General Context of LGBTI in Laos

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community in Lao PDR is becoming increasingly more active and visible in advocating for the promotion and protection of the rights of people who are sex and gender diverse. Levels of acceptance and celebration of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression (SOGIE) in Lao society vary depending on the context and the accompanying social, cultural and religious beliefs and norms. The extent to which SOGIE is understood and accepted has an impact on a range of development indicators for the LGBTI population which, in turn, influences participation in social, economic and/or political life. In many instances, space for participation is only afforded if LGBTI people hide their sexual orientation, gender identities and expressions. While progress has been made in raising the profile of the LGBTI community through representative and diverse community voices, LGBTI people in Lao PDR continue to experience stigma, discrimination and marginalisation. Structural and societal barriers limit opportunities and prevent LGBTI people from claiming their rights and securing the protections needed to safely lead their lives and participate equally in society. Creating an inclusive society where LGBTI rights are upheld requires changes from the political and legislative level to the family and community level. For the LGBTI community in Lao PDR, activists feel that a broad, long-term approach is needed to address priority issues for meaningful change to take place.

Gender diversity includes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex collectively referred as “LGBTI” (Asian SOFIE Caucus, 2017). LGBTI people are facing specific discrimination at based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. In particular, the transgender group is still facing discrimination at higher rates. (UNDP, 2018).

In Lao society, gender diversity is a topic slowly gaining interest, also from a number of legal practitioners that conducting studies and research on the civic and social “rights” and from sociologists working on “human studies” subject. Though, accepting gender diversity remains a conflicting subject among experts between those who support and those who don’t. The LGBTI are not yet accepted and suffer stigma from culture and tradition. Number of experts don’t accept gender diversity as they consider that homosexual relationship is abnormal and differ too much from social norms and family expectation.

There are groups of experts that either support and do not support the gender diversity due to the matter of privacy, the entitlements do not cause damage to others or society. On the contrary, the experts in favor of advancing the rights of LGBTI people challenge the stigma LGBTI people have less ability and capacity and that applying the same policy at work without discrimination based on SOGIE would cause no damage for the others or society.

Observation on behavior and social attitude towards the LGBTQI demonstrate ambivalence. We could see both acceptance and refusal. Yet, Laos is still far from applying gender diversity in the workplace as there is still discrimination in recruiting and within the workplace, including insult and bias on their ability. To ensure fairness and, peaceful and harmonious work environment without discrimination, we shall further study the challenges the vulnerable and marginalized groups, including the LGBTQI person face. A better understanding of the issue together with awareness raising will lead to a better understanding from the society and more acceptance. It will open opportunities, for the groups at stake, to express their fully competencies. It is a logic that once born all humans should have equal rights and not suffer from any discrimination regardless of the gender identity or sexual orientation. This includes receiving equal treatment and respect from public institutions.

Therefore, to ensure the fairness and equality among all people, the issue should be taken into consideration and action by several sectors. This is by ensuring that the implementation of the human rights including rights to assembly, freedom of movement, free to press and employment rights of the citizens comply with the International Declaration on Human Rights and Protocol or the International Agreement on the Rights for Employment, as well as the Constitution and Laws of Lao PDR.[1]

First LGBTI Rights Movement in the Lao PDR

Although Lao civil society continues to work under restrictive conditions, there is evidence that space is slowly opening to represent citizen voices. Proud to Be Us Laos (PTBUL), Laos’ first LGBTI civil society organization, has become the leader of the Laos’ nascent LGBTI movement, advocating for discrimination free sexual health services, educational institutions and equal employment through policy dialogue with government partners. PTBUL has been able to positively navigate the challenging environment and operate within a space slowly opening to represent citizen voices. For example, PTBUL successfully coordinated with Lao government stakeholders to hold Laos’ first and second pride events, highlighting the potential of working with the Lao government to achieve economic and social development goals. PTUBL was also invited by the Lao government to participate in the National Youth Development Working Group, which provides stakeholders an avenue to address youth related issues such as equal health services among youth LGBTI and underrepresented youth. These are a positive sign for the development of Lao civil society and illustrate the increasing willingness of government ministries to engage with NPAs.

