8Th ILGA ASIA CONFERENCE REPORT

8th ILGA ASIA CONFERENCE REPORT

Building Alliances to Strengthen the Movement together4change

2019 8th ILGA ASIA CONFERENCE REPORT

Proposed Citation: ILGA Asia. 8th ILGA Asia Conference Report. 2019. 2020. Bangkok, Thailand.

Asian Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA)

Spring Tower, Floor 11, Suite 132 Phayathai Road, Phayathai Ratchathewi Bangkok 10400 Thailand

Enail: [email protected] Website: https://www.ilgaasia.org Facebook: ILGA Asia Twitter: @ilgaasia Instagram: @ilgaasia

Design: ILGA Asia Photos: Reve, Jo-Sae Kang, Jo Ah-Ra Building Alliances to Strengthen the Movement

성소수자차별반대 무지개행동

against Sexual-Minority Discrimination_S. Korea 8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report ILGA Asia Regional 8th together4change 2019 8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report ILGA Asia Regional 8th together4change WORKSHOPS ATCONFERENCEMAIN THE THE CHAIRING POOL INTRODUCTION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PERSONS IN ASIAPERSONS DOMESTIC VIOLENCEINTIMATE AND PARTNER COMING OUT STORY-PARENTS OF LGBTI+ PEOPLE PLENARY 3:RE/DEFINING LEADERSHIP IN ASIAN LGBTIQ ADVOCACIES A NEW MODEL FOR SUSTAINABLE FUNDING OF HIV AND NGO WORK SHOW ME THE MONEY! SELLING HIV TEST KITS, CONDOMS AND HEALTHCARE: WHAT CAN WE COLLECTIVITY DO FOR SAFETY AND CARE OF TRANS PEOPLE? ASYLUM SEEKERS AND REFUGEES MAPPING AND MOBILISING: STRENGTHENING SUPPORT FOR SOGIESC QUEER–LABOR ALLIANCE INCLUSION OF LGBTQ PEOPLE IN THE WORKPLACE AND BUILDING A PLENARY 2 COMMUNITIESMEDIA AND CREATING SAFE SPACE FOR DIALOGUES; MAKING ALLIANCES WITH RELIGIOUS AROUND THE WORLD MONITORING VIOLENCE AGAINST TRANSGENDER-DIVERSEPEOPLE AND MARRIAGE EQUALITY CAMPAIGNS IN TAIWAN AND JAPAN INTERSEX ASIAINTERSEXMOVEMENT AND IN ASIA CRIMINALIZATION OF CONSENSUAL SAME SEX TO ADVANCESOGIE STORIES OF RESILIENCE: RESPONDING TO CAN FUEL OUR JUSTICE WORK MAPPING YOUR DESIRE: HOW LIVING INTO OUR AUTHENTIC SEXUALITIES LET’S TALK ABOUTCONVERSION THE THERAPY IN ASIA EXPERIENCES SURROUNDING GAY/QUEER COMMUNITY CHEMSEX IN ASIA: DISCUSSIONSONDRUG USERS’ HUMAN RIGHT AND PLENARY 1:BUILDING ALLIANCES TO STRENGTHEN THE MOVEMENT OPENING CEREMONY CONTENT ......

OPPOSITIONCONSERVATISM AND

ACTIVITY IN THE MILITARY

VIOLENCE AGAINSTLGBT ...... 20 30 29 26 28 24 34 27 32 23 10 25 35 16 18 19 21 12 31 17 15 8 2019 55 41 52 37 45 58 56 43 38 42 39 62 50 44 64 46 49 40 60 ...... LGBTQI ADVOCACY:

...... PROFESSIONALS AND LGBTAIQ AND LGBTAIQ PROFESSIONALS

...... SOCIAL RIGHTS SOCIAL

...... YOUTH STATEMENT YOUTH LESBIAN CAUCUS STATEMENT CAUCUS LESBIAN RESOLUTION PRE-CONFERENCE INTERSEX ILGA-ASIA BISEXUAL PRECONFERENCE STATEMENT PRECONFERENCE BISEXUAL STATEMENT WOMEN’S PLENARY 4: BUILDING LGBTIQ-INCLUSIVE SCHOOL COMMUNITIES SCHOOL LGBTIQ-INCLUSIVE 4: BUILDING PLENARY STRATEGIES AND PROSPECTS OF HIV ACTIVISM IN ASIA: WHAT WILL WILL WHAT IN ASIA: ACTIVISM OF AND HIV PROSPECTS STRATEGIES BE? ASIA IN U=U CAMPAIGN OF ROLE THE BINARY IN SPORT SPACE SPORT IN BINARY JAPAN AND KOREA IN SOUTH LAW ANTI-DISCRIMINATION & NARRATIVES GENDER TO / CHALLENGE RIGHTS HUMAN AND PEOPLE LGBTI SPORT, MIND THE GAP: BRIDGING HEALTH BRIDGING GAP: THE MIND WELLBEING AND HEALTH ON MENTAL COMMUNITY STORIES - OUR ASIA IN BUILDING MOVEMENT MUSLIMS QUEER INTEGRATING RIGHTS BASED APPROACHES IN APPROACHES BASED RIGHTS INTEGRATING AND FOCUS ON ECONOMIC PHOTOWALL - together4change PHOTOWALL AND SPONSORS PARTNERS FEEDBACKS FROM PARTICIPANTS FROM FEEDBACKS COVERAGE MEDIA ELECTIONS RESULT ELECTIONS STATEMENTS ILGA ASIA CONSTITUTION ASIA ILGA AND FINANCE PROGRAMS ASIA ILGA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

“welcomed From 19-23 August 2019, ILGA Asia and the host organization Rainbow Action against Sexual Minority Discrimination welcomed 310 LGBTI ac- 310 LGBTI tivists and allies from 46 countries around the world to the 8th ILGA Asia activists and Conference in Seoul, South Korea. The 5-day conference was divided into 2 days of pre-conference and 3 days of main conference. Of the 310 participants allies from coming, 8 of them identified as intersex. 32% of all participants are cisgender 46 countries female, 29% cisgender male, 11% trans female, 10% trans male, among other non-binary identities. Regarding their sexual orientation, 16% participants around the identified as bisexual, 53% with same-sex attraction, 20% heterosexual, and world” 12% pansexual. There was a notable increase in the number of people who identified as agender and asexual at this conference compared to the previous year.

There were 104 participants coming from ILGA member organizations from all the regions, while there were 34 member organizations coming from Asia. Out of almost 400 scholarship applications received, a total number of 118 participants were awarded with a scholarship to attend the conference, covering from only the conference fee, to the whole package of transportation, accommodation and other expenses. These scholars were selected by the ILGA Asia Executive Board on the basis of their engagement at the confer-

together4change ence, either through organizing, facilitating or speaking at a workshop, or volunteering for various tasks; the community they represented; and the region they came from. Applications that were incomplete or submitted after the deadline were not being considered.

Most participants came from Asian countries, with the majority of them from South Korea and its neighbors: China, Japan and Taiwan. 9% of them are from South Asian countries, 16% from Southeast Asia, and 3% from West Asia. A fifth of participants were coming from other regions.

From 19-20 August, there were a total of 9 pre-conference events on different topics: women, lesbian, intersex, trans, bisexual, youth, advocacy and research, marriage equality, and interfaith. Some of these events were only open to pre-selected attendants.

From 21-23 August, there were 4 plenaries and 25 concurrent sessions. These sessions were selected from 124 proposals submitted by LGBTI community and allies around the world. Priority was given to topics that aligned with the theme and objectives of this year’s conference, had never been discussed at previous ILGA Asia conferences, emerging issues with huge impact to Asian communities, and those featuring speakers representing diverse identities and geography of Asia. 8

8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report “there were 4 Of all the sessions at the main conference, nine of these sessions had at least a trans speaker, while almost every time slot has a session related to trans plenaries and people and their issues. Five sessions had at least 1 intersex speaker, while 2 25 concurrent of them were dedicated to intersex issues. Women, intersex and non-binary speakers and facilitators were present in all of the sessions. sessions” This year, the conference elected new 7 members to the Executive Board, while 4 members of the previous board remained. For the first time, the youth representative was elected. The Constitution was amended to include a new position in the board: bisexual representative. Also, for the first time, member organizations were presented with ILGA Asia’s audited financial statement with the opening of new bank accounts since 2018. The conference also adopted its own Standing Orders to be used in place of the current ILGA World Standing Orders. 2019

9 INTRODUCTION

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) is the world federation of national and local organisations dedicated to achieving equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGB- TI) people across the globe. Established in 1978, ILGA enjoys consultative status at the UN ECOSOC Council. It speaks and lobbies in international fora on behalf of more than 1,500 member organisations. ILGA Asia is the Asian Region of ILGA, representing more than 150 member organizations in the region. ILGA Asia Regional Conference is the highest-level decision-making body of ILGA Asia, taking place every other year.

At the 7th ILGA Asia Regional Conference hosted by Rainbow Community Kampuchea from 4-8 December 2018, member organizations made the decision to hold the 8th conference in Seoul, South Korea, following the bid made by a Rainbow Action against Sexual Minority Discrimination, a coalition of LGBTI organizations in South Korea including 4 of ILGA Asia’s members: Korean Gay Men’s Human Rights Group Chingusai, Korean Sexual-minority Culture and Rights Center, the Korean Society of Law and Policy on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity SOGILAW, and Solidarity for LGBT Human Rights of Korea.

together4change The theme was “Building Alliances to Strengthen the Movement,” the contin- uation and the expansion of the theme from the previous conference “United for Love”. While the 7th conference emphasized on the importance of solidarity in time of crisis among the LGBTI communities across Asia, this year’s theme stressed the need to connect and collaborate with allies from other movements and sectors, in addition to forming alliances with other members in the LGBTI community.

