Understanding the ICD: Its History, Organisation, and Engaging Asia and the Pacific in the Revision Process

In concert with the International Day of Action for Trans Depathologisation on 22 October 2016, the Asia Pacific Transgender Network has developed the following discussion paper on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) within the World Health Organisation in relation to transgender issues to help local trans activists in the region understand the classification system and prepare to engage the revision process for the ICD. The ICD is now in edition 10 (ICD-10) and edition 11 (ICD-11) is in preparation.

This paper aims to answer the questions:

  1. What is the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems and why is it important to trans people?
  2. What do I need to know about ICD?
  3. What steps should I take to get involved in the process?

Read our full discussion paper to learn more. If you’re interested in further information or working with APTN in the ICD revision, please contact our Human Rights & Advocacy Officer, Cianán Russell, at cianan.russell@weareaptn.org

Other APTN products about ICD and transgender health issues:

Publication download: Blueprint on the Provision of Comprehensive Care for Trans People and Trans Communities in Asia and the Pacific
Public statement: ILGA Asia Trans* Pre-conference – Statement on Gender Incongruence in Childhood
Video: Demanding Care: Stories of Transgender Healthcare Discrimination in Thailand
Publication download: Removal of gender incongruence of childhood diagnostic category: a human rights perspective, The Lancet Psychiatry, Volume 3, No. 5, p405–406, May 2016
Video: Trans Rights Are Human Rights

DOWNLOAD THE JOINT STATEMENT

Urgent Call to Action: Defend the Human Rights Council Resolution

The mandate of the new UN Special Rapporteur on SOGI is being challenged. All UN member states get a vote – so make sure your government hears from you! In opposition to the resolution challenging the Special Rapporteur, APTN has released a joint statement with our partners, ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, Pacific Sexual Diversity Network, ILGA Asia, and APCOM.


Joint Statement: Defend the Human Rights Council Resolution

On June 30th 2016 the United Nation Human Rights Council for the first time adopted the HRC resolution 32/2 on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, a remarkable milestone for LGBTIQ persons and communities around the world. The resolution was sponsored by Latin American states including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay. With 23 votes in favor, 18 against and 6 abstentions, the resolution also sought to appoint the first Independent Expert (IE) on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) to address the violence and discrimination based on SOGI. During the 33rd session of the Human Rights Council in September 2016, Prof. Vitit Muntarbhorn professor of law at the Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand was appointed as the first IE on SOGIE, and should have commenced his work on 1 November 2016.

This remarkable achievement, however, is currently under major threat. A group of African States at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) has tabled a draft resolution (A/C 3/70/L.66) to seek for the deferral of the HRC resolution 32/2 – indefinitely, in order to allow time for further consultations to determine the legal basis of the IE has been submitted by a group of States at the UN General Assembly in New York. This would be harmful and derail anti-violence and non-discrimination efforts in relation to acknowledgement of human rights of LGBTIQ under international human rights law. Such a move would also be destructive to the institutional integrity of the Human Rights Council, and its relationship with the UN’s Third Committee, and undermine strength or legitimacy of the human rights system.

The vote on the propose draft will be on November 8th, 2016. In relation to this, we, LGBTIQ civil society urge all countries to vote against the drafted resolution. Let us show our solidarity by contacting your government’s foreign affairs ministry in your capital and their Ambassador in New York and urge them to:
● Reject any attempt at undermining the mandate of the SOGI Independent Expert
● Resist the language in resolution questioning the mandate and deferring consideration to the Council’s resolution
● Defend and uphold the integrity and independence of the Human Rights Council and its decision

Spread this message, and let us show our solidarity!!

You can also sign the online petition to oppose this resolution.

DOWNLOAD THE JOINT STATEMENT

Victory!: UN SOGI Independent Expert mandate will stand

LGBTI activists from Asia and the Pacific welcome the decision of the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on the protection of the human rights of LGBTI people around the world, while reaffirming the legitimate mandates of the Human Rights Council. On 21 November, the UNGA rejected a move that aims to weaken the legitimately established Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (IESOGI). Resolution A/C.3/71/L.46 (2016) proposed to postpone the IESOGI mandate pending UN investigation into the lawfulness of the Expert. This would have effectively caused serious repercussions on the IESOGI to perform his role in protecting the rights of LGBTI persons and halted all efforts of the Expert indefinitely.

