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Dada (she/her), age 21, Thailand

"In Thailand’s deep south, LGBTIQ+ people face a lot of discrimination. Most families in the deep south do not accept LGBTIQ+ children, and a lot of children need to hide themselves from expressing who they are. For those who do the opposite and express themselves freely, many have experienced threats and abuse such as having their hair cut off, or having rocks thrown at them."

"It is very important to recognize that LGBTIQ+ people have the same rights as men and women - not just by saying it, but by recognizing it in laws and practices. It is sad to see that many children are still being physically and mentally harmed - that will have a huge negative impact on their wellbeing and mental health."

"I'm part of a group called ‘Look South Peace’. The name of the group means ‘daughters’ in Thai, and also means looking for peace in the deep south, which is currently a conflict zone. Our group members are all LGBTIQ+ youth who come together to promote and advocate for LGBTIQ+ rights, through campaigning and awareness raising and providing safe spaces like tea parties where LGBTIQ+ children and youth can connect with each other."

"It was not an easy journey for us. (But) I'm very proud that we have become stronger."

"I hope that oneday all LGBTIQ+ children and youth can become whoever they want to be without living in fear of discrimination. I hope they will be able to do any job they want and pursue any career, and even have a happy family in the future."

Sangsa (she/her), age 18, Thailand

Sangsa is a campaigner with the Rak Dek Foundation in Thailand, which aims to raise awareness about LGBTIQ+ rights among migrant and stateless children and youth living on the ThailandMyanmar border.

»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵsupports campaigners like Sangsa by providing grants to help them launch campaigns to raise awareness about the rights of LGBTIQ+ children in their communities. 

"Protection is a human right that everyone is born with, but why do so many children and youth who are LGBTIQ+ have to fight for it? It’s the government’s responsibility to make sure we can enjoy those rights from the day we are born."

"Sometimes I’ve faced ignorance and discrimination because people do not believe who I am. A lot of the time it got me down, but I never gave up of speaking out for our rights. Now I’m glad that some people have started to change their minds."

"I hope that there will be a day in the future when our country leaders are LGBTIQ+, not just only men or women. I believe it is very important to have LGBTIQ+ representation among our decision makers, because then those leaders can drive positive changes in policy and laws that actually enable us to truly enjoy our rights. Because we’re all equal."

Buay (they/them), age 15, Thailand

"I know many LGBTIQ+ people who are very capable of doing a lot of things, but their opportunities are limited because of the discrimination against their sexual orientation or identities. I hope that the discrimination will end, and that LGBTIQ+ people can enjoy the same rights and opportunities as other people."

"I'm proud of what I've done, becoming a voice for other children and youth who might be facing discrimination and hatred just because of who they are. A lot of them are living under great pressure from their family members and community that do not accept LGBTIQ+, which has caused some of them to suffer with depression and mental health issues."

"Pride Month is a really important event for the LGBTIQ+ community, as it helps the public to have a better understanding on the rights we’re fighting for, for example; marriage equality. I hope that education about gender diversity will start from the very beginning of everyone’s life, in schools."