The conference aimed to: - Review and showcase successful initiatives born out of enriching part- nerships with allies from other social movements or sectors; - Create safe space for LGBTI human rights to freely discuss their works, share best practices in reading out to allies, and connect with other LGBTI human rights defenders and allies; - Identify and agree on collective priorities and strategies for the regional movement and cross-country, cross-sector collaboration; - Establish and strengthen the alliance among the LGBTI human rights defenders, organizations, and with public and private partners in other movements and sectors; - Elect leadership and representatives for ILGA Asia in the years 2019- 2021, review and Constitution and the draft Standing Orders of ILGA Asia. The conference was organized and supported by numerous local and 10

8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report “this year’s international organizations, institutions, foundations, corporations, and governments, including: AIDS Concern Hong Kong, Amnesty Interna- theme tional Korea, APCOM Foundation, Arcus Foundation, Asia Pacific Trans- stressed the gender Network, Asian Pacific Resource & Research Centre for Women (ARROW), ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, Astraea Foundation, Bandhu Social need to Welfare Society, Beijing Gender, Beijing LGBT Center, Beyond the Rain- connect and bow Foundation, Bi Foundation, Blue Diamond Society, Coalition for Sex- ual and Bodily Rights in Muslim Societies (CSBR), Common Language, collaborate Conversion Treatment Extermination Network, Equal Asia Foundation, with allies Everymind Counseling Center, Ford Foundation, Freedom of Marriage For All, Freedom to Marry, GAYa Nusantara, General Incorporated Asso- from other ciation of Marriage For All Japan, Global Interfaith Network, Grindr for movements Equality, Guangzhou Gender and Sexuality Education Center, India HIV/ AIDS Alliance, HOPE, Human Rights Campaign, Human Rights Foun- and sectors” dation, Humsafar Trust, ICS Center, ILGA World, Incheon Smile Center,

Intersex Asia, Iranian Lesbian and Transgender Network (6Rang), IT’S T 2019 TIME, Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation, Justice Party of Korea, Korean Lawyers for Public Interest and Human rights, Korean Sexual-minority Culture and Rights Center, Korea Tourism Organization, LGBT Rights Advocacy China, LUSH Foundation, Marriage Equality Coalition Taiwan, MOSAIC, the Embassy of New Zealand in Korea, National Human Rights Foundation of Korea, Network for reporting and supporting human rights violations & discrimination of sexual minorities in the military, Oii-Chi- nese, Open Society Foundation, OutRight Action International, Pan Africa ILGA, Persons with HIV/AIDS Rights Advocacy Association, Pioneer Fili- pino Transgender men Movement, PFLAG Korea, Place Tokyo, Planet Ally, Power of Pleasure (POP), Queer Women Network, QUV, RFSL, Same-sex Partnership Net Japan, Sangsan Anakot Yawachon, Sayoni, SEJUK (Jour- nalist Association for Diversity), Seoul Human Rights Commission, Seoul Metropolitan Government, Smile Center Incheon, SOGILAW, Solidarity for LGBT Human Rights of Korea, Srishti Madurai Educational Trust, STRAP, Sub Rang Society, SWARA, the Embassy of Sweden in Korea, Sweekar the Rainbow Parents, Taiwan Tongzhi (LGBTQ+) Hotline Asso- ciation, The Queer Muslim Project, Transgender Resource Centre, V-Med Cambodia, Women and Media Collective, Wuhan LGBT Center, YIFOS (Youth Interfaith Forum on Sexuality), Youth PLHIV Community of Korea ‘R’, Youth Voices Count.

11 THE CHAIRING POOL

The Chairing Pool of the 8th ILGA Asia Conference was elected by the conference right after the opening ceremony, prior to the first plenary, in accord- ance with the Standing Orders of ILGA World Conference adopted in Wel- lington 2019. Since ILGA Asia had never developed a Standing Orders of its own prior to the 8th conference, the Chairing Pool was using ILGA World’s to coordinate this conference. The Chairing Pool effectively took over the conference from the Executive Board upon approval from the conference and handed the conference back to the new Executive Board following the last plenary.

The following members were elected to the Chairing Pool: Bin Xu – Common Language Hayathi Harsha – Srishti Madurai Mikee Inton – STRAP Naying Ren – Beijing LGBT Center Nicki Rangoon – Youth Voices Count Pearl Daruwalla – Humsafar Trust Ribal Maatouk – MOSAIC Yookyeong Im – Solidarity for LGBT Human Rights of Korea The Chairing Pool selected the following members to act as Election Of-

together4change ficers throughout the conference: Bin Xu – Common Language Ribal Maatouk – MOSAIC

The Chairing Pool also assigned note-takers for each session at the conference to support the drafting of this report.

8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report 2019

13 8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report ILGA Asia Regional 8th together4change CONFERENCE AT THEMAIN WORKSHOPS OPENING CEREMONY

Greetings and introduction Candy and Joseph

Opening remarks from ILGA Asia Manisha and Charbel and Executive Board

Opening remarks from Rainbow Action Jeong Geol and Steering Committee

Opening remarks from ILGA World Luz and Ymania

Congratulatory message Young Ae Choi - National Human Rights Commission 2019 Congratulatory message Sang Jung Sim - Justice Party

Congratulatory message Rae Gun Park - Human Rights Foundation

Congratulatory message Hyunsook Choi - Seoul Human Rights Commission

15 PLENARY 1: BUILDING ALLIANCES TO STRENGTHEN THE MOVEMENT

Moderator and funding LGBTI groups is rather vital. Mikee Inton - STRAP The lack of prioritisation of the decriminalising of Speakers SOGI and particularly, abolishing the death pen- Shadi Amin - Iranian Lesbian and Trans- alty is even more prominent at the international gender Network (6Rang) level. As I mentioned at the beginning, there are Joe Wong - Asia Pacific Transgender Net- only three Asian and three African countries that work impose the death penalty to consensual same-sex Aruna Desai - Sweekar the Rainbow Par- acts. Therefore, the issue, as horrific and inhu- ents mane it is, still is an Afro-Asian issue. And I want Long Yan - Wuhan LGBT Center to be frank with you here by saying that, even in ILGA, the priorities of the Asian or African or- The session presented different approaches across ganisations, albeit to a lesser extent have much the region to finding common interests, resolving more of a chance to be side lined and not become conflicts, and building a friendly relationship with the world’s priorities, compared to Europe and allies from other sectors, movements, locations North America. In addition to the internal power and identities. Aruna Desai is a mother of relations within the LGBTI transnational movement, the international community’s intervention For all the LGBTI NGOs, how to survive and on human rights-related issues in some of these thrive in mainland China circumstance has been countries, such as Saudi Arabia and even Iran are

together4change a challenge. However, Wuhan LGBT Centre seems affected by geopolitical interests of super-powers. to find a way to deal with challenges and find a Shadi Amin concluded her speech with this de- common ground with all kinds of public sectors, mand: such as the provincial CDC and Residential Com- I would like to call on ILGA Asia and ILGA-World munity Office. Since its founding 7 years ago, its to build an international alliance on the abolish- staff have made the decision that the organization ment of the death penalty for same-sex relation- should build a “romantic” relationship with the ships and the decriminalisation of sexual orien- public sectors, using their resources, exchanging tation and de-medicalisation of gender identity. services and earning support not suppression. That is now, needed more than ever.

At the regional level, although ILGA-Asia has been supportive over the past few years, the diversity of the countries in this continent in terms of LGBTI rights and the deep gap between inter-regional LGBTI movements have prevented ILGA-Asia from placing necessary resources towards the decriminalisation of SOGI and in particular, abolition of the death penalty. Moreover, the funding agencies and donors only invest in South and East Asia and de-prioritise West Asia. This has negatively affected the LGBTI movements in West Asian countries where training, empowerment 16

8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report CHEMSEX IN ASIA: DISCUSSIONS ON DRUG USERS’ HUMAN RIGHT AND EXPERIENCES SURROUNDING GAY/QUEER COMMUNITY

Moderator/facilitator Their efforts aimed to recognize the issues related Nam Cho - Research Group POP (Power of to drug use as part of the community and cope Pleasure) with any related issues accordingly. In reality, professionals who specialize in studying drug use Speakers lack the understanding of queer lives, and queer Tari Na - Research Group POP (Power of community lacks the knowledge of drug-specif- Pleasure) ic issues. Bringing them together can pave ways Sih-Cheng Du - Taiwan Tongzhi (LG- to solutions for chemsex issues. Ultimately, by BTQ+) Hotline Association inflicting harm reduction strategy more closely to Yuzuru Ikushima - Place Tokyo queer community in a more professional manner, we can save lives. Chemsex (specifically defined by the use of drug in sexual context within the gay community) has played an increasingly important role in shaping gay culture, expressing sexuality, and fostering

public health issues including HIV/AIDS and 2019 mental health. By sharing human rights issues and conditions within the context of chemsex that several Asian adjacent countries experience, the speakers were discussing ways to help those in need of help, whose lives were marginalized by social stigma and criminalization.

Gay communities in Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and Singapore are well-connected with each other through tourism, including pride parades and circuit parties. At these venues, drug users travel across borders and influence each other. The use of drug in Asia is illegal, considered to be a serious crime, and is associated with social stigma. In Taiwan, chemsex issues in queer community have been studied and discussed for several years. Japan also published survey that contains issue directly related with HIV/AIDS and drug use. Panels from each organization based in Korea, Taiwan, and Japan raised country-specific issues and shared their context and experiences. They discussed the interwoven relationship between the stigma and its impact on queer community and the users, and the experiences of marginalized groups such as those involved in socially non-conforming sexual behaviors and people living with HIV/AIDS. 17 LET’S TALK ABOUT THE CONVERSION THERAPY IN ASIA

Moderator/facilitator The ex-gay conference was held in the Nation- Jean Chong - OutRight Action Interna- al Assembly of Korea building in 2016, and UN tional Human Rights Council recommended to avoid the practice of ‘conversion therapy’ in 2017 Uni- Speakers versal Periodic Review (UPR). South Korea did Peng Yanhui - LGBT Rights Advocacy not accept its recommendation (132.63), saying it’s China impossible to ban ‘conversion therapy’ which is SungWon Yoon-Lee - Conversion Treat- conducted in the private area. In 2019 for the first ment Extermination Network time, the counselor, suspected to attempt the con- Minkyung Yim - Incheon Smile Center version therapy, was expelled from Korean Coun- Mehrnoush Ahmadi - Iranian Lesbian and seling Psychological Association. Panelists shared Transgender Network (6Rang) the context of South Korea, introducing the collaboration with allies of mental health professions. This session informed the harm of ‘conversion therapy’ and raised the awareness of its severity. It also addressed the issues related to ‘conversion therapy’ and shared the situations of each Asian countries. Finally, panelists shared the best practices to protect the LGBTIQ members from ‘conversion therapy’, mapping the issues on the right

together4change to mental health of LGBTIQ people.