In a Joint Statement issued on 7 November 2016, the undersigned, ASEAN SOGIE Caucus (ASC), ILGA ASIA, the Asia Pacific Transgender Network (APTN), the Pacific Sexual Diversity Network (PSDN), and APCOM, voiced opposition to this resolution and encouraged our partners to contact their respective UN Missions – and with this help, the resolution was defeated. Success! The IESOGIE mandate will move forward, thanks in part to this work.

We encourage our partners to continue to be vocal in contacting their country UN Missions – our voices do count!

DOWNLOAD THE JOINT STATEMENT

LGBTIQ Regional Organizations from Asia Pacific Welcome the Decision of UNGA Plenary Meeting to Safeguard the Mandate of Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI)

On Monday, December 19th, a group of states attempted to halt the mandate of the Independent Expert on the “protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). The position of Independent Expert in SOGI was created by the
passing of UN Human Rights Council resolution A/HRC/RES/32/2 in June of this year and is held by Vitit Muntarbhorn, a Thai human rights expert. The Independent Expert began his work in November. The first attempt to block this resolution was during the UNGA third committee meeting in November. The mandate of IE on SOGI was safeguarded with 84 countries voting in favour, 77 against and 17 abstentions. The vote on Monday will be the second hostile attempt to defer the mandate by introducing the amendment A/71/45.

We welcome the decision of the United Nations General Assembly.

Today’s defeat of the hostile amendment was remarkable and brought impact (84 voted against, 77 voted in favour and 16 abstentions on the proposed amendment A/71/45). The SOGI Independent Expert will continue with his work to document LGBTIQ human rights violations globally. With the increasing of threats and violence against LGBTIQ persons in many countries, the role of Independent Expert on SOGI becomes more important to bring these issues within then international level. The established mechanism will give assurance to LGBTIQ persons worldwide that we are fully entitled for protection under the international human rights law. We would convey our huge appreciation for the Asia Pacific countries who decided to stand with us and voted against the hostile amendment1. We, the undersigned below, are committed to support the mandate holder to end discrimination and violence as well as to achieve the enjoyment of
human rights for LGBTIQ persons.

Signed by:

Ryan Silverio, Regional Coordinator, ASEAN SOGIE Caucus (ASC)

Hiker Chiu, Co-Chair, ILGA ASIA

Abhina Aher, Chair Person, Regional Steering Committee, APTN

Joey Joleen Mataele, President, Pacific Sexual Diversity Network

Midnight Poonkasetwattana, Executive Director, APCOM

DOWNLOAD THE JOINT STATEMENT

Joint Statement on Trans Meeting with the United Nations Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Trans activists from 5 continents met with the newly-appointed UN Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (IE SOGI), Dr. Vitit Muntarbhorn, on 26 January 2017 in Geneva, Switzerland to bring special attention to the issues facing trans and gender diverse people and communities around the world. This was a historic meeting. It was the first discussion convened specifically by and for trans-led organisations in order to interact with UN Special Procedures. The IE SOGI mandate has experienced significant challenges since it was created by the Human Rights Council in June 2016, surviving three close votes in the UN General Assembly aiming at deferring it indefinitely.

“This meeting, the first of its kind focused only on trans issues and gender identity with a UN Special Procedure, is a vital step in the global movement for trans rights”, says Mauro Cabral, Executive Director of Global Action for Trans Equality. Ricky Nathanson, from the Southern Africa Trans Forum adds, “We are encouraged by the Independent Expert’s engagement and look forward to continued interactions as he works to fulfill his mandate.”

The undersigned attended the meeting with the Independent Expert and are committed to continued support of the mandate to help ensure that Gender Identity is holistically addressed in the Expert’s work equally alongside Sexual Orientation. We encourage our partners, trans activists, and trans communities to continue to be vocal in contacting the UN IE SOGI – our voices count!

