s open event also served as a safe space for Yangon’s LGBT youth.

A 17-year-old gay male who requested to remain anonymous told The Myanmar Times, “I am so happy and proud to be at this event. We can befriend other gays, tomboys, lesbians and trans women despite our every day suffering and discrimination from our family and other people. Today we felt that LGBT are the same as anyone else.”

Crowds of LGBT youth attend the IDAHOT event. Zarni Phyo / The Myanmar Times

The highlight of the IDAHOT event was the talent show which featured dozens of LGBT singers, dancers and catwalk models.

One catwalk model, a 28-year-old transgender woman named Chu said, “I participated in this catwalk because I wanted to raise awareness for LGBT rights. I believe LGBT is a real identity and I don’t want people to feel inconsequential for being LGBT.”

During the panel discussion with author Moe Thet Han and parents of LGBT persons, audience members were able to discuss issues of coming out as LGBT in family life. Many LGBT people expressed problems with family members accepting them and parents on the panel shared their experience and advice on having these challenging conversations.

Though full LGBT equality is still a faraway goal in Myanmar, last week’s event saw an increase in representation, visibility and a public vocalization of LGBT human rights.

IDAHOT Report 2016: Myanmar

IDAHO — Sat, 28 May 2016 09:05:53 +0000

Myanmar this year held a number of small anonymous events across the country, organized by independent activists and community groups.

The annual “&Proud” photo competition and exhibition was held once again to mark IDAHOT 2016. Running from May 7 until 15, the exhibition featured work from LGBT amateur photographers, as well as professional work of LGBT subjects from the ASEAN region. The show was designed to draw attention to the LGBT community, and to use creative methods to challenge damaging and negative perceptions.

Looking Ahead: Myanmar in 2016

IDAHO — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 12:39:52 +0000

Myanmar will once again hold a small number of events and campaigns to promote equality for LGBTI citizens in the country. The n0w-annual “&Proud” photo exhibition will be held from May 7 to 15 and will feature LGBT amateur photographers displayed alongside some of the best photos of LGBT subjects in the ASEAN region.

Outside of this, a small handful of anonymous events will be held across the country to support the LGBTI community.

For further information on Myanmar and the broader region please keep an eye out for our upcoming 2016 annual report.

IDAHOT 2015 Events: Myanmar

IDAHO — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 21:05:22 +0000

In Myanmar LGBT umbrella group Colours Rainbow worked to support the efforts of local groups across the country and held an event on May 17.

IDAHOT events were hosted in 14 cities throughout Myanmar.

In celebration of IDAHOT the group, together with Kings n’ Queens, Myanmar LGBT Rights Network, &Proud and YG ran another national photo exhibition, featuring images from the country’s diverse LGBT community. The exhibition lasted fromMay 16th until May 24th. As well as a special showing of the images contestants will be able to take part in a 3-day workshop too.

Additionally, there was a panel discussion at the American Center on May 15th and the IDAHO Event on May 17.

Report from the IDAHO Event at Sein Lann Pyay Garden Restaurant (source Facebook page):

The event was attended by the National Human Rights Commission personnel, US diplomats, UN organizations, individuals, Personnel and various other civil society and by about 800 people, including human rights activists.

At the ceremony, Dr. Nyan Zaw (Myanmar National Human Rights Commission), made the first opening remarks, followed by Aung Myo Min (Equality Myanmar), US Ambassador Derrick Mitchel and UNAIDS Country Director who held a IDAHOT speech about human rights and the rights of LGBT.
The Kings n’ Queens group, YMCA youth and Link Up organised theater presentations and music.
In addition, a ceremony was held by LGBT rights organizations.
The ceremony started at 5 pm.

Other events were held in Bago, Lashio, Mahlaing, Mandalay, Mawlamyaing, Moegaung, Monywa, Myeik, Myingyan, Pakokku, Pathein, Pyay, Singu and Yangon. The events were joined by over 2000 people in total

The events were run by youth LGBT groups, with strong Lesbian participation increased in some big cities such as Yangon and Pyay. Collaboration from Non-LGBT groups visible increased in all of the cities.