‘Conversion therapy’ is an umbrella term for a therapeutic approach or intervention which attempts to change or suppress certain sexual orientations or gender identities assuming them as mental disorder or abnormal state. In South Korea, Conversion Treatment Extermination Net- work was founded with in 2016 and conducted the survey in 2017. According to the result of survey, the practices of ‘conversion therapy’ were conducted by not only religious group but also mental health professionals, mostly without their consent. Some conservative christian groups and ex-gay groups are well-known for insisting based on the fake news and false information that ‘homosexuality’ is a shameful, but curable behavior which must be fixed. In the field of mental health, there has been no official statement of mental health professions about ‘conversion therapy’ or ‘homosexuality’ in South Korea, regardless of the context of DSM and ICD. 18

8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report MAPPING YOUR DESIRE: HOW LIVING INTO OUR AUTHENTIC SEXUALITIES CAN FUEL OUR JUSTICE WORK

Moderator Grindr for Equality used this curriculum to help Jack Harrison-Quintana – Grindr for activists add to their self-care toolbox. Equality Jamie Grant – Grindr for Equality

Speakers Zhan Chiam – ILGA World Joanne Leung – Transgender Resource Centre Tingting Wei – Guangzhou Gender and Sexuality Education Center

Being able to rethink what desire means for us, as queer people and as activists is an important conversation. Desire Mapping hinges on the idea that

until we discover and build upon our often-buried 2019 desires — and stop parroting the ‘wants’ that others have designed and approved for us — we cannot seek connection, love ourselves fully, nor build our families and our movements in the generative ways that we must. In fact, the more we bury and deny our erotic truths, the more our vision for vibrant lives worth living and collective libera- tion falters. Each of us has our own unique Desire Map. And everything we need to know to create a fully embodied, passionate sexuality is embedded in it. We just have to bring your stories to light and learn how to use them.

During the session, facilitators guided participants to: • Map Our Desire; • Sift through roadblocks to un-covering our truth; • Consider what is most important about our newfound information; • Learn strategies for sharing your Map with casual or long-term partners; • Commit to taking our next best steps while celebrating ourselves and each other!

19 STORIES OF RESILIENCE: RESPONDING TO OPPOSITION AND CONSERVATISM TO ADVANCE SOGIE

Moderator/facilitator strategies to further the dialogue on protection of Evelynne Gomez - The Asian Pacific Re- LGBTIQ rights and accountability of states. source & Research Centre for Women (ARROW) Participants of the workshop explored the challenges faced by LGBTIQ activists during their ad- Speakers vocacy work within the countries as well as at the Vanessa Chaniago - SWARA, Indonesia regional level, how they navigated it to further the Lini Zurlia - ASEAN SOGIE Caucus human rights of LGBTIQ people, and the oppor- Shale Ahmed - Bandhu Social Welfare tunities available within the existing legal frame- Society, Bangladesh works and human rights instruments that can be Anuj Rai (Peter) - Blue Diamond Society, utilized to advance human rights of LGBTIQ in Nepal their countries.

This session aimed at understanding and sharing The session provided a space for discussion and insights on emerging political trends vis-a-vis insights on SOGIE advocacy in conservative SOGIE rights in the region; sharing experienc- socio-political contexts. The insights shared by es and learnings from successful lobbying and advocates at the panel helped fellow SOGIE advo- counteractive responses to advance SOGIE rights cates inform their lobbying and movement build- in conservative contexts (with case studies from ing strategies with respect to LGBTIQ rights at Pakistan and Indonesia); and sharing experiences national, regional and international levels.

together4change and best practices from alliance-building to ad- The discussions took place in a Q&A form with a vance SOGIE rights (with case studies from Nepal facilitator moderating the panel. The first round and Bangladesh). of Q&A gauged the political trends in relation to SOGIE rights, including changes in the legisla- In the past decade, many advances have been made tive framework and socio-political environment. in the Asia Pacific region towards ensuring that Through the second round of Q&A, participants people of all sexual orientations and gender iden- shared the experiences and lessons learned from tities can live with the equal dignity and respect to successful lobbying strategies implemented by which all human beings are entitled. Yet, despite SOGIE rights advocates in conservative political the progress and positive legal and policy develop- contexts. ments in some countries, SOGIE remains one of the most controversial issue and a taboo in many countries. It is also often the most divisive issue in the advocacy for sexual rights at national, regional and international levels, and language and terminology for advocacy has often remained the central point of contention in these spaces. Lack of regional human rights protection instruments and legal framework, with language that takes into account the regional realities and diversity of identities, also poses a unique challenge. However, activists in the region have employed innovative 20

8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report CRIMINALIZATION OF CONSENSUAL SAME SEX ACTIVITY IN THE MILITARY

Moderator/facilitator ics. It showed how LGBTI soldiers were forced Tom Rainey-Smith - Amnesty Interna- to hide their SOGI and were exposed to human tional Korea rights abuse when they were perceived not to con- form to gender norms under the Military Criminal Speakers Act 92-6 which criminalized consensual same- Minyeong Kim - Amnesty International sex activity. The broader impact of MCA 92-6 on Korea Korean society was also covered by analyzing the Jong-Geol Lee - Network for reporting ways it spreads homophobic narratives outside of and supporting human rights violations & the military. discrimination of sexual minorities in the military The session shared the history of fighting which Han Garam - Korean Lawyers for Public numbers of activists had dedicated to, to end the Interest and Human rights violence and discrimination toward LGBTI soldiers. While the session looked into the campaign Working in conjunction with Amnesty Interna- with dimensions of each activism and legal battle, tional’s East Asia Regional Office, Amnesty Inter- it delivered lessons learned from the activists’ 2019 national Korea (AIK) was launching a campaign experience and show what challenges the interna- on the criminalization of gay soldiers in South tional community had to get through together. Korea based on new research conducted in 2018. The campaign aimed at the abolition of Article By discussing our campaign strategy and action 92-6 of the Military Criminal Act (MCA 92-6) plan with participants, the workshop developed which criminalized consensual same-sex activity, ideas for potential solidarity action. and to introduce anti-discrimination policies and regulations in the military. Alongside a domestic Criminalization of homosexuality remains a ma- campaign targeting the Korean government, it jor concern throughout the Asia region. Despite would be critical to create international pressure signs of important advancements in the recogni- by emphasizing their obligations under internation of LGBTI rights such as decriminalization tional human rights law and standards. By shar- of homosexuality in India and the possibility of ing Amnesty’s campaign plan and materials the legal recognition of same sex marriage in Taiwan, session also encouraged conference participants to more than 20 countries across the region retain raise this issue and take solidarity action beyond legal provisions criminalizing same sex activity the conference. and regional LGBTI communities remain under constant threat. The current crackdown on LGBTI This participatory session promoted creative ideas communities in Indonesia provides an important to organize solidarity actions in several regions in case in point. The criminalization of private con- Asia, which demand the end of gay soldier crim- sensual homosexual acts inside the South Korean inalization in the South Korean military. It also military violates an individual’s right to privacy presented the report “Serving in Silence: LGBTI and non-discrimination and constitutes a breach people in South Korea’s military”, which Amnesty of international human rights law. In addition, International had recently launched after a year failure by the authorities to live up to their obliga- of research, including around 30 interviews with tions under international human rights law and LGBTI individuals, activists, lawyers and academ- standards including failing to protect LGBTI in- 21 dividuals from violence, discrimination and other human rights abuses also has far-reaching effects on the wider society. MCA 92-6 is the only South Korean law that criminalizes same sex activity. Therefore, its repeal would serve as an important step to furthering the rights of LGBTI individuals in South Korea and could also help drive similar movements across the region. together4change

8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report INTERSEX ASIA AND INTERSEX MOVEMENT IN ASIA

Facilitators Hiker Chiu - Intersex Asia Esan Regmi - Intersex Asia

This session created a space and an opportunity for conference participants to learn about intersex issues and activists, and the movement in Asia. At the same time, the session introduced Intersex Asia Network officially to the LGBTI+ community and created an opportunity to connect with possible donors, stakeholders, and allies and collaborations in the future.

Intersex Asia Network is the first network organization for empowering intersex and defending in-

tersex human rights in Asia initiated online since 2019 2013 and established physically last year. The topic of the session included the introduction of what is intersex, key intersex human rights issues, the story of Intersex Asia, the history of Asia intersex movement, movement updated, how to be an ally and possible collaborations idea exchange with participants.

Intersex movement is an emerging one in Asia LGBTI community. Most LGBT communities in Asia are still not aware of, or not familiar with the intersex issue and intersex human rights movement. Intersex Asia is the first intersex-led Asian regional organization focusing on intersex human rights.

23 MARRIAGE EQUALITY CAMPAIGNS IN TAIWAN AND JAPAN

Speakers eventually they lost in the referenda, but the whole Chu-Yuan (Joyce) Teng - Marriage Equali- campaign experience still helped them know more ty Coalition Taiwan about Taiwan society, and also learned more skills Takeharu Kato - General Incorporated and tools to do political mobilization. Association of Marriage For All Japan Yoshie Yokoyama - Legal team for “Free- The Japanese panelists introduced the new move- dom of Marriage For All” lawsuit ments such as the collective lawsuit, the campaign Hiroshi Ikeda - Same-sex Partnership Net planning, and the NGO alliance in Japan. They Japan shared the information from Japan and discussed Natsuo Hayashi - Japan Alliance for LGBT what the marriage equality movements should Legislation be like with other Asian countries advocating for the same goal. They first introduced the objective, During the past year, Marriage Equality Coalition developments, legal claims of the collective lawsuit Taiwan and the whole Taiwan LGBTI community ‘Marriage for All Japan’ and its social reactions. experienced the anti-LGBTI referenda launched Then, they explained how the movement strategy by the conservatives in Taiwan. Marriage Equality for Marriage Equality was being developed, in- Coalition Taiwan shared their quantitative and cluding lobbying for politicians, organizing influ- qualitative researches, their campaign experience, ential individuals and businesses, facilitating me- and exchanged thoughts about how to advocate dia reporting, fundraising, etc. The topics included through political mobilization. NGO alliances (Same-sex Partnership Net Japan,

together4change EMA Japan, Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation, After the Constitutional Interpretation was made etc.) and related lawsuits (lawsuits on foreign to support Taiwan’s same-sex marriage in 2017, same-sex partner resident status and crime victim the opposition kept trying to stop the legaliza- compensation discrimination, etc.) tion of marriage equality. And they successfully launched 3 referenda in 2018. Thus, Marriage In Taiwan, the Legislative Yuan made a ruling that Equality Coalition Taiwan started the campaign to it was against the Constitution not to accept mar- fight against the 3 referenda. First, because of the riage for same-sex couples in 2017, and a legisla- advices and experience shared by American and tion was established within 2019. In Thailand, it is Australian team, they did the qualitative research reported that a Civil Partnership Bill was expected to find out the common value of Taiwan society. to be passed within 2019, giving same-sex couples The result showed us that the most important a set of rights closely equivalent to the hetero-sex- value was “respect.” And they also found that the ual marriage. With these developments, the global more people understood LGBTI community, the community is becoming more interested in Asian more likely they supported same-sex marriage. actions for Marriage Equality. This new set of Jap- According to the research, they toned their mes- anese developments will have some impacts on the sages, started finding right stories for the public, Asian countries’ Marriage Equality movements. and figured out the slogan related to “respect every family.” During the campaign, they passed these messages and stories to the public through 3 different ways: grassroots campaign, big rallies, and every on-line or off-line advertisement. Though 24

8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report MONITORING VIOLENCE AGAINST TRANS AND GENDER-DIVERSE PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD

Facilitators Simran Shaikh - India HIV/AIDS Alliance AR Arcon - Pioneer Filipino Transgender men Movement

The Trans Murder Monitoring (TMM) project systematically monitored, collected, and analysed reports of homicides of trans and gender-diverse people worldwide. While the first results were launched by TGEU in 2009, since 2010 further up- dates were being published on the TvT website at least once a year, with detailed information being annually available for the Trans Day of Remem- brance. The training equipped participants with basic information and skills in order to monitor

cases of violence against trans and gender-diverse 2019 people at local, national, and regional levels, to report cases in their communities by using findings obtained, and to contribute and participate in international monitoring mechanisms.

