We, various LGBTQIAN+ civil society organizations, and allies express our deepest concern for all communities and families affected by the deadly earthquake that shook Myanmar and neighboring countries in Asia. In this time of global political and economic crisis, we understand that the loss of lives, of property, and its serious impacts on well-being run deep and may have long-term impacts.
We are collectively facing a complex crisis in Myanmar. Despite thousands of lives lost in the earthquake-hit areas, we are concerned that military violence, including military airstrikes, has never ceased. The junta’s conduct of air strikes in the aftermath of the earthquake is deplorable. On top of this, the military junta continues to enforce restrictions that hinder independent humanitarian actors from reaching out to, and delivering the needed services in badly affected areas.
We call upon humanitarian and aid organizations to take immediate and inclusive action to support all those affected by this devastating calamity. In this time of crisis, it is imperative that the specific concerns and vulnerabilities faced by LGBTQIAN+ individuals are recognized and addressed. Foremost of which is the pervasive social stigma and their invisibilization in the humanitarian system.
LGBTQIAN+ individuals in Myanmar urgently require assistance to meet their immediate needs. Key support needed includes:
- Ready-to-eat food
- Drinking water and sanitation
- Medicines and medical care
- Psychosocial assistance
- Electricity, internet and telecommunications access
- Hormonal treatment for trans and non-binary persons
- Sanitary pads for assigned female at birth (AFAB) people and other gender sensitive care.
- ART for people who live with HIV.
- Safe shelters that are inclusive to trans and non-binary people
- Mosquito nets, mosquito repellents
In a time of complex crisis, humanitarian response will be effective when there is a situation of peace. We demand a ceasefire, the lifting of military surveillance and control, the provision of access to international humanitarian assistance, and the acceleration of rescue operations in the affected areas.
LGBTQIAN+ people are part of the fabric of Myanmar despite the military’s continuous efforts in their erasure, and are equally vulnerable in this crisis. We implore organizations to actively consider the specific needs and safety of LGBTQIAN+ individuals in their relief efforts, ensuring equitable access to shelter, food, healthcare, and all forms of assistance. An inclusive humanitarian response is not just ethical, it is essential for effectively reaching and supporting everyone in need.
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Signatories (please add your organizations):
- ASEAN SOGIE Caucus (ASC)
- CAN-Myanmar
- Queers of Burma Alternative
- Rainbow Talk Myanmar
- Support Group and Resource Center on Sexuality Studies (SGRC Indonesia)
- Youth Voices Count, Inc.
- Non-Binary Southeast Asia
- Colors Rainbow
- ILGA Asia
- Sisters 2 Sisters
- Young Pride Foundation
- Tagoloan Gender Advocacy Group (TAGAD)
- Mujer-LGBT Organization Inc
- Side B Philippines
- Intersex Philippines
- Thai Intersex Rights
- APCOM
- Intersex Asia
- #MilkTeaAlliance Friends of Myanmar
- #MilkTeaAlliance Calendar team
- Blood Money Campaign
- Defend Myanmar Democracy
- PUP KASARIANLAN
- Non-Binary Thailand
- Bangkok Lefty Reading Group
- Chiang Mai Pride
- Sirisak Chaited
- Manushaya Foundation
- Milk Tea Alliance Thailand
- Cebu United Rainbow LGBTQI+ Sector, Inc.
- Pioneer Filipino Transgender men Movement (Pioneer FTM)
- Health and Opportunity Network
- LBTQ Well-Being (Thailand )
- Serii-Palestine
- THAI for Palestine
- Iloilo Pride Team
- Mermaid Pride Thailand
- AroAce-clusionist: Aromantic & Asexual Exist
- QLC Bali
- Sangsan Anakot Yawachon Foundation
- Rohingya Maìyafuìnor Collaborative Network
- Asian Network of Asexual Queer Activists (ANOAQA)
- NUSG (Singapore)