10 out of the 14 cities celebrated the event as public event to raise the awareness among their local communities.

National TV reported the mobilisation

Photo Competition

IDAHO — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 14:42:59 +0000

A photography competition could be a great way to encourage participation from the community, to change public attitudes and promote discussion (in the form of an exhibition), and also to promote different images of LGBT people on social media.

In Myanmar, for IDAHOT 2014, different LGBT associations came together to create a pioneering photo competition in their context. Called the “&Proud” Photo competition, the event made part of a diverse series of events around May 17 across the country. Organised in the captial Yangon, it helped to promote alternative images of LGBT people, to encourage participation in rights and culture projects, and to create space for community-building.

We asked the organisers more about how they came up with the idea, and how they organised it. And they told us this inspiring story…

Where/how did the idea originate? What were the main assumptions behind the idea, the main expectations?

First prize in Series – &Proud Photo Competition, Yangon. Courtesy of &Proud

We always wanted to organize the photo exhibition to let the people in the country know that we are here among the citizens, and we are the same as you and as proud as you. So, Colors Rainbow and YG event decided to organize that. We had a few aims with the photo exhibition. Firstly, there are not many cultural events for LGBTs in Myanmar, so we felt that it was a good event for people to meet each other and discuss LGBT issues and culture. Secondly, we wanted to show the broad range of LGBT identities. People, certainly in Myanmar, often have a very limited idea of what it means to be LGBT. We felt that photos would be a very personal way of showing people the many different meanings of being LGBT. This links to the third aim, which was to also cater to non-LGBTs. We had quite a bit of media coverage, and a good number of interested people came to watch the exhibition. With this we hoped to bring the LGBT community closer to ‘everybody else’s’ lives. Lastly, we wanted to boost photographer’s interests in documenting the LGBT community in Myanmar, as well as giving amateur photographers a chance to show their own take on the community.

What were the risks/threats/obstacles involved and how did you mitigate them?

We did not have any risks/threats/obstacles. However we were quite worried that there would be only a few photos come in, but we received 44 photos which is ok for a first competition for the LGBT community. For the exhibition we had the photos that were submitted for the competition, as well as the award-winning photo series “The Pink Choice” from Vietnam. With this series, the photographer Maika Elan won a world press photo award for best contemporary series – pretty much the highest achievable award for photographers. By combining the local photos with a professional exhibition, we had more certainty of having an interesting mix of photos, and we were able to show an outside perspective as well. http://www.worldpressphoto.org/awards/2013/contemporary-issues/maika-elan/02

First prize in Singles – &Proud Photo Competition. Courtesy of &Proud

We will keep doing this competition every year. And after all the positive responses from the photo competition we are now organising the &Proud LGBT film festival which will be held on 15 and 16 November this year.

How did you get it done? How much time did it take? How much did it cost? How many people did it involve? What were the tactics that you used?

It took 3 months including preparation time, although it is advisable to take some more time. We had about 5 weeks for photographers to send in photos, but if you want photographers to make photos specifically for the competition, it is advisable to send out the call for photos a little earlier.

There were 3 people from Colors Rainbow involved, 2 from YG event, and the gallery owner has been a huge help. Besides that we’ve had some help from friends of course.

Our costs were around $2,500 USD. The major costs were: 1,100 for prize money (total of 5 prizes), 500 to get the photos from the Vietnamese photo series printed (they had to be printed in very high quality), 70 to get the competition photos printed. 300 for the rent of the gallery space. It can be organised quite low budget – certainly if you can find a cheap gallery and when printing costs are low.

How do you rate the impact of this action, and how did you see its effects?

It has had positive effects which caused a slight change to the people in Yangon, at least. They expected something weird, strange, or pictures of make-up artists, but what they see is something they did not expect from the LGBT community. We had over 200 visitors in our 8 day exhibition, which is quite a good turn-up for Yangon. Besides that we reached people through TV and newspaper coverage.

What advice would you give to other people who’d like to undertake this activity?