There is an undeniable violence that is being experienced by trans and gender diverse persons and communities across Asia. First, how do we define violence in Asian context? How do we know when it has happened to us? To know what violence is, is like equipping communities with a “sensor” that tells when enough is enough, or tells “this is against my human rights already”. There is also the need to strengthen our mechanisms in capturing and reporting these experiences for us to create advocacy tools that can be used in advocating policy changes.

25 CREATING SAFE SPACE FOR DIALOGUES; MAKING ALLIANCES WITH RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES AND MEDIA

Moderator/facilitator Amar Alfikar - GAYa Nusantara

Speakers Dede Oetomo - GAYa Nusantara Jihan Fairuz - YIFOS (Youth Interfaith Forum on Sexuality) Thowik - SEJUK (Journalist Association for Diversity)

Over 80% of those surveyed know about LGBT, but that does not mean they support or even think that LGBT people have a right to life in Indonesia. Ways to combat anti LGBT sentiments include:

• Knowledge production and contestation through culture and religion; • HIV and SRHR; • Human rights; • Using arts (like films and music). together4change Intersectional allies to work with include SRHR & public health, media, educational institutions, feminists, lawyers and activists. Disinformation in the media has resulted in serious consequences in the community, even after it’s proven to be inac- curate. Mistakes made in the media (in Indonesia) includes using provocative headlines, suggesting that LGBT is a disease or mental illness. The media also give coverage and quotes from anti-LGBT organizations and leaders. One way to improve media coverage is to promote and educate diversity, tolerance, and respect by journalists. Using evidence-based information to support gender and sexual diversity. But there is also increasing proliferation of information through social media, so the focus now extends from tradition media to social media as well.

8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report PLENARY 2

Keynote speech from ILGA World Co-sec- retary-general Ymania Brown

Keynote speech from the Independent Expert on sexual orientation and gender identity Mr. Victor Madrigal-Borloz

Keynote speech from Sumdol Presbyterian Church / Rainbow Jesus Borah Lim 2019

27 INCLUSION OF LGBTQ PEOPLE IN THE WORKPLACE AND BUILDING A QUEER–LABOR ALLIANCE

Moderator/facilitator establish meaningful, collaborative relationships Horim Yi - Solidarity for LGBT Human with labor unions. And these efforts had come to Rights of Korea fruition in the past couple of years where members of the organization were invited to give LG- Speakers BTI sensitivity trainings at labor unions and held Woong Nam - Solidarity for LGBT Human joint events with these unions to raise awareness Rights of Korea for LGBTI rights issues in workplaces. Based on Linh Ngo - ICS Center these experiences, the presenter wished to assess their relationship with the labor unions, reflecting The session showcased how LGBTI activism had on what the collaboration meant for the both the built collaborative relationships with labor un- organization and the labor union. ions and highlighted issues they had encountered, such as addressing LGBTI-specific issues at the The Vietnamese panelist shared the experiences workplace. The session shared the challenges and of working on the workplace inclusion of LGBTQ opportunities in making the alliance between people in Vietnam. LGBTI and labor movements as an example of how LGBTI movement could collaborate with more conventional social movements such as labor movements within the context of Asia.

together4change Collaboration and solidarity building with labor unions or other social movement organizations were one of the most effective platforms through which LGBTI activism could share its agenda with the larger society, especially in Asian societies where the scarcity of resources affected the ways in which LGBTI activism could operate. Panelists shared experiences of how LGBTI movements had built solidarity with other social movements in various Asian contexts. Specifically, the Korean panelist discussed the experiences of building solidarity with labor unions from an LGBTI organization, and how to address various issues emerging at the intersection of SOGIE and class. The Korean presenter was a member of Solidarity for LGBT Human Rights of Korea, one of the largest LGBTI activist organization in South Korea. Solidarity for LGBT Human Rights of Korea started off as a group of queer university students interested in the labor movement and throughout the years have stood in solidarity with labor rights. In building such solidarity, the organization was able to 28

8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report MAPPING AND MOBILISING: STRENGTHENING SUPPORT FOR SOGIESC ASYLUM SEEKERS AND REFUGEES

Facilitator pared to other parts of the world. This exacerbates Bess Hepworth - Planet Ally the plight faced by asylum seekers and refugees with different SOGIESC. The session explained Speakers how activists and partners were currently work- Matcha Phorn-in - Sangsan Anakot Yawa- ing with SOGIESC asylum seekers and refugees chon in order to benefit from experiences of others who Ryan Figueiredo - Equal Asia Foundation faced similar challenges; identifying and pool- ing material and non-material resources needed, Participants shared experiences in working with and; mapping the stakeholders and strengthening asylum seekers with different SOGIESC and other existing networks/alliances for resources, sharing stakeholders; acknowledged achievements, iden- and collaboration in the region. tified challenges and potential synergies in the region; increased the visibility of the intersectionality of people on the move through the SOGIESC lens and vice versa; fostered a collaborative discus-

sion among activists, academics, and communities 2019 in the region and at the conference with the aim to explore ways to best tackle the problems facing asylum seekers with different LGBTI+ organisations and communities worldwide.

The lack of sensitivity and training of asylum personnel could lead to misjudgement of the credibility of the refugee status application, prev- alent discrimination in service agencies, reception centres, LGBTI+ communities and asylum seekers communities in destination countries. National legislations had insufficient protection or specific measures to protect SOGIESC asylum seekers. SOGIESC friendly support and services for SOGIESC asylum seekers and refugees, including psychological support, hormone treatment for transitioning, etc. are insufficient.

When a person is fleeing from grave abuses and their personal safety and freedom are under threat, they have very little room to choose how they flee their country and choose their destination. Certainly, there are asylum seekers and refugees with different SOGIESC in Asia. Howev- er, visibility of these asylum seekers and refugee communities is relatively low in the region com- 29 WHAT CAN WE DO COLLECTIVITY FOR SAFETY AND CARE OF TRANS PEOPLE?

Moderator Joe Wong - APTN

Speakers Jebli Shrestha - Urgent Action Funds Simran Shaikh - TVT AR Arcon - Pinoy FTM Nhuun Yodmuang, APTN

This session identified key priorities needed for support of trans people and organizations. LGBTI individuals and activists have heightened levels of stress, depression, anxiety, burnout, PTSD. Moreover, the survey conducted with the community, mental health was identified as a priority while there is minimal support for advocates in the region.

Fortunately, mental health professionals are show- ing more and more interest in LGBTIAQ individ-

together4change uals. In fact, more than 9,000 papers were published in 2018-2019 in the field of mental health issues in sexual minority population; in South Korea, several “safe” clinics were established and those clinics are certainly gaining a lot of attention & clients.

However, no LGBTAIQ individuals would agree that they have enough recognition or support. Especially among the trans community, where the issue seems to be more severe. It is reported that some hospitals refuse to admit trans people; some therapists don’t even know the difference between gays /transgenders. So where is this “Gap” coming from? What can we do to fill in the gap between mental health professionals and trans individuals?

Participants discussed support for trans individuals and advocates needed for developing mental health service for trans people in Asia and Pacific to enhance the well-being and quality of life for trans and gender diverse people in the region. 30

8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report SHOW ME THE MONEY! SELLING HIV TEST KITS, CONDOMS AND HEALTHCARE: A NEW MODEL FOR SUSTAINABLE FUNDING OF HIV AND NGO WORK

Speakers Andrew Chidgey - AIDS Concern Gavin Tsai - V-Med Jason Lau - AIDS Concern KB Lee - AIDS Concern

AIDS Concern Hong Kong and V-Med Cambodia talked about products and services which they were selling and gave observations about how this approach could work for those who wanted to consider doing the same in their own country. 2019

31 PLENARY 3: RE/DEFINING LEADERSHIP IN ASIAN LGBTIQ ADVOCACIES

Moderators from one country to another, movement-build- Dana Zhang - FLAME ing requires creation of diverse leaderships. This is a practical reason. On the other hand, this is Speakers in a way consistent with a vision of a democratic Ryan Silverio - ASEAN SOGIE Caucus approaches where centers of leadership power is Hiker Chu - Intersex Asia less-polar. And as far as sustaining social justice Gopi Shankar Madurai - Srishti Madurai movements are concerned, issues around leader- Ngo Le Phuong Linh - ICS Center ship and its impact on movement-building should warrant everyone’s concern. The session reflected on leadership experiences and practices within the LGBTI communities In so much of our conversations and drinking ses- across Asia. It helped participants imagine an ideal sions as activists, what is also concerning is that leadership framework or model that is relevant to tropes about “bad leadership” feature very promi- the growing need for LGBTIQ movement building nently. Such sentiments demand that we pay more in Asia. attention to what exactly we as a movement are doing in terms of leadership to engender these In the literature, leadership has been described feelings and the kinds of relationships and actions through various dimensions: as desired qualities they generate. Spotlight-hogging, decision-mak- or attributes; as roles and functions within the ing without genuine consensus, competition and context of a collective; as spaces and conditions territoriality, obsessive recourse to theorizing

together4change where leadership can be exercised; as a tool for without addressing lived realities -- the list goes transformation and change; and even as a concept on. And these tropes go back decades, which says too ambiguous and even dangerous to consider. more about LGBTIQ activism in general than it Given these, the question for us becomes: what does about individual leaders. And the particular exactly does quote-unquote “leadership” look like focus on leaders comes from our acknowledgment in Asian LGBTIQ movements? The session looked that leaders are imbued with the roles of guide at the difficult political terrain currently devel- and exemplar of the spoken and unspoken values oping in the region (e.g. shrinking civil society and habits we activists work within. Their actions spaces, limited resources, increasing opposition more than others impact the way that culture is from state and non-state actors, etc.); the move- propagated. ment’s internal culture; how leaders could exer- cise awareness and critical reflection of external The leaders we have, in a very significant way, realities in formulating their leadership strategies; determine the culture we create within our own where lines were drawn between “good” and “bad” circles and the broader environment, and vice-ver- leadership; and what activists could do to create a sa. Expounding on the general question posed in culture of activism that authentically reflected our this session: are our leaders guiding and exem- advocacy’s values, principles, and standpoints. plifying ways of work that sustain a culture that is good for activists and activism? Looking at the Movement-building is a continuous process that scholarship, important questions come up: How entails the creation and multiplication of spaces do we veer away from mere “ideological commit- for collective action. In a context where issues are ment” to a proactive appraisal that balances core diverse and complex, and political realities differ values with actions and consequences? How do we 32

