Transgender network, working for gender equality in Asia-Pacific
Date:
Author: Diego De La Rosa
It is estimated that at least 19% of transgender women in the world are living with HIV. Globally, the chance of acquiring HIV is 49 times higher for this population group than for all adults of reproductive age, according to estimates by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, UNAIDS.
Across the region, transgender people face significant stigma and discrimination which prevents them from accessing the health services they need. Unfortunately, robust available data for transgender women’s health is weak and for transgender men is almost non-existent.
The Asia Pacific Transgender Network (APTN) is the first regional network advocating for the legal recognition and rights of transgender women and men in the Asia Pacific region. Established in 2009, APTN works to improve transgender health, protect their human rights and enhance their social well-being, and quality of life.
Kevin Halim, Programme Assistant at APTN participated actively at the Beijing+20 Asia Pacific Regional Review Conference held in Bangkok in 2014 organized by UN Women and UNESCAP. At the meeting, APTN advocated strongly for the rights and inclusion of people of diverse sexual orientation and gender identities (SOGI) in the negotiations.
Read more about APTN visit: www.weareaptn.org or Facebook.com/weareaptn