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ASEAN SOGIE Caucus (ASC)
ASC conducted a rapid assessment involving LGBTIQ groups from 8 countries in
ASEAN. We were saddened with the findings because fellow LGBTIQ groups and activists
are facing serious challenges. Not all groups are resilient to withstand the crisis. Many faced
economic demands to respond to the financial or material needs of their constituents. Many
groups who rely on short-term or project-based funding had little resources to stretch. LGBTIQ
activists who themselves faced economic woes and mental health issues are also pressed to
work for the well-being of fellow LGBTIQ folks. We also found the strong demand to shift
activism into on-line spaces, which requires new skills, resources and adequate technology.
We cannot just say move everything on-line; we have to be mindful of the digital divide within
our community.
If there is hope, that will be the continuous acts of solidarity among LGBTIQ
organizations. We should find ways to ensure that fellow LGBTIQ folks have jobs or access to
livelihood, remain safe and secure from domestic violence and from aggressions by state
forces, have access to inclusive health and well-being programs, and remain energized as we
continuously call for government's human rights accountability. Collectively, we shall survive.