Signed by:
Mauro Cabral, Global Action for Trans Equality (GATE)
EriKa Castellanos, C-NET+, Collaborative Network of People Living with HIV
Zhan Chiam, International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA)
Julia Ehrt, Transgender Europe (TGEU)
Micah Grzywnowicz, Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Rights (RFSL)
Aizhan Kadralieva, Labrys (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Organization)
Ricky Nathanson, Southern Africa Trans Forum
Kemal Ordek, Red Umbrella Sexual Health and Human Rights Association (Kırmızı Şemsiye)
Cianán B. Russell, Asia Pacific Transgender Network (APTN)
Amets Suess, International Campaign Stop Trans Pathologization (STP)

Download The Statement

DOWNLOAD THE STATEMENT

APTN’s New Thai Foundation Board and Regional Steering Committee

The Asia Pacific Transgender Network (APTN) is pleased to announce the new Thai Foundation Board and Regional Steering Committee. Please join us in welcoming our new Thai Foundation Board Members:

  • Kath Khangpiboon;
  • Thitiyanun Nakpor;
  • Rena Janamnuaysook.

And Regional Steering Committee Members:

  • Abhina Aher (India);
  • Phylesha Brown-Acton (New Zealand);
  • Nada Chaiyajait (Thailand);
  • Chase Go Tolentino (Philippines);
  • Sulique Waqa (Fiji).

As a registered organization, APTN has a Thai Foundation board that oversee the finances and assets of the Foundation. They are legally responsible for presenting activity reports, financial report, balance sheets and income and expenditure accounts to the Ministry of Interior as required by law. With assistance from the Secretariat, the Thai Foundation Board oversees all work permits and work visas for non-Thai staff.

However, the Thai Foundation Board members respecting the fact that APTN is a regional network and thereby requires greater inclusivity discharge governance duties to the APTN Steering Committee on the condition that it ensures that the Foundation is upholding its objectives and operating within the laws of Kingdom of Thailand. The Steering Committee is the body that establishes and oversees the vision, mission, and strategic objectives of APTN ensuring that its activities and finances are managed in a responsible manner and in accordance with its strategic plan.

The profile of the new Thai Foundation Board and Regional Steering Committee is now available on APTN website.

For further information, please contact:

Joe Wong
Programme Manager
Email: joe.wong@weareaptn.org

Natt Kraipet
Network Coordinator
Email: natt.kraipet@weareaptn.org

APTN: Transgender Rights and Health Report Points to Progress, Gaps in Asia-Pacific

“The Blueprint is intended to provide information about the current health and human rights situation for trans people in Asia and the Pacific, including clinical advice for meeting the health needs of trans people,” said Joe Wong, Programme Manager at APTN. “We hope this becomes a central reference document for trans community advocates, health professionals, policymakers, and those who design or deliver services to trans people.”

The Blueprint was developed as a partnership between APTN, UNDP, and the USAID- and PEPFAR-funded Health Policy Project. The Pacific Sexual Diversity Network was involved in the process to ensure that the voices and experiences of Pacific trans people are visible, alongside those of trans women, trans men and third gender people from all parts of Asia.

“This Blueprint builds the case for changing laws, policies, and practices so that trans people are able to participate fully in every country and community across this region,” said Wong. “Trans peoples’ human rights, including the right to health, have been cemented by multiple international bodies. It’s time for governments to make these rights a reality.”

APTN will document how people use the Blueprint and any progress achieved on the policy considerations listed in the report. Please visit their website, The Asia Pacific Trans Health Blueprint in Action, to report how the document is being used in your community advocacy.

For more information, please contact:

Joe Wong
Programme Manager
Email:joe.wong@weareaptn.org

Natt Kraipet
Network Coordinator
Email:natt.kraipet@weareaptn.org

Appointment of Regional Steering Committee 2015 – 2018

Bangkok, Thailand

The Asia Pacific Transgender Network (APTN) was launched in 2009 in Bangkok, Thailand as the first and only Asia Pacific regional transgender network advocating for the rights of transgender people and their legal recognition. Since 2009, APTN has slowly and steadily with strong support of various transgender activists, groups, networks, allies and organizations have moved collectively towards establishing as a strong network, building its growth to achieving goals that foster societies that uphold, respect, and protect the diversity, safety, equality and dignity of transgender people.

The APTN is registered in Thailand as a regional transgender network in the Asia Pacific region. On 22 September 2015, the APTN announced it’s new Thai Foundation Board (TFB) and its Regional Steering Committee (RSC) through its web page.

