Across Asia, LGBTQI people continue to face human rights abuses based on their sexual orientation and gender identity, from discrimination to violence. In countries like Myanmar, Malaysia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, same-sex relations are criminalised, while in others being LGBTQI is punishable by death.
Yet change is happening. LGBTQI activists are courageously campaigning for change, achieving important, if uneven, victories for trans rights, marriage equality and same-sex partnership recognition. These frontline defenders are protecting and improving lives, but their work remains underfunded and vulnerable.
Established in 2018, the Suki Sandhu LGBTQI Asia Fund supports LGBTQI activists across Asia to advance human rights.
Managed by GiveOut, the Fund is generously sponsored by Suki Sandhu OBE, a globally recognised expert in talent, diversity and inclusion. Suki is the CEO and founder of both Involve and Audeliss, two firms working to champion diversity and inclusion in business. Suki also serves as a Stonewall Ambassador, a Patron for The Albert Kennedy Trust and a Board member of Outright International. In 2019, he was awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours for Services to Diversity in Business.
“I’ve worked for more than a decade helping businesses harness minority talent and foster inclusive workplaces. I set up this fund in 2018 with GiveOut to support LGBTQI activists across Asia in their vital work to advance human rights, and I’m asking businesses and individuals to join me to support the global struggle for LGBTQI rights.”
Suki Sandhu OBE
Since its launch, the Fund has raised over £130,000 to provide flexible grants to eight organisations across Asia, providing crucial flexible funding. These resources empower local movements to challenge discriminatory laws, strengthen communities and amplify marginalised voices.
Impact for LGBTQI Communities Across Asia
Thanks to the Suki Sandhu LGBTQI Asia Fund, GiveOut’s grant partners are delivering transformative change in their communities.
Back in 2022, after years of advocacy, EQUAL GROUND in Sri Lanka secured a CEDAW ruling stating Sri Lanka’s criminalisation of same-sex relations violates international conventions, a landmark win for lesbian and bisexual women. Talking about this win at the time, Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, the Executive Director of EQUAL GROUND shared: “This win at CEDAW has wider implications, not just for Sri Lanka, but for all lesbian and bisexual women and those who have relationships woman to woman across the globe.”
Meanwhile, since the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan, LGBTQI people have been more at risk than ever, with the International Criminal Court recognising that LGBTQI people are experiencing “unprecedented, unconscionable and ongoing” persecution by the Taliban. ILGA Asia’s SAFAR programme has provided LGBTQI people from Afghanistan with emergency humanitarian aid since 2021. Last year alone, the programme supported 258 individuals, offering evacuation, legal documentation, mental health services, psychosocial support, and safe passage for refugees fleeing persecution. The SAFAR programme has been instrumental in tracking cases and coordinating resources to support LGBTQI persons in the region, ensuring those most in need received timely help.
Just last year, Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to legalise same-sex unions after its king signed the marriage equality bill into law. ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, which strengthens LGBTQI movements across the region, including in Thailand, hailed this as a major milestone. The law grants same-sex couples equal rights in areas like inheritance, healthcare, and taxation, marking a significant victory for LGBTQI rights in the region.
Beyond legal victories, organisations are amplifying diverse voices to change hearts and minds. The Queer Muslim Project has launched programmes such as the Queer Writers Room and QueerFrames Screenwriting Lab to empower LGBTQI Muslims to share their own stories and experiences. CSBR have been running their annual One Day, One Struggle (ODOS) campaign since 2009. This campaign brings together activists to celebrate sexual and bodily rights in all their diversity, showcasing the creative and ongoing local actions that CSBR members and allies are pursuing across the region.
Complementing these advocacy efforts, grassroots capacity building is equally vital. SAATHII‘s fellowship programme is building the capacity of LGBTQI activists across India, equipping them with essential resources and support to create meaningful change for local trans communities through improved access to education, healthcare, and legal aid.
Support LGBTQI Human Rights Activism in Asia
Through the Suki Sandhu LGBTQI Asia Fund, GiveOut’s grant partners in Asia are securing rights, saving lives, and building inclusive communities. But there is so much more to do.
Donate now to join Suki in supporting LGBTQI rights across Asia and make a difference!