“Proud To Be Us Laos” (PTBUL) is the first LGBTI rights movement in Lao PDR, established in 2012 as a Non-Profit Group/Association working openly in advocating for the rights of LGBTI (under the Lao context and direction). Amongst its missions to improve LGBTQ rights and recognition, PTBUL makes a focus on addressing inequality at the workplace and school. In 2018, PTBUL published the first research in the Lao PDR titled “Being LGBTI At Work” in collaboration with the Faculty of Law and Political Science – National University. This political advocacy drew the attention of several CSOs, INGOs, and influential government enterprises such as Beerlao, Lao Telecommunication, and Électricité du Laos involved in this historic initiative. The advancement of the law towards a non-discrimination and inclusive framework requires further collaboration amongst CSO partners, civil society, and enterprise and support from neutral political actors, as UNDP, and like-minded government partners as the National University and Lao Women’s Union.[2] This also complements the first-ever LGBTI rights-based recommendations that the Lao PDR received from the UN members states: Iceland and Malta at Universal Periodic Review 2020.[3]

First Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace Initiatives in Laos

Faculty of Law and Political Science (FOLPS), National University of Laos (NUOL) representing the Clinical Legal Education Centre (CLE) has joined the technical cooperation with Proud To Be Us Laos (PTUL) in creating the Manual on the Promotion of Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace and Insights of the Legal Practitioners Towards the Gender Diversity Issues in the Lao PDR (“Workplace Experimental Manual”). This manual is based on research on various legislations of Lao PDR concerning the rights of Lao citizens, along with an analysis their potential effect on LGBTI person. It includes government policies and employers’ policies samples regarding recruitment that can be applied to LGBTI person. As there was very little study on recruitment and policies applicable in the workplace, it shows that the advocacy tool that produced with the government partners can be use as general guidance for all employees to receive fair and equal treatment, to protect the rights of the employees and raise awareness on legal, benefits of Lao citizens. Introduction in the Lao PDR, the Constitution enshrines equality before the law for all citizens and there are no prohibitions against homosexuality or same-sex relationships under the law or the country’s main religion. However, the government does not officially recognise the existence of LGBTQ people and there is little research and data on the nature and scope of the problems that LGBTQ people are experiencing.[4]

Legal Rights of LGBTQ persons

Article 35 of the Constitution of Lao PDR:

Lao citizens are all equal before the law irrespective of their gender, social status, education, beliefs and ethnic group and ethnic group.

Article 37 of the Constitution of Lao PDR:

Citizens of both genders enjoy equal rights in the political, economic, cultural and social fields and in family affairs.

Although the term “gender” is not defined in the Constitution, when we read the above Articles 35 and 37 together, it is clear that the intention of the Constitution is to provide basic rights protections for all Lao citizens. Therefore, the principle in Article 35 that laws apply equally to all citizens includes LGBTQ persons.

Although rights of LGBTQ people are yet to be widely recognized in Laos and there are currently no specific laws protecting their rights, LGBTQ people have a right to rely upon a range of existing laws to safeguard their interests in the event that they experience discrimination or violence.

Policy and legislative environment

Legislation in Lao PDR does not criminalise based on SOGIE. At the same time, no specific laws protect or fully recognise LGBQTI people resulting in a lack of procedures, mechanisms or measures to address exclusion, discrimination, harassment or violence in relation to SOGIE. The exclusive categories of male and female and the subsequent omission of LGBTI people in legislation, policies and strategies is an indication of the gender binarism that exists at all levels of society.

Article 35 of the Constitution of Lao PDR states that Lao citizens are “all equal before the law irrespective of their gender, social status, education, belief and ethnic group”. While “irrespective of gender” could be interpreted to include LGBTI people, the absence of specific mention of sexual orientation and gender expression can result in the rights of LGBTI people not being recognised and upheld.