The APTN is pleased to announce that from 28 September – 2 October 2015, the Governance and Strategic Development Planning Meeting was held in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The Thai Foundation Board and RSC determined their responsibilities and functional relationships as a governing bodies of APTN.

The APTN RSC are pleased to announce the functional roles of its newly appointed members as follows;

  • Chairperson Abhina Aher – INDIA
  • Vice Chairperson Phylesha Brown-Acton – NEW ZEALAN
  • Secretary Chase Tolentino – PHILLIPPINE
  • Treasurer Nada Chaiyajit – THAILAND
  • Executive Member Sulique Waqa – FIJI

The term served by the current APTN RSC will be for three years (2015 – 2018) with yearly rotation of responsibilities. Profiles of the APTN RSC are attached as an annexure for your reference. The RSC will continue to support Thai Foundation board and the APTN secretariat to achieve APTN goals and ensure the stronger transgender movement in the region.

The meeting was funded by the Robert Carr Civil Society Networks Fund and supported by UNDP, UNAIDS and International HIV/AIDS Alliance. It was facilitated by Sarah Zaidi.

On behalf of APTN RSC, TFB and Secretariat, we welcome your input and look forward to your kind support and coordination in future!

ข่าวแจกสื่อ (Press Release): ชุมชนคนข้ามเพศร่วมเรียกร้องการปฏิบัติที่เท่าเทียมและบริการสุขภาพแบบรอบด้าน

4 เมษายน 2559 – มูลนิธิเอเชียแปซิฟิค ทรานส์เจนเดอร์ เนตเวิร์ค (APTN) ร่วมกับเครือข่ายเพื่อนกะเทยไทย จัดงานเสวนา “หยุดการเลือกปฏิบัติต่อคนข้ามเพศ Demanding Care: Transgender Health Discrimination in Thailand” ณ โรงแรมโนโวเทล เพลินจิต โดยภายในงานมีการเปิดตัววิดีโอ “Demanding Care: Stories of Transgender Healthcare Discrimination in Thailand” ซึ่งรวบรวมประสบการณ์ของคนข้ามเพศ ในการถูกเลือกปฏิบัติ และต่อด้วยการเสวนา “เมื่อคนข้ามเพศถูกละเมิด” โดยคณะวิทยากรที่มีความชำนาญประเด็น คนข้ามเพศร่วมแลกเปลี่ยนประสบการณ์

คุณคทาวุธ ครั้งพิบูลย์ ประธานมูลนิธิ APTN และผู้ก่อตั้งเครือข่ายเพื่อนกะเทยไทย เป็นผู้กล่าวเปิดงาน โดยเน้นย้ำถึงความสำคัญของการทำงานสุขภาพของคนข้ามเพศควบคู่กับงานด้านสิทธิมนุษยชน ทุกคน รวมถึงคนข้ามเพศ ควรเข้าถึงบริการสุขภาพและสวัสดิการที่ครอบคลุมทุกด้านอย่างเท่าเทียมกัน งานเสวนามีผู้สนใจ เข้าร่วมกว่า คนจากชุมชนคนข้ามเพศ นักกิจกรรม คนทำงานด้านสุขภาพ รวมถึงตัวแทนจากองค์กรภาคี ทั้งไทยและต่างประเทศ

วิดีโอ “Stories of Transgender Healthcare Discrimination in Thailand” รวบรวมเรื่องเล่าของคนข้ามเพศ 16 คนจากพื้นเพที่หลากหลาย ที่ต่างล้วนมีประสบการณ์ถูกกีดกัด ถูกเลือกปฏิบัติเพราะความเป็นคนข้ามเพศ และร่วมกันส่งเสียงเพื่อยุติการเลือกปฏิบัติต่อคนข้ามเพศในทุกมิติ

เวทีเสวนา “เมื่อคนข้ามเพศถูกละเมิด (Trans Discrimination and Legal Protection)” เป็นเวทีร่วมแลกเปลี่ยนประสบการณ์โดยคณะวิทยากรที่มีความเชี่ยวชาญในประเด็นคนข้ามเพศจากหลายมิติ ได้แก่

