Empowering the LGBTQ+ Community through Awareness and Unity

Greetings, Supporters of Inclusivity and Equality!

We are thrilled to share the remarkable highlights of the Pride Month activities organized by the Myanmar Youth Stars Network (MYS) in collaboration with the Institut français de Birmanie (IFB). With the dedicated support of ICAP at Columbia University, the months of June and July were marked by a series of impactful events aimed at celebrating and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, visibility, and diversity. Let’s dive into the vibrant journey of empowerment and understanding!

Project Rationale: Honoring LGBTQ+ Rights and History

June, renowned globally as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, resonates deeply with the heart of advocacy. A tribute to the history and ongoing struggle of the LGBTQ+ community, this month holds special significance due to its connection to the Stonewall Uprising in 1969. Recognizing this history, ICAP, MYS, and IFB united to create a short-term project, centered on organizing activities that promote inclusivity and awareness.

June 10, 2023: Embracing Diversity at IFB Center

On this eventful day, the IFB center in Yangon came alive with vibrant discussions, laughter, and shared experiences. Nearly 300 participants joined hands to celebrate and engage with activities that touched hearts and minds:

Quiz Session and Tote Bag Rewards: Participants tested their knowledge on LGBTQ+ history and advocacy through a dynamic quiz session. Those who answered 8 questions or more correctly received coveted tote bags as tokens of appreciation.

Personal Interviews: Courageous individuals openly shared their experiences as LGBTQ+ individuals in Myanmar. Their narratives showcased resilience and determination in the face of societal challenges, inspiring empathy and understanding.

Pamphlet Distribution: 1000 carefully curated pamphlets disseminated critical information about HIV transmission, MYS initiatives, and the Community Feedback Mechanism, fostering knowledge and empowerment.

Facebook Page Promotion: Innovative vinyl displays showcased contents and comics from MYS’s Facebook pages, reaching a wider audience and promoting their advocacy messages.

Video Session: Captivating videos empowered attendees through powerful narratives, fostering a culture of empathy and acceptance.

July 1, 2023: Love Yourself Panel Discussion at Round House Restaurant

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Round House restaurant in Kandawgyi Park became a haven for dialogue, self-expression, and unity:

Health Education Display: 400 pamphlets spread knowledge about vital LGBTQ+ issues, furthering the cause of awareness and understanding.

“Love Yourself” Panel Discussion: Esteemed panelists from MYS, LGBTQ+ activists, and community members engaged in a heartfelt discussion about self-love and acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community. Personal stories and empowering messages illuminated the importance of embracing one’s identity.

Together, We Build a More Inclusive Tomorrow

These events underscored the importance of education, awareness, and empathy in nurturing a more inclusive society. Through personal stories, informative materials, interactive sessions, and thoughtful discussions, the Pride Month celebrations highlighted the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community in Myanmar. As we continue to champion equal rights and advocate for understanding, let’s stand together in solidarity and create a brighter future for all.

Stay Connected

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