Same-sex marriageis prohibited under Article 151 in the Civil Code of Lao PDR (2018).[5]

LGBTI people are particularly vulnerable to discrimination in Lao PDR as elsewhere. Official data on the number of people that identify as LGBTI in the country is limited yet it is known that LGBTI communities experience exclusion and widespread discrimination. The Decree on Access to Legal Aid (2018) for those identified as more marginalised and less likely to be able to claim their rights does not specify LGBTI people although there is mention of under-represented populations, children who need special protection, victims of trafficking, and women and children who are victims of violence.  [6]

The Government of Lao PDR underwent a change in leadership in early 2021 and has pledged to foster quality growth, increase access to basic public services, especially health and education, and to place more emphasis on human resource development.[7]

With approximately 60 per cent of the Lao population estimated to be under 25 years of age, increasing investments in human capital development, particularly in the areas of education, health, employment, protection and participation contribute to young people being able to fulfil their potential.

These investments need to be equitable and must also focus on the needs and concerns of LGBTI people to prevent further marginalisation. Indications of progress towards more equitable inclusion can be in the very first National Adolescent and Youth Policy which, if approved, will include affirmative action for vulnerable adolescents and youth including LGBTI people. The policy will promote access to social services, skills development and civic participation. The policy process involved young people from across the country and included many young people from traditionally under-represented sub-groups such as LGBTI youth. [8]

Socio-cultural environment

Traditional societal and family structures may limit the recognition of LGBTI people as individuals with aspirations, potential and agency and this remains the case in Lao PDR. While perceptions may be that Lao society is open minded and accepting of SOGIE diversity, LGBTI people still experience discrimination and stigma in many settings including at home, in education and health care, in the workplace and in other public spaces.[9]

Family

Strong family support for a child’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression is known to have a positive influence on development outcomes and physical, mental, emotional and social well-being.

Small-scale studies in Lao PDR have provided an overview of some of the issues on family attitudes and acceptance of LGBTI family members and the impact on the individual. While some experiences are similar for all SOGIE studied, the greatest differences are experienced by transgender women.

The majority of LGBTI respondents felt accepted by their family after coming out even if the initial reaction was to make their child feel ashamed, abnormal or not accepted by society. Very few had not been accepted by the family at all.  [10]However, even if parents say they accept their LGBTI children for who they are, there are often still expectations in certain contexts to hide their identity (such as in the workplace) and even marry opposite sex partners to conform to current accepted societal norms. [11]

Parental acceptance is often bound in the income-earning potential of the child and expectations differ by SOGIE. Expectations for lesbians and men who have sex with men are that the child has a high level of education and secures a stable, well-paid job even as a civil servant. Parents of transgender woman have lower expectations in in terms of education, career choices and income generation. Parents are satisfied if they can be self-reliant and provide some support to the family. [12]The studies also showed that mothers tend to be more supportive in general and a number of cases indicated that the lack of acceptance by the father can result in violence at the most extreme and lead to the child leaving the family home.

Health services

Discrimination and poverty can act as barriers to accessing health services for LGBTI people in Lao PDR. The quality of treatment may be adversely affected by heterosexist assumptions and limited understanding of SOGIE lived experience. The fear of a negative experience and the lack of confidentiality may prevent LGBTI people from accessing services. Transgender women often face the greatest barriers because of the limited capacity of health practitioners to respond to the needs of trans people and some cross to Thailand to obtain adequate medical attention.[13]

Limited data are available on the health experiences of LGBTI mobile populations and forced migrant workers (domestic and international) as a highly vulnerable population group.

Sexual and reproductive health

SOGIE visibility has been the most prominent in the health sector since the 2000s as part of the national HIV response. The focus has been greater on transgender women and men who have sex with men with LGBTI-representative organisations and groups being key contributors to both national HIV policies and legislation as well as successive National HIV and AIDS Strategy and Action Plans.