Poster for the &Proud Photo Exhibition in Yangon, Myanmar, for IDAHOT 2014. Courtesy of &Proud

Just go for it! It is relatively easy to organise and there are probably more people with photos from the LGBT community than you think. We accepted photos that were up to 2 years old, and accepted both amateur and professional photos. We had 2 categories: series and single shots. In both categories we had 2 prizes. It’s nice to let amateurs enter the competition, because it lets the LGBT community show photos of themselves. As mentioned before: it is a really good idea to combine it with a regular exhibition of LGBT photos from another country, as that will give the exhibition more body and will help you if the quality of the entries is too low. Lastly, there’s also a possibility to combine this with a masterclass or workshop for young photographers.

If you did this action again, what would you do differently?

One of the things we would like to change is to focus more on photos from the LGBT community themselves. It would be nice to have a lot of photos from amateur photographers, who take photos of themselves and their friends. Next year I hope we’ve got a wall full of amateur photos – preferably a wall with photos of a lot of happy and confident people who are not afraid to show their identity to the world.

IDAHOT Report 2014: Myanmar

IDAHO — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 17:00:50 +0000

Myanmar

The days was marked in 10 cities in Myanmar.

A series of public events to mark the Day was organized by Colors Rainbow, Myanmar LGBT Rights Network, YG Event and the American Center. Canada Embassy in Yangon, British Embassy in Yangon, Swedish Fund for Human Rights supported and collaborated in the organizing the events.

A full report by main organiser Colors Rainbow Myanmar, with extended photo documentation can be accessed here: Myanmar IDAHOT report This year, the organisations adapted the Day’s logo creatively to include Myanmar’s national peacock symbol and the celebrations put the annual theme of Freedom of Expression to the forefront! A selection of the events’ highlights : &PROUD Photo Exhibition The &PROUD Photo Exhibition, took place from May 11 to 18, kicking off the year’s IDAHOT commemorations in the capital, Yangon. Held in The Witness Yangon Documentary Arts Space, the exhibition showcased pictures portraying the diversity and positive images of Burmese LGBT communities.

1st Prize in Series of &Proud Exhibition | Courtesy of &Proud

First Prize Singles | Courtesy of &Proud

IDAHOT public event and panel discussion On May 17, activists also marked the Day by holding an IDAHOT public event at Sann Chaung Thar of People’s Park, followed by panel discussion on “LGBT & Equality” at the American Center. To close the commemoration, an Official FAB afterparty was thrown at VIP bar later in the evening. The marking of the Day in Myanmar was attended by Asia Catalyst Capacity Building and Community Initiatives Director, Gisa Dang. She reflected on her experiences in the country and the occasion of the Day in an op ed in Asia Catalyst. Other events A pride parade was also organised on May 17 in Yangon, together with a panel discussion which featured the participation of a psychiatrist, a famous writer, a human rights activist, a young gay celebrity and an influential lawyer – all gathered to discuss the LGBT issue from different perspectives in the Myanmar context.

May 17 in Myanmar: "& Proud" Photo Exhibition

IDAHO — Wed, 14 May 2014 11:29:47 +0000

Activists in Myanmar are conducting an “& PROUD Myanmar LGBT Photo Competition” starting from March to May 2014. The winning shots will be announced during the week of the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia!

& PROUD is an initiative of YG events and Colours Rainbow. YG is a social business with a gay heart – best known for organising the monthly fab party in Yangon. Colours Rainbow is an NGO working for LGBT rights and is at the centre of the LGBT community in Myanmar – hosting a network of LGBT organisations in the country. Their lDAHOT event, & PROUD Myanmar LGBT Photo Competition, is a competition that challenges photographers in Myanmar to increase the visibility of the LGBT community.

For the IDAHOT week there will be the following activities:
& PROUD Photo Exhibition
When – 11 May to 18 May, 2014
When – 10 AM to 5 PM
Where – The Witness Yangon Documentary Arts Space, 3rd Floor, Pyan Hlwar
Building, 4A Parami Road, Mayangone, Yangon.

