Voices of Pride: How LGBTIQ+ activists in Thailand are creating safer, stronger communities
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UN Women statement on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2026
Date:
At the heart of democracy
Xyza Ragunjan is a dance artist and the mother of the Iconic House of Mizrahi Philippine Chapter. and the trailblazer of the Philippine ballroom community – an underground subculture that originated in Harlem, New York City between the 60s and the late 80s primarily within Black and Latinx lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and other (LGBTQIA+) communities. She shares how she’s supporting the empowerment and resilience of LGBTQIA+ youth, fem queens and creatives. Photo: UN Women/Ploy Phutpheng
On the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, under the 2026 theme, ‘At the heart of democracy’, UN Women affirms that democracies are strongest when they are inclusive, representative, and accountable - upholding the equality, dignity, protection, and full participation of LGBTIQ+ people in all areas of life.
Around the world, LGBTIQ+ people are facing rising discrimination, violence, and criminalization. These trends are part of broader patterns of democratic backsliding, including shrinking civic space, constrained dissent, and rollbacks on gender equality and human rights.
Protecting and promoting the rights of all people is essential to safeguarding democratic pluralism, strengthening accountability, and ensuring that institutions reflect the diversity of the people they serve. This work is being led every day by activists, feminist leaders, and women human rights defenders, who are resisting efforts to roll back rights and freedoms, often at escalating personal and collective risk. Yet, declining resources for civil society are weakening the foundations of inclusive democracy and placing organizations under increasing strain, even as demand for their work grows. UN Women works with partners to advance legal and policy reform, strengthen protection systems, and support feminist and LGBTIQ+ movements driving change in challenging contexts.
On this day, we call on governments and partners to be inclusive, reverse regressive measures, protect and expand civic space, and invest urgently and sustainably in feminist and LGBTIQ+ movements.
Bangkok Pride 2025
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Bangkok Pride 2026
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Voices of Pride: How LGBTIQ+ activists in Thailand are creating safer, stronger communities
June marks Pride Month – a time to celebrate the diversity and strength of LGBTIQ+ communities around the world. Pride is rooted in resistance and resilience, driven by the enduring pursuit of equal rights, dignity and inclusion.
In Thailand, LGBTIQ+ activists are reshaping their communities with courage, creativity and care. In this feature, four inspiring voices share how they are building inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive.
Xyza Ragunjan on building the Philippines' ballroom community
#ForAllWomenAndGirls is a rallying call for action on the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA). Xyza Ragunjan is a dance artist and the mother of the Iconic House of Mizrahi Philippine Chapter. and the trailblazer of the Philippine ballroom community – an underground subculture that originated in Harlem, New York City between the 60s and the late 80s primarily within Black and Latinx lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and other (LGBTQIA+) communities. She shares how she’s supporting the empowerment and resilience of LGBTQIA+ youth, fem queens and creatives.
Debbie Dabu on ensuring lesbians’ access to healthcare
#ForAllWomenAndGirls is a rallying call for action on the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA). Debbie Dabu, President of the Lesbian Alliance Movement (LAM) – a local lesbian rights advocacy organization based in Barangay Pansol, Quezon City, Philippines, under the umbrella of Galang Philippines – talks about the importance of support from larger networks.
Martha de la Paz on helping trans women take their seat at the table
#ForAllWomenAndGirls is a rallying call for action on the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA). Martha de la Paz, a trans woman, public health professional, and advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and other (LGBTIQ+) rights, discusses her work to ensure access to HIV services, inclusive healthcare, and decision-making for her community.
Ging Cristobal on championing LGBTIQ+ rights and redefining equality in the Philippines
#ForAllWomenAndGirls is a rallying call for action on the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Ging Cristobal is a human rights activist and former Project Coordinator for Asia and the Pacific at Outright International – a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and other (LGBTIQ+) human rights non-governmental organization. She has spent nearly three decades advocating for the rights and dignity of LGBTIQ+ communities in the Philippines by creating safer, more inclusive spaces where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, expressions and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) are recognized, protected and empowered.
Rene Gandeza Jr.’s call for diversity in peacebuilding in the Philippines
#ForAllWomenAndGirls is a rallying call for action on the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA). Rene Gandeza Jr., is a human rights and gender equality advocate as part of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity who has been championing the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and other (LGBTIQ+) communities through his work in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Gandeza is advancing an inclusive vision of peace that ensures no one is left behind.
Rhadem Musawah on advancing LGBTIQ+ rights and inclusion across the Philippines
#ForAllWomenAndGirls is a rallying call for action on the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA). Rhadem Musawah, a queer Muslim human rights advocate from the Philippines, is ensuring that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and other (LGBTIQ+) individuals, women and Indigenous communities are not left behind in peacebuilding, humanitarian response and human rights advocacy. Through his leadership in grass-roots organizing, policy lobbying and humanitarian aid, Musawah is advancing legal protections, promoting inclusion and creating safer spaces for marginalized groups across the country, including those in conflict-affected areas.