This year marks the sixth anniversary of the Yangon Pride event, given that the rainbow-coloured festivities first started in 2014.





This year the & Proud Community Center was opened in Saunchaung. It’s program included guests from the “On the Road program, traveling from as far as Shwebo, Pathein, Monywa, Mandalay and Taungyi to be here in Yangon

The embassies of Netherlands, UK and HBF Foundation lent their support to this year’s Yangon Pride Festival.

The three-week festival began on January 18, and continues across the city until February 2. Part of the aim is to create an atmosphere of acceptance for LGBTIQ people. Anyone sympathetic to these aims, and who likes a bit of colour and celebration, is welcome to participate in the festivities.

Behind this happiness, many people understand that Myanmar might not be the easiest place to come out as gay or lesbian, transsexual or somehow different from the country’s sexual norms.





Nicki, who is transgender, said she had a lot of difficulty with her father accepting her identity while growing up. She turned to her mother when coming out, and said her sympathy and understanding gave her a lot of strength. Speaking at the press conference, Nicki urged other parents to adopt this kind of attitude towards their children.

“A gay librarian committed suicide last year. This case is a popular case but there are also many other cases before and after that. People oppress, belittle and discriminate LGBTIQ and don’t recognise them; especially, within families, schools and offices. There is also Section 377 of the Penal Code [a law forbidding acts “against the order of nature],” Ko Hla Myat Tun, representative of &Proud, said.

“Changing this law is an important part for our rights, as at the moment there is no law citizens can rely upon Myanmar. The State Counselor herself said that the law is being fixed. Myanmar needs a law assuring equality and equal rights,” he added.

The love between lovers, family, siblings, friends, colleagues and for oneself has no faults and likewise, the love for one’s existence bears no flaws. It’s with this sentiment that the “Love Has No Faults” Campaign will be promoted throughout 2020 and 2021.

The Campaign aim is to amend Section 377 of the penal code, so coined the “Unnatural Offences” Act. It states that whoever voluntarily has “carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of 20 years or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 10 years, and shall also be liable to fine”.

Those who want to take part in the campaign will have to paint their little finger pink, which is to show that they view everyone as a human being – regardless of their sexual orientation or sexual characteristics.

“This year campaign aims to focus on the law and order in the country. So, we will encourage the government to change Section 377. It’s a two-year-old campaign, and we will convey our message through the next election,” Ko Hla Myat Tun said.

A queer dance performance will be on show at the Goethe Institut on January 29, the last week of the Pride Festival, followed by a talk show about LGBT rights with Swe Zin Htike. Short and long Asian movies will also be presented, and talks on LGBT mental health will be held on January 30, 31 and February 1. – Translated