8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report describe affirmative uses of authority and respon- sibility as opposed to “supporting domination” where a leader’s ideas are automatically considered the default choice? And how do we go from “legitimating elites” (by failing to recognize how social, economic, and cultural capital can create unjust power relations within the community) – to concretely addressing the circumstances that make such elites possible? 2019

33 COMING OUT STORY-PARENTS OF LGBTI+ PEOPLE

Moderators The parent of the gay son started working for an Heesu Myung – PFLAG Korea organisation where they mostly work with parents. Speakers Aruna Desai – Sweekar the Rainbow Par- ents Jungsun Hong – PFLAG Korea Sunyoung Jang – PFLAG Korea

All the parents were from different places. One of the parent’s child was a transgender woman and other two people’s children were identified as gay. Every mother in this panel was working as activists in their countries after seeing their children went through pain.

The Indian parent started knowing more about these issues, researched about it and started supporting the child after he came out. She started working with other children and parents which

together4change led to the creation of Sweekar.

The Korean mother of the gay son wrote a letter to the son when he stopped going to school. After reading the letter the son started going to school again. She started working for an organisation where they mostly worked with parents of LGBTI persons.

The other Korean mother went to see her son who was studying in the US eventually accepted her son as a daughter. She introduced her daughter to everyone and came to see smile on her daughter’s face.

All parents are different, yet they not only stand up for their children but also for the children of others.

Acceptance starts from home. When parents accept their children, society will eventually accept too. 34

8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE AGAINST LGBT PERSONS IN ASIA

Moderator/facilitator ern Women’s Foundation began working together Jean Chong - OutRight Action Interna- in 2009. It is the first and the only cross-organizational tional (LGBTQ+ community-based organization and domestic violence service agency) collabo- Speakers ration program of LGBTQ+ IPV issue in Taiwan. Mandy Chng - Sayoni, Singapore Taiwan Tongzhi Hotline shared the best practices Leo Peng- Taiwan Tongzhi Hotline of the program. Ging Cristobal - OutRight Action Interna- tional Because the domestic violence prevention network Justine Zhang - Common Language China in Taiwan is lack of awareness about LGBTQ+ intimate partner violence (IPV), Taiwan Tongzhi People in Asia who identify as lesbian, gay, bisex- (LGBTQ+) Hotline Association, as a LGBTQ+ ual, or transgender (LGBT) often find themselves community-based organization, and Modern victims of violence from family members, who in Women’s Foundation, as a domestic violence fact are often the main perpetrators according to service agency, have begun and worked the LG- a report by OutRight. The high level of violence BTQ+ IPV service and advocacy program together 2019 from family members is one of the key findings for 10 years. Through collaboration with allies and the greatest impact on the victims, because of from social welfare agencies, LGBTQ+ grass-root the violence from family along with discrimina- organization could extend its own influence and tion from outside perpetrators there was no relief make social service system more LGBTQ+ friend- for the individuals. What stood out was that in ly and inclusive. Although it needs more effort countries that had a dominant religion, and where and advocacy strategies, the effectiveness of the it was being enforced in a way where people’s dig- cross-organizational program is still obvious. Tai- nity, people’s rights and ability to be different [was wan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare and several not respected], there was definitely greater vio- domestic violence service agencies have begun to lence. Whatever was going on outside the family fix the barriers from the ‘neutral’ service process seemed to be mirrored or reflected back within the and system in recent years. family. Taiwan Tongzhi (LGBTQ+) Hotline Association Studies have shown that the prevalence of in- had collaborated with Modern Women’s Founda- timate partner violence (IPV) among LGBTQ+ tion for the past 10 years, and developed together individuals was similar to the one in heterosexual projects on the four aspects including case service, relationships. However, in 2014, a total of 60817 training for professionals in the IPV network, IPV IPV cases were reported in Taiwan, and yet LG- prevention in the LGBTQ+ community, as well as BTQ+ IPV incidences only accounted for 0.39% advocacy and policy supervision, while drawing of them. Victims of LGBTQ+ IPV not only suffer on our respective expertise, resources and roles. from the physical and mental harms caused by the The two organizations managed to strengthen the violence, but also face the social stigma and the awareness of LGBTQ+ IPV both in the Taiwan- pressure of coming out because of their LGBTQ+ ese government and in the network of domestic identity, which makes it difficult for them to seek violence prevention through collaborating with external help. On account of such context, Taiwan academic representatives, conducting investiga- Tongzhi (LGBTQ+) Hotline Association and Mod- tive studies, lobbying the government, working 35 with other domestic violence agencies, and media exposure. together4change

8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report INTEGRATING RIGHTS BASED APPROACHES IN LGBTQI ADVOCACY: FOCUS ON ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RIGHTS

Moderators Midnight Poonkasetwatana - APCOM Dede Oetomo - APCOM Regional Adviso- ry Board

Speakers Manisha Dhakal - Blue Diamond Society Muhammad Kamran Chouhdry - Sub Rang Society Ngo Le Phuong Linh - ICS Center Hiker Chiu - Intersex Asia

The session explored links between LGBTQI economic issues and human rights based principles, instruments and mechanisms; surfaced economic

issues in relation to SOGIESC based discrimina- 2019 tion and stigma affecting LGBTQI population; and brainstormed on possible ways forward in relation to contributing to addressing economic issues affecting LGBTQI.

Limited but increasing body of evidence indicated that SOGIE-based stigma and discrimination affected the economic status and experience of LG- BTQI individuals and communities. Participants discussed economic and social rights in relation to SOGIESC, analyzed the LGBTQI situation and explored possible ways forward in how to address challenges experience by the LGBTIQ in terms of access, protection and promotion of their ESC rights.

37 MIND THE GAP: BRIDGING HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND LGBTAIQ COMMUNITY ON MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Moderator and Speakers ipants on their own personal self-care strategies Raine Cortes - APTN when they feel stressed or burdened. The self-care techniques shared varied from physical, emotion- Speakers al, spiritual, social and others. SungWon Yoon-Lee - Everymind Coun- seling Center Minkyung Yim - Smile Center Incheon Thai Ngoc Phung - IT’S T TIME

Facilitator for the self-care session Joe Wong - APTN

This session started with a regional perspective on mental health and wellbeing among trans people presented by APTN. The situation and case studies presented were based on publications made by APTN, and the developments in the ICD-11 were also highlighted. This was followed by a presentation from two psychologists/psychiatrists from South Korea, who shared how they reach out to

together4change LGBTQI community and address the gap in accessing health services. One of their recommendations is to publish a guideline for mental health practice with LGBTAIQ clients concerning the cultural background of region; and to share the resources of LGBTAIQ-affirmative therapy and multicultural & social justice approach in counseling to the supervisors of mental health practice.

The third presentation came from trans man community representative in Vietnam. He presented on their organisation’s research/study on gender dysphoria and it affects the lives of trans people in Vietnam. He provided clear recommendations at the community level, society, and policy/legal. There is clearly a need for legal gender recognition, to protect trans people’ rights with official regulations. Also, health care policy should include gender dysphoria support and providing safe, friendly and effective services.

The session ended with a sharing from the partic- 38

8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report QUEER MUSLIMS MOVEMENT BUILDING IN ASIA - OUR STORIES & NARRATIVES

Facilitators Rima S. Athar - Coalition for Sexual and Bodily Rights in Muslim Societies (CSBR) Rafiul Rahman - The Queer Muslim Pro- ject

The interactive session opened with a short ex- ploration of experiences, needs and questions around queer Muslims movement building in Asia amongst attendees. This was followed by a presentation on the storytelling campaigns run by The Queer Muslim Project though Instagram, as a means to document lived realities and amplify new narratives online, as well as a means to coun- ter homophobia, Islamophobia and hate speech

online. CSBR then explored digital storytelling 2019 as a participatory method of documenting narratives and advancing community led mobilization, through a screenings of “Stories of Faith & Sexu- ality”, made by advocates in Indonesia. The discussion afterwards touched on questions of solidarity, allies, how to engage the media, how to do out- reach, critical approaches to development aid and funding, and the importance of shedding binary and narrow notions of authenticity and Muslim identity.

39 SPORT, LGBTI PEOPLE AND HUMAN RIGHTS / CHALLENGE TO GENDER BINARY IN SPORT SPACE

Speakers Zhan Chiam - ILGA World Hanhee - Queer Women Network Jinsun Yang - Queer Women Network

This session discussed using the power of sport to break stigma and discrimination within the LGB- TI community and wider society; accessibility of sport to LGBTI people generally, in both amateur and elite sport, in sports clubs, gyms, etc; gender categories on sport and their impact on trans and intersex athletes; LGBTI organised sporting events; and the culture of major sporting events and their impact on LGBTI persons while those events take place.

The next Gay Games would be in Hong Kong in 2022 and many of these issues were relevant to why there was a Gay Games and the purpose of the Gay Games generally. The next Summer Olym-

together4change pic Games would be in Toyko in 2020, the FIFA World Cup would be in Qatar in 2022, and the Winter Olympic Games would in Beijing in 2022. There had been a lot of news about Asian and African women athletes targeted for sex testing and this had been impacting the world of sport as a whole. Major sporting events and international sports associations were becoming more aware of LGBTI rights and we should discuss how we could use this to increase human rights for our community.

8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAW IN SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN

Moderators Natsuo Hayashi – Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation

Speakers Hiroshi Ikeda - Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation

In the Japanese Diet, a “Cross Party Study Group to consider LGBT issues” was established in 2015. In 2016, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party re- leased ‘Our Thought on Inclusion of SOGI Diversi- ties’, primarily to the government agencies, while the opposition four parties tabled a bill in the Diet to tackle SOGI discriminations, not resulting in

any legislation. Some government agencies (Na- 2019 tional Personnel Authority, Ministry of Health and Labor, etc. ) began to introduce regulations to ban SOGI based harassment in 2017, and To- kyo Metropolitan Government (a regional body) established a local ordinance to ban SOGI based discriminations. We have not got any national SOGI Non-Discrimination law in Japan yet.