However, the transgender population still faces the greatest barriers in accessing effective HIV services due to stigma often related to assumptions that many transgender women engage in formal and informal sex work. Men who have sex with men and lesbians generally feel less discriminated against as long as they do not disclose their identity.[14]

Beyond HIV and STI services, transgender populations also experience challenges with health professionals unable to responsively address their specific needs, especially in relation to hormone therapy.

Mental health

For many LGBTI people, socio-economic and cultural conditions can have a negative impact on mental well-being. Research from diverse contexts globally shows that LGBTI people experience higher rates of mental health challenges than the general population. LGBTI people often struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma and self-acceptance as a result of facing ongoing discrimination over their lifetimes. LGBTI youth are approximately three to four times as likely to attempt suicide as non-LGBTI peers.[15][16][17]

While the full extent of mental health issues for LGBTI people in Lao PDR is not known, depression, anxiety and suicide ideation are also prevalent in the Lao LGBTI community.

In general, mental health has not been high on the agenda in Lao PDR compared to other competing health priorities and is only recently gaining more attention. The Mental Health Strategy 2020 aims to enhance service delivery at the national and local level. However, with a lack of funding, competing priorities and a shortage of well-trained and qualified mental health professionals, mental health services in the country remain underdeveloped. [18]

The Ministry of Health endorsed the national guidelines on mental health in 2020 to expand mental health support and treatment, targeting people with depression and people with psychosis as a first step. The guidance is aimed at clinical staff in primary care services, emergency first responders and non-clinical health staff such as village health volunteers and volunteers with mass organisations such as Lao Women’s Union and Lao Youth Union.  [19]

With relatively underdeveloped mental health services, the implications for mental health support for the LGBTI community in Lao PDR are complex. The challenge is for health professionals to increase their understanding of LGBT identity as a potential risk factor for anxiety, depression and suicide within a context where mental health support in general is less well understood. It is essential that any mental health and social care services that are provided have clear guidelines and are accessible and appropriate to LGBTI people, which initially may mean specialised services at select service delivery points.

Education

Barriers in accessing education based on a person’s SOGIE can have long-term effects on income earning opportunities, access to health services and overall resilience.

LGBTI pupils and students face several challenges in the education system. The increase in investment in human capital development in general has not included facilitating access to education and creating a safe space for LGBTI pupils and students as a priority. The absence of policies and practice to support LGBTI students may force many to discontinue their education.

Recent studies indicate that limited educational attainment was partly as a result of bullying and harassment from teachers and students and a lack of support services for LGBTI students. This was applicable to both rural and urban areas.[20]

Overall, when asked about their treatment at school, less than half of the fifty interviewees said they had experienced some form of discrimination, while over half hadn’t experienced any. However, eight percent of those who said they didn’t experience discrimination at school cited hanging out with fellow LGBT persons as the reason. An additional eighteen percent of those who answered the same said they weren’t out of the closet yet. Around two percent of those who had experienced discrimination dropped out of school. [21]

The inclusion of Comprehensive Sexuality Education in the education system is a step forward but the delivery of the curriculum is at the early stages of integration into primary and secondary schools. Furthermore, robust anti-discrimination policies and support services are needed to respond to bullying and harassment.

Employment

Discrimination, harassment, exclusion and stigma have a potential impact on opportunities available to LGBTI people as well as their actual experience in the workplace. The extent of SOGIE diversity and inclusion in the workplace in Lao PDR has not been comprehensively captured at scale and results from small-scale studies show a mixed picture.

A 2018 study indicated that many employers in both the public and private sector are open minded, in principle, in relation to SOGIE and employees do not experience discrimination in general. At the same time, workplace policies are not explicitly LGBTI inclusive with employers not understanding the need for such policies. Indications are that policy and legislation at the national level would be the driver for employers to feel that an inclusive policy is warranted.

