May 17, 2019
APTN is proud to join the global movement celebrating International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT). The theme for this year’s IDAHOT is Justice and Protection For All, an important and meaningful topic that is intertwined in all the work that APTN does.
Trans people experience lack of protections that extend to many areas of their lives and affects their personal safety and security, opportunities for meaningful and fulfilling employment, access to education, legal gender recognition, adequate housing, and appropriate and compassionate healthcare.
Throughout the region of Asia and the Pacific there are minimal protective laws throughout the region that ensure protection and non-discrimination of trans people. Many countries continue to use laws that criminalise and discriminate against trans people, including cross-dressing or impersonation laws and laws that criminalise sexwork. Violence against trans community members too often goes unresolved and redress is not obtained, resulting in trans communities to carry the burden of pain and injustice. There continues to be much progress that needs to be made to ensure trans people have equal rights and protection before the law and access to justice.
This IDAHOT, we urge governments work closely with trans communities to develop comprehensive protections for trans people. APTN is committed to working closely with trans communities, policymakers, government and civil society organisations to ensure justice and protection for the LGBTI community to ensure no one shall be left behind.