Neither in South Korea nor in Japan, legislation of any Non-Discrimination law including SOGI has been achieved. Speaker shared information and experiences as to what movements and actions for this legislation had been conducted by the civil society (NGO, etc.) and the international community (mainly the U.N.) first. By considering why not much progress has been achieved despite the accumulated efforts, participants discussed roles South Korean and Japanese civil societies could play in pushing this cause forward.

41 STRATEGIES AND PROSPECTS OF HIV ACTIVISM IN ASIA: WHAT WILL THE ROLE OF U=U CAMPAIGN IN ASIA BE?

Moderator/facilitator It is important to acknowledge that historically Horim Yi - Solidarity for LGBTIQ Human and currently, HIV/AIDS has often been employed Rights of Korea(Haengsungin) to justify and amplify homophobia and transphobia among our communities. Thus, in trying to Speakers examine homophobia and transphobia, LGBTI Sung-Uk So - Youth PLHIV Community of identities and HIV status are intertwined and Korea ‘R’ hard to differentiate. And while homophobia and Luz - Persons with HIV/AIDS Rights Ad- transphobia hurts us all, those living with HIV are vocacy Association exposed to an added layer of hate, from both the general society and within our communities. The session built collaborative network of PLHIV rights organizations based in Asia, discussed and The U=U campaign states that the most effective developed effective methods of disseminating U=U method of HIV prevention is treating those living messages as a way to advance PLHIV and LGBTI with HIV so that they can maintain undetectable rights, and evaluated how U=U campaign had viral load, for those with such suppressed viral ac- impacted the fight for rights of people living with tivity cannot become agents of HIV infection. The HIV (PLHIV) across Asia. U=U campaign is the most up-to-date statement on HIV prevention, which states that treatment of Each of the Asian countries had different histori- people living with HIV is the most effective form cal backgrounds to which HIV activism came to be. of HIV prevention. Since its establishment in 2016

together4change So were the relationships between HIV activism International AIDS Conference with a consensus and LGBTI communities varied among the coun- among HIV researchers and activists, more than tries. However, one of the unifying experiences 800 organizations across 97 countries worldwide that connected the community was that the hate has signed on to the campaign and its message. LGBTI people faced were often fueled by fear of Many HIV organizations based in Asia have HIV based on misinformation and its seeming signed on as well and took it upon themselves to link to the gay (and trans) community. Partici- translate the campaign’s consensus statement pants discussed and evaluated the strategies and (currently available in Chinese, Vietnamese, prospects of HIV activism in Asia, with a special Korean, and more). More information on this focus on strategic use of the Undetectable = Un- campaign can be found here: https://www.preven- transmittable (hereafter U=U) campaign in Asia. tionaccess.org/. As a campaign that puts provision and access of anti-retroviral treatment to people The U=U statement was significant in two main living with HIV as the foremost goal of HIV pre- ways: the statement was the first to proclaim that vention, U=U campaign has different implications people living with HIV (PLHIV) with undetectable for each of the agents of public health interven- viral load cannot transmit the virus to another; tion. These agents include international aids (e.g. and thus, the statement rightfully called for treat- UNAIDS), local government and its public health ment as the most effective form of HIV preven- departments, health care providers, and commu- tion. It is without doubt that this new public nity-based organizations (e.g. HIV/AIDS Activist health message will change the politics of HIV, not Network of Korea) and the international coalition only on the policy level but within the high-risk of these organizations (e.g. APCOM). groups, namely the gay/MSM population. 42

8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report PLENARY 4: BUILDING LGBTIQ-INCLUSIVE SCHOOL COMMUNITIES

Moderator Mandy - Sayoni

Speakers Jan - ASEAN SOGIE Caucus Hayathi - Shrishti Madurai Justin Francis - Youth Voices Count Blaine Shinwook Mangjul - Youth Voices Count & QUV

This session fostered youth-led discussion and exchange of ideas for LGBTIQ organizing and advocacy in school communities. Participants discussed strategies and learning from one another in building safer and inclusive school environments, regardless of SOGIESC, and formed networks and 2019 build solidarity among LGBTIQ university/stu- dent-led organizations, and activists who worked on LGBTIQ-inclusive educational spaces in Asia.

Each participant introduced themselves, the groups they represented and the worked they were involved in. Participants wrote down their achievements and challenges on post-its to high- light what they could learn from each other. Following that, they found common struggles and ways to address them in their national or local contexts.

Additionally, the session addressed issues such as building solidarity among university groups, both nationally and regionally, and how to engage with other youths, both members of the community and straight allies, to get involved in advocacy for LGBTIQ rights.

43 ILGA ASIA CONSTITUTION

Recommendations of the workshop to the in-coming ILGA Asia Board:

1. The board should discuss, and make explicit, its stance on allegations of sexual abuse and harassment. 2. Based on this stance, the board should review the ILGA Asia Constitution to reflect criteria regarding nomination of candidates a. As a human rights organization, we should not allow persons with unresolved allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct to be nominated to the ILGA Asia board, unless these allegations are dismissed as untrue by the appropriate courts of law. b. The board may consider the wording of this provision, and may consider a victim-first approach in this wording. 3. The board may consider setting up mechanisms and policies to probe these allegations. together4change

8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report ILGA ASIA PROGRAMS AND FINANCE

The workshop recommends that the conference approve the financial audit report covering June 21, 2018 to December 31, 2018.

The workshop also recommends to appoint YUK- MAI ASSOCIATE CO., LTD. as the external audi- tor of ILGA Asia’s legal entity and bank accounts in Thailand for the purposes of auditing the -fi nancial year covering the period of January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, subject to the in-coming Executive Board’s confirmation.

The workshop finally recommends that the in-coming Executive Board elected at this conference finalize plans for consulting on and developing a new Strategic Plan that covers the next four 2019 or so years. This Strategic Plan must be presented at the next ILGA Asia Conference.

45 ELECTIONS RESULT

Based on the two rounds of elections, the follow- West Asian Representatives ing nominees have successfully been elected into Charbel Maydaa the ILGA Asia Executive Board: Mosaic Lebanon Co-chairs of ILGA Asia Board Shadi Amin Candy Darim YUN (female) 6Rang (Iranian Lesbian & Transgender Net- Korean Sexual-minority Culture & Rights work) Center Iran South Korea Shadi Amin Trans Representative 6Rang (Iranian Lesbian & Transgender Net- Wannapong (Nhuun) Yodmuang work) Asia Pacific Transgender Network Iran Thailand

East Asian Representatives: Intersex Representative Candy Darim YUN (female) Gopi Shankar M (Intersex & Genderqueer) Korean Sexual-minority Culture & Rights Srishti Madurai Center India South Korea Jennifer Lu Youth Representative

together4change Taiwan Tongzhi (LGBTQ+) Hotline Associa- Tashi Tseten – 40 votes tion Youth Voices Count Taiwan Bhutan

South Asian Representatives Host City Mahnoor Ali Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Khuwaja Sira Society Pakistan Niluka Perera Diversity and Solidarity Trust (DAST) Sri Lanka

Southeast Asian Representative Ngo Le Phuong Linh ICS Center Vietnam Brenda Alegre STRAP The Philippines

8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report 2019

47 8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report ILGA Asia Regional 8th together4change STATEMENTS BISEXUAL PRECONFERENCE STATEMENT

On August 20th 2019, Bi-Preconference took place Therefore, we demand ILGA ASIA to allocate at biannual ILGA Asia conference. a place for a Bi representative in the Executive Board. We, bisexual and/or allies are proud and pleased to be participating in this one-day event and thank Signed, ILGA ASIA for the space that we had. Participants of Bisexual Pre-conference

We recognize that all over Asia, from there face the same issues, in different forms and degrees. There is a general lack of awareness about Bisexuality, Bi+ and BiVisibility, not only in societies but also among the movements.

We are seeking for awareness raising and - more - inclusion of non-monosexuality at the local, regional and international level. 2019

We ask ILGA ASIA to act more inclusively and encourage all members to do so. We demand ILGA ASIA to provide members with adequate educational material and empower them in facing the challenges in mono-sexist communities. We want ILGA ASIA to consult with local and regional NGOs and activists about specific Bi issues at local and regional level through a regional needs as- sessment about the underground bi-movement in the region, so we can know more what is needed, to work on, to structure and design our regional bi-projects taking into consideration all the regional perspective so we can move forward organizing ourselves to be stronger inside and outside our beloved community.

We want non-monosexuality related sessions to be integrated in the next biannual conference and not only in a pre-conference event.

We also wish ILGA ASIA to be an incubator for the Asian Bi-Movement by facilitating the collaboration between individuals, activists and organizations. Dedication of funds for research and activism is vital. 49 WOMEN’S STATEMENT

More than 30 people from all areas of Asia partic- Women are continuously disrupting the norm and ipated in the women’s pre-conference at 8th ILGA breaking the rules through claiming their auton- Asia held in Seoul, South Korea, from August 18th omy. Whilst issues regarding bodily autonomy to 24th 2019. The following outcomes has been and gender expression do not exclusively impact prepared as the basis for next women’s pre-confer- women, the ways in which these impact women ence and continuing conversations. are different from other identities.