IDAHO Public Event (17 May 2014)
Time – 10 AM to 1 PM
Where – Sann Chaung Thar at People’s Park
Panel Discussion on LGBT & Equality (17 May 2014)
TIme – 2 PM to 4 PM
Where – American Center, 14 Tawwin Road, Dagon Township, Yangon

IDAHO Party (17 May 2014)
Please check here for place and new updates.

With this photo competition, the organizers aspire to highlight positive images of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Myanmar by showcasing the portraits that can go beyond stereotypes, and encouraging pictures which capture the diversity of Burmese LGBT communities.

The competition is open to amateur and professional photographers, regardless of their nationality, sexual orientation and gender identity, as long as the submitted photos depict LGBT people originated from Myanmar, and are taken in Myanmar. You can read the full competition guideline (including the prizes for best shots) here.

For more information about the event, go to the event’s Facebook page or contact and-proud@ygevents.com

Spread the word. Help our brothers and sisters in Myanmar escalate their fight against homophobia & transphobia!

Burma/Myanmar IDAHO Report 2013

IDAHO — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:34:47 +0000

For the second year running, LGBT rights activists in Burma/Myanmar held events to mark May 17. Actions for 2013 spanned seven different cities (Yangon, Mandalay, Pathein, Monywa, Kyaukpadaung, Pyay and Kawthaung). 4,000 people joined actions nationwide. Events were supported by the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission, the British Council and UNAIDS.

Local activists sent the following summary report

International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO): The event was jointly organized by Colors Rainbow and Myanmar LGBT Rights Network in 7 cities, namely Yangon, Mandalay, Pathein, Monywa, Kyaukpadaung, Pyay and Kawthaung, in the country. Press statement was released to Myanmar Human Rights Commission and the general public in 7 locations during the event and the media. Approximately 4000 people attended the event in the areas. In Monywa, a transgender organizer petitioned local authorities who approved her application, made it the first LGBT event held in open space with government approval inside Burma and gained great public interest. Local authorities in the areas were supportive and participated in event organizing process.

Two young women kiss at commemorations in Yangon May 17, 2013. Source.

Yangon and Mandalay IDAHO events appeared in different media providing decent information of the event and LGBT issue in the country. Promotional items such as umbrella, back pack and towels were provided with the message “LGBT Rights are Human Rights”. Mandalay included talent show in the programme in order to disseminate intended message through different forms. The first IDAHO event was organized in Pyay with the support of local authorities, officials from education sector, INGOs, NGO, local lawyers group and people from private sectors.

Participant Mummy Sein, 79, arrives for event in Yangon May 17, 2013. Source.

Participants at the event in Yangon, May 17, 2013. Source.

In Yangon, a commissioner of Myanmar National Human Rights Commission, Deputy Head of the Mission of British Embassy, and Country Coordinator of UNAIDS attended the event and delivered speeches showing their strong support. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Myanmar also provided translated message from Director General of UNESCO and distributed. Colors Rainbow managed to put Burmese subtitle on a special video message, The Riddle, which was released on 14th May, by the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and included in the programme. The video features people of diverse background, identities and ethnicities posing simple questions to camera designed to reveal the kinds of human rights violations experienced by LGBT people around the world. It also includes strong expressions of support from UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay and the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Video with Burmese subtitles available here: video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYFNfW1-sM8

Local government authorities, influential persons, community leaders, political party leaders, and women leaders provided opening speeches in other areas and could provide effective message “LGBT Rights are Human Rights” and non-discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. General public were introduced to background of the event, SOGI issue and LGBT rights in areas. The levels of community acceptance were impressively high after proper disseminating of messages in all locations. Despite the events were organized differently according to local culture, intended messages effectively penetrated to the general public as programmes were carefully tailored to break the stereotypical culture of LGBT in the country context.

Colors Rainbow organized a press conference on the research “Facing 377: Discrimination and Human Rights Abuses Against Transgender, Gay and Bisexual Guys in Myanmar”. The report will be used as a platform for the movement of abolishing Myanmar Penal Code 377 – anti-sodomy legislation dating to the colonial period.