While employers claim that recruitment and promotion are based on ability and SOGIE is not a limiting factor, it is commonly ‘understood’ that government or high-level private sector jobs are not for the LGBTI community. A a recent study found that all research participants had experienced discrimination in finding and maintaining employment due to their LGBTQI identity.[22]

The stereotype persists that transgender women or openly gay people engage in sex work or are limited to low-paid jobs traditionally associated with females such as working in a garment factory or a beauty salon. Securing employment in other sectors would only be possible by hiding their sexual orientation or gender identity. [23]

It is known that a significant proportion of LGBTI people do actually hide their SOGIE status for fear of discrimination from employers. This may account for reports of no awareness of LGBTI people working in a particular workplace or that LGBTI individuals reported no experience of discrimination.[24]

LGBTI visibility

In 2012, Lao PDR held its first Pride Day and the nation’s first International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia was marked in Vientiane in 2015. While these were significant landmarks for the LGBTI community, sustained visibility and awareness is required to help build a culture of respect for fundamental rights of the LGBTI community in Lao PDR. This requires an enabling environment of policies and attitudes that support and protect LGBTI people to claim their rights, and safe spaces to express their views.

Increased visibility and participation will not only support the multiple dimensions of well-being of individuals, inclusion of the LGBTI community can lead to significant gains in social and economic growth and stronger private sector profits.

Realisation of these goals requires a more in-depth and nuanced understanding of the lived experiences of LGBTI people including needs, challenges and contributions, taking into account the diversity and complexities. A more robust evidence base and increased visibility and participation in decision-making mechanisms have the potential for meaningful change at the policy and legislation level as well as the community level.

High quality, consistent data underpin policy making and makes it easier for different sectors to collaborate. To date, research and studies in Lao PDR have been relatively small scale with limited representation and more rigorous research is needed to inform and influence policy and legislation. It is important to acknowledge challenges in conducting surveys and collecting data on issues related to LGBTI communities. Individuals may not be willing to disclose their gender identity, or sexual orientation and any information provided may vary depending on why the data are being collected, who will see the data and the social or cultural setting. Surveys can suffer from strong cultural biases and if someone is not part of the LGBTI community then he or she may underestimate the challenges that members of the community face. It is also possible that people tend to report what is morally correct rather than revealing their true attitudes. Data quality, integrity, disaggregation, standards and safeguards are crucial to ensure the development of accurate and complete data on the reality of LGBTI communities.

Leading for change

Strong LGBTI-led organisations remain the backbone of the movement for equality. Proud to Be Us Lao (PTBUL) and Community Health and Inclusion Association (CHIas) are two such local non-profit organisations in Lao PDR that have collaborated on LGBTI issues for several years and have worked to tackle the most urgent challenges affecting LGBTI people.

PTBUL is the most active and visible Lao organisation working on LGBTI issues in Laos PDR and has engaged effectively at various levels to advocate for SOGIE, collaborating with authorities, academia and the private sector. The organisation is also active in regional and global networks. CHIas contributes to the improvement of health, social welfare and well-being of key affected populations through active participation in the development of health care services, social support, and community advocacy initiatives to reduce discrimination and stigmatisation.

The two organisations have made significant headway in the last decade on a number of issues affecting the Lao LGBTI population, mostly through short-term initiatives. With the need for a broader, longer-term approach to address key areas of the lives of LGBTI people, PTBUL and CHIas, in partnership with Oxfam in Laos, implemented the Strengthening Networks and Advocating for the Promotion of LGBTI Rights in Laos (SNAP!) in 2020–2021.

The project brought together civil society organisations to form a SOGIE network to increase efforts and build momentum around the promotion of the rights of LGBTI people in Lao PDR and the network’s activities helped to lay the foundations for the development of an overall civil society LGBTI roadmap.

Building on previous research and analyses conducted by PTBUL and Oxfam, LGBTI activists identified key issues affecting LGBTI people in Lao PDR to be addressed as they relate to the family, community and the workplace. The SOGIE network further identified mental well-being and access to health and support services as specific themes for a more consolidated and coherent strategy and to include mobile LGBTI and forced migrant populations in all themes as particularly vulnerable groups.