Women experience intersecting forms of discrim- Colonization: The history of colonialism has ination and violence at various degrees and forms shaped the norms and social status of women, throughout our lives. However, we persist in the which results in backlash from society when it face of such hardship. In the Asian context, women comes to gender-related policy implementing, for are often forced to confirm gender norms and are example, sex education is still considered as taboo often met with stigma and violence. Even in the in some area. face of this, women resist and find ways to work against situations which would seek to oppress us. Security: Women in different locations face com- Our experiences are often belittled, looked down plex issues around security. The levels and types of on or ignored, whether intentionally or not. activism which can occur in these spaces vary as well. Climate change and natural disasters dispro- We value and amplify all women’s experience, portionally impact women, and are more likely to which includes trans women, women with disa- place women in vulnerable positions both physi-

together4change bilities, poor women and so on. When addressing cally and economically. Another serious issue for women’s issues, we emphasise that the solution to security for women is the state-sponsored censor- gender violence should come from the most im- ship and surveillance on the general public. pacted community. Education: Education matters for how our so- Thus, we demand space to tell our stories. In the ciety progress. There is a lack of access to edu- face of arbitrary persecution and dangerous situa- cation (including formal school, complehensive tions, we urge the international community to lis- sexuaity education, Sexual Reproductive Health ten to our experience and support our organizing and Rights, Human Right Education and LGBT+ for bringing meaningful changes. We care deeply identity education) that speaks to women’s needs for all women of diverse backgrounds and see the in all ages. An unequal distribution of educational following problems in the situation as it stands. resources among women negatively impacts women of marginalised identities. Questions we raised and discussed at this pre-conference are highlighted below: Marginalized groups: Women hold multilayers of identities that have been socially and historically Bodily autonomy: Gender norms across borders marginalised, which includes but not limited to have long dictated how one expresses themselves. SOGIESC, ethnicity and race, social, economic and Women’s dress and gender expression are heavily culture, health and conditions, immigration status influenced by political, particarical, and traditional included stateless, refugee and asylum seekers and ways of expression which can lead to low self-es- migrants, sex workers, people living with HIV and teem, mental health problems and dissatisfaction. AIDS, women in prison and many others which 50

8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report diverst women from accessing basic needs and and gender-inclusive education of families, we can rights. increase allyship and utilise those in power to aid in the fight for our rights. Patriarchy, Fundamentalism, Militarism and Globalisation: From households to military bases Documentation: To advance our shared goals as to national politics, social institutions are actively Asian women, we need to build our coalition on fueling gender violence against all women. Wom- strong mutual understanding of each others’ en, especially queer women, are using creative experiences and stories. Without evidence-based strategies to challenge patriarchy at its root--fam- documentation of all women’s experiences on the ily! As queers, our movement is at the frontline ground, these stories will be lost. Thus, we urge of imagining alternative intimate and family greater emphasis on documenting the lived expe- structures. From how we dress to how we form riences of women across this region. our family, we creatively combat the patriarchy in their daily lives and find ways to refuse traditional Capacity building: Provide capacity building gender norms. support directly to women and women-led groups

who are working on the above issues. We urge 2019 States: We are women, and we demand protection the philanthropic partners to go beyond pro- from social and legal institutions. Many times, due gram-based funding models but instead promote the lack of consideration of women experiences in core development of women’s rights advocates and policy making process, women often suffer from their teams. insufficient law and policies. Women’s experiences and considerations should be taken into account Networks: We recommend active engagement when writing and enforcing laws and policies. with grassroots organisations which work with women and give access to a network so that great- Customary Law: There is an intersection between er strategic alliances may be built across organisa- fundamentalism, militarism, patriarchal and glo- tions in support of each other’s goals. balization which reinforce injustice within justice systems. This is rooted in cultural, religious and Solidarity across borders: We recommend great- practical considerations in many contexts which er engagement with local, regional, and national unequally, negatively impact queer women on the organisations across borders so that all may be basis of their Gender Identity and Sexual Orienta- aware of the issues taking place in other areas and tion. Women in many spaces are unable to access show solidarity in order to keep up the good fight. and come under the protection of judicial and customary law due to their Gender Identity and We call upon ILGA Asia to adopt this statement Sexual Orientation. as supportive of the Asian Queer Women’s movement. We recognise that there is much work yet Education: We recommend broader support for to be done but draw hope from the work of many education targeting both queer women and their women’s groups across the region. We call to family members, who can build a ground floor action ILGA Asia and ILGA world for its ongoing to uplift all people. At the end, Asian families are support of Asian Queer Women’s movement the the first and often the last support system people work and rights of women in this region in build- turn to in harsh situations. Through investing in ing networks and power. 51 LESBIAN CAUCUS STATEMENT

23 August 2019 (ICCPR), to which many Asian states are bound to, mention the right to found a family. However, On 19 August 2019, ILGA Asia created space for Asian states fail in their implementation and set the first ever lesbian pre-conference at the biannu- limitations and conditions that exclude rainbow al regional conference. It was important for us to families from protection by law and in practice. gather as lesbians to create a safer space to address Lesbian couples who try to form a family face the multiple intersecting human rights challenges different ways of direct and indirect discrimina- we face. Some of the key issues we raised were the tion and violation of their right to form a family. following: Lesbian and single women in Asia cannot access assisted reproductive technology. Even in coun- How to Reclaim the Family tries such as Taiwan where marriage equality has been achieved, lesbian couples are still unable to Family as an institution must have equality, com- adopt. The rest of Asia has yet to legally recognise passion, autonomy and care at its core, and yet in lesbian couples. This not only violates the rights reality we see how traditional families values and of lesbian couples, but it also violates the rights of patriarchal constructions of the idea of family and the children so many of us are already parenting. gender roles reproduce violence and discrimina- In addition, the partners of lesbian women with tion against lesbians. These patriarchal values and a biological child are not legally recognised as acts of violence move across private and public co-parent. spheres, and exacerbate the violence and discrim-

together4change ination that is perpetuated against lesbians in Fundamentalisms and the impact on socio-eco- public institutions and society at large. Across our nomic and legal frameworks contexts, lesbians are continually at risk of forced marriage, which also leads to economic insecurity, There is the interlink between multiple funda- lack of autonomy and social mobility, and being mentalisms (religious, economic, nationalist), under the control of the family and husband. Les- globalisation, the securitisation and militarisation bians are also targets of so called “corrective rape”, of states and communities, and patriarchy which “honor killings”, acid attacks, and other forms of together create and reinforce unjust socio-legal torture intended to dehumanise—by the family, systems, through which discriminatory custom- community, and informal courts. We need imme- ary laws and practices proliferate with impunity. diate action to fight against such deeply rooted This impacts on the already limited progressive violence against lesbians. socio-legal framework (laws, policies and social development programmes) that can be used to Many of our strategising includes working to- protect the lives of lesbians and the LGBTIQ com- wards diverse family structures that reflect our munity broadly, including children of LGBTIQ realities. This includes “rainbow families”, with families in many countries in Asia. same sex parents, and/or queer and trans children, that exists all across Asia For example, we continue to see violence against . lesbians—whether cis, trans or intersex, carried Article 16 of the Universal Declaration of Human out through the informal application of regressive Rights (UDHR) and Article 23 of the The Inter- interpretations of religious based laws or ideolo- national Covenant on Civil and Political Rights gies across all major religions in the region (Hin- 52

8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report du, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian). We also see an Employment increase in the penalisation of lesbians through the application of the colonial laws criminalising Lesbian women face numerous challenges at many “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” levels in the workplace. And, this is worsened when that remain in the formal legal frameworks of their sexual orientation and gender identity intersect many of our countries. with other marginalised identities (indigenous women, ethnic minority members, lower caste members, Therefore it is impossible to achieve access to justice stateless, migrants, living with disabilities, living with for lesbians without an integrated and comprehensive HIV, refugees, internally displaced, people using understanding of these larger interlinked systems of drugs, sex workers, asylum seekers and more). oppressions. We need to mobilise through multiple avenues, including addressing the root causes of Firstly, lesbian women are less likely to acquire the overty, displacement, migration, and gender based necessary academic qualifications and even when discrimination in order to achieve development jus- this is the case, to be hired after an interview. They tice, human rights for all, and a stronger movement have therefore less professional opportunities and towards rights regardless of our sexual orientation, progression which in turn leads to poverty, lack of 2019 gender identity and expression and sex characteris- social protection, risk of sexual harassment, lower tics (SOGIESC). income, poorer physical, mental and psychological health. Education Within companies, lesbians are affected by the gen- The lack of comprehensive sexual education at the der pay gap: they earn less than men and in some foundation of school curricula, along with the lack of cases earn less than straight women and are often left awareness and access to sexual reproductive health with hard physical jobs normally performed by men. and rights and inclusion of SOGIESC, and stigma on the basis of SOGIESC of young people espe- Companies are mostly heteronormative environ- cially lesbians, lead to a lack of understanding and ments where lesbian women are disadvantaged self-confidence, marginalisation, discrimination, and often face discrimination and diverse forms of social isolation, school uniform and facility (includ- gender-based violence (including harassment, bullying bathrooms and changing rooms) policies based ing, mockery, and performance appraisal policies). In solely on legally recognised gender, the normalisa- many companies there’s a lack of safe spaces, inclu- tion of bullying (including cyber bullying) along with sive policies (including access to social welfare and the lack of channels for protection and mechanisms company benefits) and reporting mechanisms. This to stop any forms of violence based on SOGIESC, is compounded by the lack of knowledge and accept- mental health issues, lower academic knowledge and ance regarding SOGIESC issues on how to imple- performance, and high levels of drop out amongst ment policies and codes of conduct, and the absence lesbian students who cannot identify the school of SOGIESC awareness which make the working environment as safe spaces. This affects not only environment particularly hostile for a lot of lesbians students, but also teachers and school professionals. in Asia. And this leads to increased difficulties in entering the workforce.

53 Mental Health 3) Ensure feminist organisers are present and strengthening this approach to make the conference Lesbians suffer from social isolation, discrimination, and movement more intersectional and inclusive stigmatisation and violence. There is not only external influences but also internal pressures within our 4) Ensure the conference accepts more workshops & own community. We internalise heteronormative sessions led by lesbians, that bring an intersectional frameworks and historical frameworks that discrim- lens to our organising issues inate against lesbians. In many contexts, conversion therapy is imposed onto lesbians. The community is To ILGA Asia as a network: also struggling with issues around domestic and intimate partner violence and support for such issues. 1) Ensure that lesbians are represented equally in the leadership structure, and involved in all levels of This leads to deep physical emotional, psychological decision-making. and spiritual suffering and mental health problems: distorted self-image, inability to claim body autono- 2) Ensure any program support intended to address my, emotional anguish, social isolation and depres- LBQ issues, is led by LBQ people. sion, worsened by unequal access to health care services and support. The existing system is influenced To Donors supporting LGBTI and Women’s Rights in by historical prejudices, both formal and informal, Asia: and impacted by current social and political climates.

together4change This prevents lesbians from accessing and owning 1) Address the reality that grassroots collectives and our own solutions. In order for us to fully live our organisations often cannot register or access formal best lives we need access to mental health services funding channels, by providing more direct, flexible which are catered to our needs for self care and well- and core funding support to lesbian-led organisa- being as lesbians. tions at the grassroots and community level

What Do We Want? 2) Address the reality that lesbians face greater challenges in terms of visible organising across Asia, by As lesbians, we urge the LGBTIQ movement to creating priority strategies to fund movement build- strengthen support for lesbian led organising across ing work by and for lesbians Asia. We simply need more active solidarity across lesbian struggles for rights and justice. 3) Strategically provide funding and capacity-building support to lesbian-led networks, organisations To ILGA Asia, we make the following recommenda- and groups, regionally and nationally across Asia, so tions for the conference: that as a movement we can fill the gaps in research, analysis, strategies and programming to support 1) Ensure pre-lesbian conference equality and equity lesbians in Asia. in timing and resources allocated 4) To coordinate joint funding support towards the 2) Increase representation and visibility of lesbian led first ever Asia Lesbian Conference, led by the Asian organising and initiatives through the content Lesbian Network that we are bringing together.