For further coverage of the event, see also:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries%3Findex%3D5%26list%3DPLR_FCs9AgxHYdwFZB_Hq5bnbj4N_Ckml6+Category%3A+CIS_streaming+

The Myanmar Times

Myanmar Human Rights Commission

India Times

For speeches given on May 17 in the capital, see Section I for British Embassy and Section II for UNAIDS, below.

I: British Embassy

Matthew Hedges
Chargé d’Affaires, British Embassy

Good evening, I am Matthew Hedges, Chargé d’Affaires at the British Embassy and I am very pleased to be here this evening to congratulate Colours Rainbow and Myanmar LGBT Rights Network on the occasion of this International Day Against Homophobia Event. The British Embassy was pleased to be able to support attendance by some of the network at an international conference on LGBT rights in Thailand recently and we look forward to further opportunities to support the rights of LGBT people in this country. We do this as part of the UK government’s support for the LGBT community worldwide and its commitment to battling this and other forms of discrimination. I am glad to be here both as a British diplomat and more personally as a gay man to be able to share with you that commitment of support on behalf of my government. I wish your network every success in your work to raise awareness that LGBT people are entitled to exactly the same fundamental human rights as everyone else. Congratulations and good luck.

II: UNAIDS

Talking Points for Mr Eamonn Murphy, UNAIDS Country Coordinator
Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Mingalarbar!

· It is an honour to speak on behalf of the United Nations at the opening of this important event. The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia is the culminating point of the annual campaign for the fight against homophobia. This event is organized annually on May 17 to commemorate the date on which the WHO decided to remove homosexuality from the list of mental disorders in 1990. Today at least 100 countries are celebrating this event with meetings, prayers, rallies and vigils like us. This is the second ceremony to be held in Myanmar and is bigger and better than the last.

· The theme of this year’s campaign is “LGBT Rights are Human Rights”.

· In Myanmar, homophobia can be seen in our daily lives. Today we will hear the findings from the research paper: “Facing 377: Discrimination and Human Rights Abuses Against Transgender, Gay and Bisexual Men in Myanmar.” Sadly, it is often the case that negative attitudes and behaviours come not only from strangers – but also from family members, and from providers of health care, law enforcement authorities and other social services – the people we all look to for support.

· The right to health belongs to everyone. As the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon said in his message for IDAHO, “Ending homophobia is a matter of personal security, dignity and even survival for countless individuals. The fight against homophobia is a core part of the broader battle for human rights for all. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights promises a world that is free and equal, and we will only honour that promise if everyone – without exception – enjoys the protection they deserve.”

· To fight homophobia and all forms of discrimination, we need to make everyone, from all walks of life and various cultures aware of all aspects of this reality. We need to call on political and community leaders to cast aside discriminatory laws and social practices. We need to ensure that more work is done to provide essential HIV prevention and treatment services to all LGBT. The coverage of prevention interventions has expanded, but more will need to be done to better target those who are the most at risk in these groups. While prevalence for most key affected populations has declined, men who have sex with men continue to have high prevalence of 9%.

· In his statement UNAIDS Executive Director, Mr Michel Sidibe re-affirmed that, “Today and every day, UNAIDS stands with our fellow LGBT brothers and sisters for a world without homophobia and transphobia. Let us work together to realize our vision: a world with zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths.”

· I would like to congratulate the Colors Rainbow and the Myanmar LGBT Rights Network and the brave representatives of the MSM community for the remarkable effort in organizing this event; for being here today, speaking out for the rights of those who do not feel empowered to do so.

· I am very encouraged to see Myanmar’s LGBT community growing stronger, and engaging in constructive dialogue with the Government, as well as the wider public. This is vital in order to be better understood, to reduce social prejudice and stigma based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and to contribute to development of relevant legislation to ensure the rights of the community are protected.

· I would like to end my remarks by thanking you for your commitment to the cause and to encourage you to continue to ensure that all forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity are removed so all Myanmar people can enjoy their human rights and have access to the educational, socio-economic, and health care opportunities they need.

· Chezu Tin Bar Deh