*คุณเจษฎา แต้สมบัติ เครือข่ายเพื่อนกะเทยไทย*

เล่าถึงสถานการณ์การละเมิดสิทธิคนข้ามเพศในประเทศ ซึ่งยังคงเกิดขึ้นอยู่เป็นประจำแม้จะมีการทำงานสร้าง ความเข้าใจและงานรณรงค์ต่อต้านการกีดกัดและเลือกปฎิบัติด้วยเหตุแห่งเพศสภาพก็ตาม เครือข่ายเพื่อนกะเทยไทย ทำงานสื่อสารประเด็นคนข้ามเพศผ่านสื่อสาธารณะและโซเชี่ยลมีเดีย รวมถึงการสื่อสารผ่านเวทีวิชาการ/กึ่งวิชาการ ต่างๆ สังคมไทยเข้าใจสิทธิมนุษยชนของคนข้ามเพศมากขึ้นกว่าแต่ก่อนแต่ก็ยังมีการเลือกปฏิบัติอยู่ในหลายพื้นที่ เช่น ศาสนา ต้วเลือกในการทำงาน การศึกษา

*พญ.นิตยา ภานุภาค พึ่งพาพงศ์ ศูนย์วิจัยโรคเอดส์ สภากาชาดไทย*

เล่าประสบการณ์การจัดบริการสุขภาพสำหรับหลายกลุ่มประชากรที่ต้องบูรณาการความละเอียดอ่อนเรื่องเพศเข้าไปด้วย สำหรับบริการสุขภาพสำหรับคนข้ามเพศต้องจัดให้เหมาะสมกับความต้องการเฉพาะ เช่น การบำบัดด้วยฮอร์โมน การตรวจ 3 ช่องทาง การวางนโยบายสุขภาพสำหรับกลุ่มประชากรใดๆต้องอาศัยกระบวนการรับฟังความคิดเห็น เพื่อให้นโยบายและแนวปฏิบัตินำไปใช้ได้จริงและผู้รับบริการพึงพอใจ

*คุณฐิติญานันท์ หนักป้อ มูลนิธิซิสเตอร์*

ให้มุมมองต่อการตีตราและเลือกปฏิบัติคนข้ามเพศ ว่าคือการปฏิบัติต่อคนข้ามเพศด้วยความไม่เท่าเทียมบนอคติ แห่งเพศ ช่องว่างของการทำงานสุขภาพคนข้ามเพศกับงานสิทธิคือการแยกทำงานแบบแยกส่วน และคนทำงาน สุขภาพมักให้ความสำคัญกับงานสิทธิเป็นลำดับรองลงมา จากประสบการณ์การทำงานในพื้นที่พัทยา พบว่าการสร้าง ความเข้าใจร่วมกับกับตำรวจ ผู้นำท้องถิ่นและองค์กรของรัฐจะช่วยให้การทำงานสุขภาพกะเทย/สาวประเภทสอง ก้าวหน้ามากขึ้น

*คุณคาณัสนันท์ ดอกพุฒ FTM Bangkok*

แลกเปลี่ยนประสบการณ์การรวมกลุ่มของผู้ชายข้ามเพศ การรวบรวมและเผยแพร่ชุดความรู้ด้านสุขภาพสำหรับ ผู้ชายข้ามเพศ และร่วมงานขับเคลื่อนสิทธิทางเพศในระดับชาติ รวมถึงการสื่อสารสังคมประเด็นผู้ชายข้ามเพศ เพื่อสร้างความเข้าใจและลดอคติ

*อาจารย์รณภูมิ สามัคคีคารมย์ คณะสาธารณสุขศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์*

เล่าถึงปัญหาการละเมิดคนข้ามเพศที่มีการร้องเรียนเข้ามา เช่น การเกณฑ์ทหาร การถูกปฏิเสธบริการ พรบ.ความเท่าเทียมระหว่างเพศ พ.ศ.2558 ได้ให้ความคุ้มครองการเลือกปฏิบัติโดยไม่เป็นธรรมด้วยเหตุแห่งเพศ โดยมีกลไกรับเรื่องร้องเรียน กลไกการระงับมิให้มีการเลือกปฏิบัติและแนวทางการชดเชยเยียวยาผู้เสียหาย อุปสรรค ของการทำงานต้านการละเมิดสิทธิคนข้ามเพศมีหลายระดับ คนข้ามเพศส่วนใหญ่ไม่รู้สิทธิของตนและเมื่อถูกละเมิด ไม่รู้ว่าจะต้องทำอย่างไร