8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report ILGA-ASIA INTERSEX PRE-CONFERENCE RESOLUTION

ILGA-Asia Conference, Seoul should instrumentalise intersex issues as a 19th August 2019 means for other ends. • Engage in intersex education to dispel mis- Between the 8th and 11th February 2018, the first conceptions and stigma around intersex people. Asian Intersex Forum took place in Bangkok, • Support intersex actvists and organisations in Thailand. During the Forum, participants founded the struggle for visibility, increase their capac- Intersex Asia - the first regional network of Asian ity, the building of knowledge and the affirma- human rights-based intersex organisations and tion of their human rights. intersex activists working for the rights of intersex people, communities and movements. This was a historical moment for the visibility and recognition of intersex human rights in Asia.

The Asian Intersex Forum and Intersex Asia recall and affirm the principles of the Public Statement by the Third International Intersex Forum (known 2019 as the Malta Declaration), the Intersex Statement from the Intersex Pre-Conference at ILGA-Asia 2017, and extend the demands aimed at ending discrimination against intersex people, promoting and protecting the human rights of intersex people in Asia, and to ensure the rights to life, bodily integrity, physical autonomy and self-determina- tion.

Between the 15th and 17th August 2019, during the 2nd Asian Intersex Forum participants re-affirmed the Public Statement (see below) and discussed the Statement during the Intersex Pre-Conference on Monday 19th August.

Intersex participants and members at the IL- GA-Asia Intersex Pre-Conference call upon ILGA members in Asia to: • Support and approve the Public Statement by the Asian Intersex Movement, as a sign of solidarity and commitment towards intersex human rights in Asia. • Contribute to building bridges with intersex organisations and build a basis for mutual support and meaningful engagement. This should be done in a spirit of collaboration and no-one 55 YOUTH STATEMENT

During 8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference in as homeless of youth and the sustainable liveli- Seoul, South Korea young people came together hood of elderly individuals. during the youth pre-conference to discuss issues regarding SOGIESC rights of young people in the 7. To ensure a safe space where sexual harass- region. These recommendations reflect the out- ment and violence is never tolerated especially comes of the youth pre-conference and its partici- for those especially vulnerable, including youth. pants. 8. To decrease the ILGA membership fees for We, therefore, agreed to put forward the following youth organizations in Asia. recommendations to the ILGA Asia Board and the regional body. Signed: Justin Francis Bionat, Philippines 1. To provide young LGBTIQ people with an Tashi Tsheten, Bhutan enabling and safe space to dialogue with stake- Abhi Muchtar, Indonesia holders and benefactors to ensure support for Mandy Chng, Singapore youth-led LGBTIQ movements in the region. Doan Thanh Tung, Viet Nam Blaine Shinwook Mangjul, Korea 2. To increase the visibility and support of Tamani Rarama, Fiji young people to participate in national, region- Saw Zin Maung Soe, Myanmar al, and international platforms by ensuring Mai Nhu Thien An, Vietnam

together4change non-tokenistic engagement through schol- Thai Ngoc Phung, Vietnam arships, youth-specific spaces, and youth-led Shan, China decision making. Lîm Minae Khînlúi, Taiwani Nicki Rangoon, Myanmar 3. To build young people’s technical capaci- Gopi Shankar Madurai, India ties, such as through mentorship and network Tiffany Gwee, Singapore support, such as proposal-writing and financial Vanessa Chaniago, Indonesia management. Phong Vuong Kha, Vietnam Daryl Goh, Singapore 4. To ensure the inclusion of youth in the whole Harsha Hayathi, India process of any national, regional or international programming from designing the program to feedback and evaluation of the results.

5. To coordinate youth networks for a holistic and collaborative effort to address the issues of young people, especially in supporting the development of youth networks.

6. To include language around intergenerational justice and intergenerational work to address the needs of age-oppressed populations, such 56

8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report 2019

57 FEEDBACKS FROM PARTICIPANTS

Final evaluation from participants revealed that ing alone in the professional group or activist almost all the sessions were rated above average by group. But when I turned to Asia, I seemed to all participants, with more than 60% of all rat- be able to experience and learn first hand that ings were given to the highest score (5). The most there could be any number of other possibil- favorite session was “Coming Out Story – Parents ities, such as new resources and activities. It of LGBTIQ+ people”, with 100% highest rating. seemed amazing to me that I was so directly The other top rating sessions include “UPR best supported and comforted by meeting activists practices” during the UN Advocacy and Research from other regions and confirming their exist- preconference, speeches and performances during ence. It also helped me to realize the importance the opening ceremony, “Marriage Equality Cam- of broader solidarity and networking beyond paigns in Taiwan and Japan”, and “Let’s talk about Korea.” the conversation therapy in Asia”. “The meal breaks and Coffee Break also helped Participants either like the venue or dislike it. to organize meetings with previously un- Nine out of 10 participants were completely satis- planned groups. We had a meaningful meeting fied with facilities, catering and services provided with family/youth activists at the Tongzhi Hot- at the venue, while 1 out of 10 was not happy with line in Taiwan. My participation was supported them, with almost no one in between. by a scholarship, which was a fairly expensive price for the individual or group of activists. Some of the feedbacks from local participants: I hope that there will be a place where I can

together4change share my experiences with other Korean partic- “There are so many countries in Asia. Korea, ipants.” China, Japan, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Laos, Nepal, Philippines, “Iranian activists said West Asia still has a etc. It’s even difficult to count. The activists who death penalty. The reality of Southwest Asia, participated in the conference were of different even at ILGA ASIA and ILGA WORLD, doesn’t nationalities and ages, and showed a slight- get to be shown well. This remark made me ly different perception and pattern of queer, think deeply about intersectionality.” depending on the religious, social, cultural and economic conditions of each country. I was “It was the first time I saw a hotel in the center ashamed of the fact that I had a narrow field of of Seoul colored in rainbow colors.” view without thinking that there would be so many differences and voices.” “Regarding the exchange between Korean activists and foreign activists, I think it was a very “Listening to the situation in other countries positive factor that simultaneous interpretation was also a great study and reference, but it was provided in all sessions of this forum.” seems to me that the time when other activists listened to the situation in Korea, asked ques- “One thing is certain. Two years later, I would tions, and seriously discussed them together, like to participate in the Asia Conference 2021 was pretty special. In addition, sometimes I was and the World Conference 2021 to exchange overwhelmed by the feeling that I was work- with sexual minority activists in each region.” ing alone in Korea, and I found myself work- 58

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59 MEDIA COVERAGE

Traditional Media Coverage - The Korea Times:http://m.koreatimes.co.kr/ Korean articles: pages/article.asp?newsIdx=274539 There were several Korean media visited the con- - The Hankyoreh:http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/ ference. First of all, one of the biggest liberal news- english_edition/e_international/906729.html paper Hankyoreh and one of the most popular broadcasting news JTBC came to the conference Social Media - Hashtag #together4change and interviewed IE SOGI. The Hankyoreh pub- - Twitter: 226 related tweets lished three articles mentioning the conference - Facebook: 25 public posts and the main news article introduces the meaning - Instagram: 42 related posts of this conference in Asia and Korea. Some news- papers including The Seoulshinmun Daily inter- Website - seoul2019.org viewed and covered ILGA Asia’s member organi- - Unique visitors: 9,754 (highest peak: August with sation like Taiwanese Tongzhi Hotline. 2,182 unique visitors) - Visits: 11.2k (hightes peak: August with 2,305 - Yonhap News Agency: https://www.yna.co.kr/ visits) view/AKR20190821055900004 *4,942 (44%) visited the website directly, 1,472 - The Hankyoreh:http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/ (13%) visited from Facebook, 388 (3%) visitied society/women/906607.html, http://www.hani. from newsletter. co.kr/arti/society/women/906625.html, http:// - Page views: 27.7k (highest peak: February with www.hani.co.kr/arti/society/women/907659. 5,593 views)

together4change html - Visit by country: R.O.K (2,760 / 22.8%) - U.S - The Seoulshinmun Daily: https://www.seoul. (1,094 / 9.02%) - Indonesia (888 / 7.32%) - Thai- co.kr/news/newsView.php?id=20190823012004 land (748 / 6.17%) - Japan (732 / 6.04%) - Taiwan - JTBC: http://news.jtbc.joins.com/article/arti- (478 / 3.94%) - India (441 / 3.64%) - Pakistan (404 cle.aspx?news_id=NB11869281 / 3.33%) - Philippines (388 / 3.20%) - Hong Kong - NewsNJoy: http://www.newsnjoy.or.kr/news/ (311 / 2.56 %) - China (296 / 2.44%) - Vietnam articleView.html?idxno=224937 (289 / 2.38%) - Singapore (261 / 2.15%) - U.K (224 - Media Today: http://www.mediatoday.co.kr/ / 1.85%) - Nepal (223 / 1.84%) - Malaysia (205 / news/articleView.html?idxno=201888 1.69%) - Bangladesh (174 / 1.43%) ... Cambodia (110 / 0.91%) - Myanmar (108 / 0.89%) ... Sri Lanka (84 English articles: / 0.69%) ... Lebanon (65 / 0.54%) ... Mongolia (45 / There was no International media came to the 0.37%) ... Bhutan (33 / 0.27%) ... Iran (20 / 0.16%) conference (improvement point - One journalist ... Macau (18 / 0.15%) ... East Timor (11 / 0.09%) ... from the Thomson Reuters showed interests, but Laos (5 / 0.04%) couldn’t make it to the even. And unfortunately (from January 2019) international media based in Seoul did not come to the event.). However, the Korean newspaper Guidebook App translated its Korean news article to English arti- - Guide downloads: 222 cles. The Korea Times interviewed new ILGA Asia - Guide sessions: 23,067 co-chairs at New Zealand Ambassassy’s reception - Unique Guide users: 258 (on August 19, 2019) and The Hankyoreh translated their article of IE - Total time spent in Guide: 12.4 days SOGI to English. - Unique Guide users: 60

8th ILGA Asia Regional Conference Report - Check-ins: 126 - Chat messages sent: 108

Mailings There were three mailings sent before the conference. (May 16, 2019 / June 11, 2019 / July 30, 2019) 2019

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