A Report on the Safety, Care, and Well-being of Southeast Asian LBQ Activists
In the landscape of Southeast Asia, LBQ activists stand as resilient fighters for the rights of their communities. Their stories and experiences often remain shrouded in obscurity, with many struggling to articulate the intricacies of their individual journeys. Despite dedicating themselves to amplifying marginalized voices, these activists frequently sacrifice their own narratives, leaving their personal challenges unspoken.
The weight of advocacy work and emotional labour takes a significant toll on their personal well-being. A critical question emerges: Who ensures that these activists receive the care and safety they rightfully deserve? Our research aims to shed light on the vital need to provide support for LBQ activists as individuals, not just as community advocates.
We engaged with 13 LBQ activists from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Thailand. Through their narratives, we sought to understand the unique challenges and triumphs of LBQ activism in the region. However, we acknowledge the limitations of our research, as we could not secure informants from Brunei, Laos, Singapore, Vietnam, and Timor Leste.
Our goal is to foster a more comprehensive understanding of the safety and care landscape for LBQ individuals and organizations across the ASEAN region. We aim to identify risks, examine existing support mechanisms, and develop strategies to enhance the well-being of these crucial community leaders.
This report serves as a powerful record of unheard stories and unacknowledged struggles. By documenting the experiences of LBQ activists, we invite readers to bear witness, to listen, and to commit to meaningful support. The full report is now available for download, offering an opportunity to understand, reflect, and take action for those who have long been overlooked.