เวทีเสวนาได้เปิดโอกาสให้ผู้เข้าร่วมได้ซักถามวิทยากร และแลกเปลี่ยนข้อคิดเห็นต่อประเด็นที่ได้มีการพูด คุยบนเวที รวมถึงเสนอแนวทางเพื่อลด/ยุติการเลือกปฏิบัติต่อคนข้ามเพศ การสร้างการมีส่วนร่วมของครอบครัว เพื่อน ของคนข้ามเพศในการขับเคลื่อนประเด็นสิทธิคนข้ามเพศ และการสร้างความเข้มแข็งให้กับชุมชนคนข้ามเพศในงาน คุ้มครองสิทธิ

ลิ้งค์วิดีโอ “Stories of Transgender Healthcare Discrimination in Thailand” https://youtu.be/171phOukKAM

ท่านสามารถติดตามกิจกรรมและข่าวสารอื่นๆของมูลนิธิเอเชียแปซิฟิค ทรานส์เจนเดอร์ เนตเวิร์ค (APTN) ได้ทางเฟซบุ๊ค https://www.facebook.com/WeAreAPTN

ติดต่อสอบถามข้อมูล
joe.wong@weareaptn.org

Press release: Trans community in Thailand voices demands for comprehensive care and respect for human rights

BANGKOK, Monday 4th April 2016 – Thai trans community healthcare workers, health and rights activists, academics, and representatives from partner organisations gather today in the event “Demanding Care: Transgender Health Discrimination in Thailand” where the video “Demanding Care: Stories of Transgender Healthcare Discrimination in Thailand” is launched and accompanied by a panel “Trans Discrimination and Legal Protection”.

“I am excited to host this event. Trans health and discrimination issues are of utmost importance in improving Thai society. Thailand should focus on the health and wellbeing of all its citizens, including transgender people”, said Kath Khangpiboon, Chair of the Thai APTN Foundation and co-founder of the Thai Transgender Alliance, addressed participants from Thai trans women and trans men community and partner organisations who gather in support for trans health and rights cause.

The video “Stories of Transgender Healthcare Discrimination in Thailand” showcases 16 transwomen and transmen across Thailand from all walks of life. The storytellers recount their personal struggle of being discriminated as a trans person and their demands to end discrimination against trans people in all forms.

The panel “Trans Discrimination and Legal Protection” features Jetsada Taesombat (Thai Transgender Alliance), Dr.Nittaya Phanuphak (Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre), Thitiyanun Nakpor (Sister Foundation Pattaya), Kanusnun Dokput (FTM Bangkok), and Ronnapoom Samakkeekarom (Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University) with Kath Khangpiboon as moderator.

The discussion starts off with Thai Transgender Alliance describing their experience handling trans discrimination and rights violation cases using traditional and social media as well as their approach working with media in gender-sensitive reporting. Next on the panel is Dr. Nittaya, Chief of the Prevention Department at the Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre, who shares her experience in providing comprehensive health services for both trans men and trans women in Bangkok at Tangerine Community Health Care Centre, and recommends good practices for providing non-discriminatory services. The talk then shifts to Thitiyanun from Sister Pattaya, who manages trans community health programs in Pattaya where misconduct from law enforcement impedes the health and lives of trans women and trans sex workers. The moderator then gives floor to Kanusnun from FTM Bangkok to share his experience organizing trans men and his organisation’s work providing healthcare information and peer support for trans men as well as raising public awareness about trans men in Thai society and the visibility of trans men in the gender equality movement. The panel ends with Ronnapoom’s review of the existing legal framework in protecting rights of gender minorities, particularly trans people, citing the Gender Equality Act of 2015, for which he was part of the drafting and motion process.

The event also provided a space for facilitated discussion between participants to share concerns and experiences of discrimination as well as key actions to avoid discriminatory situations, how to engage family and friends as allies in trans activism, and how trans people should be empowered in light of legal protection.

For the video “Stories of Transgender Healthcare Discrimination in Thailand”, please click

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