Gender-LGBTIQ

Thailand’s marriage equality bill, which would legalize and recognize same-sex unions, passed its first reading in the upper house of parliament, a major milestone that could potentially make the country the first in Southeast Asia to do so.

Phuong Phan interviewing Nhung Dinh on her book: "Vagina Talks: Queer and Sexuality Lexicon"

Explore the Vietnam's LGBTIQ rights journey, from historic Article 37's 2015 victory allowing gender change, to challenges and successes. Despite uncertainties, progress continues as the movement forges on, echoing gratitude's lasting impact. A beacon for equality, it inspires a new era of activism, shaping a fairer society.

Valerie Hammond came out as a gay man when she was 17 before realizing that she is a trans woman. In sharing her personal experiences of becoming transgender two years ago, she reflects on the continual social discrimination and lack of legal rights the LGBTQIA+ community in Vietnam still face.

As the COVID-19 pandemic draws to a close, it will leave the vulnerable, especially countless LGBTQIA+ persons, desperate for deliverance and justice. In this regard, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) has become more significant than ever. It calls us to seek those who are scared and traumatized, and lift them from the rubbles.

An abundance of plastic is overwhelming our environment and threatening our health. There is a clear absence of gender-considerate approaches, even though women are significantly discriminated against, due to their increased exposure via household labor, work in the plastics industry, and use of menstrual plastic products. Female-led solutions to recycling and unpacking gender norms can contribute greatly to addressing this issue, though it remains a problem for everyone to deal with.

Most regions in the world have been – to some extent – affected by climate change, and Southeast Asian countries are no exception. Within the group of people who are affected,  recognition needs to be accentuated on the disproportionate impact of climate change along gender lines. It is essential for the region to further enhance their collaborative climate actions to respond to the need of a gender transformational change that will increase women’s resiliency toward the risk of climate change.