Heartbeats in Harmony: Intersex Asia’s 2023 Snapshot

2023 was an incredible year for Intersex Asia, filled with massive growth and new connections. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the echoing halls of the World Pride Conference, Intersex Asia’s impact resonated far and wide, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of human rights in the region. As we reflect on our remarkable progress, it’s clear that we couldn’t have done it without the incredible intersex community, member organisations, donors, and stakeholders. We have truly come together to make a difference in the lives of intersex people in Asia. 

As we turn the page on this remarkable year, let’s embark on a journey to relive the milestones and draw inspiration from the moments that made Intersex Asia’s 2023 story so extraordinary.

Partnering for Progress: Intersex Asia co-published “Partnering with Pride,” a comprehensive report urging Australia to champion LGBTIQ+ equality throughout the Asia-Pacific region. This groundbreaking report provides a roadmap for meaningful legislative and social change.

Centering Intersex Voices: Intersex Asia co-hosted the “Centering Intersex: Global and Local Dimensions” conference, a pivotal event that brought together intersex activists, researchers, and allies worldwide. The conference fostered dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, propelling the intersex rights movement forward.

Global Presence: Intersex Asia’s presence on the global stage was undeniable in 2023. The organization delivered a powerful speech at the World Pride 2023 Human Rights Conference. “15 years ago, I wore a t-shirt that said, “I am here,” but today you see my T-shirt, and it says, “I am everywhere”—that is the most visible development for the intersex movement in Asia.” – said Hiker Chiu, Executive Director of Intersex Asia. Further, board members of Intersex Asia highlighted intersex issues in important global events worldwide, including the UN High-Level Political Forum and many such platforms.

Building community platforms: Intersex Asia has actively participated in Tokyo Pride 2023 and visited the new intersex group, LGBT centres, and universities to support the intersex community in Japan. We also organized crucial consultations and workshops in Thailand, Nepal, India, and Bangladesh to foster the development of the intersex community in the region.

Investing in the Future: Recognizing the importance of nurturing future generations of intersex leaders, Intersex Asia successfully completed the third edition of its prestigious Intersex Fellowship Program. Additionally, the organisation hosted a capacity-building with 6 intersex activists making their public debut on stage. In December, we also unveiled the new updated Asian Intersex Statement 2023, both of which serve to raise awareness and understanding of intersex issues, as well as call for support from Human Rights Institutions, Governments, and NGOs across Asia.

Unwavering Research: Committed to evidence-based advocacy, Intersex Asia conducted meticulous research on the human rights of intersex people in 12 Asian countries, generating invaluable data that informs policy changes and fuels advocacy efforts moving forward.

As we celebrate 2023 achievement, the organization remains focused on our goals for 2024 as we‘re transitioning to a new stage of our strategic roadmap. Intersex Asia will continue to double down on the following drivers:

• Amplifying Advocacy: Intersex Asia will continue to be a relentless advocate for the rights of intersex people in Asia, urging governments and institutions to uphold their human rights obligations through various partnerships, regional and global events, and supporting local communities. 
• Generating Evidence and Respond: Recognizing the critical role of research in informing advocacy and policy changes, Intersex Asia will dedicate further resources to investigating the human rights-related challenges of intersex people across Asia. 
• Building Capacity: Building the capacity of intersex organizations and activists remains a top priority for Intersex Asia. Our Fellowship program will continue into 2024 with a brand new approach at the national level.
• Enhancing visibility and Understanding: As the first regional network of intersex-led organizations and activists in Asia, we will continue to raise awareness of intersex issues through various communication, educational initiatives, and other community engagements.
• Strengthening Organizational Development: As a hub of intersex-led organizations in Asia, we will continue to strengthen the organisational foundation internally and externally so as to build a strong base for the Asian intersex movement.

Those were not only remarkable achievements of Intersex Asia but also a collective effort of all intersex people, communities, and allies across Asia. They are the commitment to advocacy, research, and capacity building which will pave the way for a future where intersex people are respected and valued and their rights are protected. 

As we move forward into 2024, let us stand together in solidarity to advance the rights of intersex people in Asia. And we welcome you to continue to support us in the exciting journey ahead! 

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