While data on the issues identified is limited, small studies conducted since 2018 have provided insights and situational data that have been translated into actions. Concrete recommendations from research on being LGBTI in the workplace resulted in a collaboration between PTBUL and the Faculty of Law and Political Science National University of Laos to develop the Promotion of Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace Manual to be piloted in the second half of 2021. The pilot will be conducted in selected civil society organisations and state enterprises to gauge how effective and relevant the manual is in the Lao context. Additional research findings and recommendations on the workplace and family are incorporated into the roadmap.

What should tourists know when they come visit Laos ?

To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, tourists should take certain precautions. First and foremost, it is crucial to always remain vigilant and be aware of your surroundings. Keep in mind that, while the overall situation regarding LGBT rights in Laos might be better than in many other countries, there can always be individuals who hold hostile attitudes.

As situations can change rapidly and information can become outdated, it is essential to seek current advice before traveling to Laos. Local LGBT organizations and international support groups can provide up-to-date information on the situation in the country. Additionally, it is advisable to connect with fellow travelers and locals to understand the current climate and level of acceptance.

By staying informed, taking necessary precautions, and respecting local customs, LGBT travelers can have a safe and enjoyable experience in Laos.

For tourists, Laos may seem more accepting and open to LGBT travelers. However, the rights and protections mentioned for locals also apply to tourists, so you should remain cautious and vigilant during your stay. As a tourist, you should respect the local customs, avoid public displays of affection, and be mindful of personal safety.

To protect yourself while traveling, you should research your destination, understand local laws and customs, and take all necessary precautions. Also, remaining connected with the local LGBT community or support organizations such as (PTBUL) could provide additional safety and knowledge about on-the-ground situations.

Please be aware that the situation for LGBT rights in Laos can change quickly, and information may become outdated. Always seek updated and current advice before traveling, and remain vigilant as there are bad actors in every country.

As Laos continues to progress in terms of LGBT rights, there is increasing visibility and support for the LGBT community. However, it is important to distinguish how these rights affect local people versus tourists visiting the country. While tourists may experience more tolerance, it is essential to keep in mind cultural differences and exercise respect for local customs and laws.

For LGBT locals, visibility and support are gradually improving. Pioneers like Anan Bouapha have given young people the opportunity to be themselves by fighting for improved rights and support within the Lao LGBT community. Organizations like Proud to Be Us Laos (PTBUL) are working to provide education and awareness about sexual and reproductive health and LGBT rights in the country.

If you are an LGBT tourist visiting Laos, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and enjoy your trip. Firstly, always research current information and seek updated advice on LGBT rights and issues in the country, as situations can change rapidly. Secondly, exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, as there may be bad actors present in any country. Finally, while in Laos, respect and observe local customs and laws to avoid any misunderstandings or legal issues.

In conclusion, the future of LGBT rights in Laos is gradually improving, with increased visibility and support from both locals and tourists. It is critical to remain vigilant, as situations can change, and always seek current advice before traveling. This will help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to Laos for all.

Protect Yourself While Travelling in Laos as LGBTIQ tourists

While LGBT rights in Laos have some limitations, especially for local people, tourists generally face fewer challenges. However, it is essential for visitors to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to protect themselves during their stay in the country.

As a tourist, it’s essential to respect local customs and cultural norms. This means avoiding public displays of affection and dressing conservatively. Although homosexuality is legal in Laos, there are no legal protections against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity. Therefore, it’s wise to be cautious and discreet about revealing one’s LGBT status, especially in rural areas where conservative attitudes may be more prevalent.

It’s essential for LGBT travelers to stay informed and regularly check for updates on the local situation and any potential changes in LGBT rights in Laos. Situations can change rapidly, and information may become out of date; therefore, consulting reliable sources like travel advisories or local LGBT organizations, such as Proud to Be Us Laos (PTBUL), can provide valuable insight into the safety and comfort of the local environment.

When venturing out, be aware of the nationwide midnight curfew for all businesses and plan your evening activities accordingly. Finding accommodations that respect and accept LGBT guests is crucial for a comfortable and secure stay. Booking through reputable platforms or seeking recommendations from local LGBT organizations can help ensure a welcoming environment.

Lastly, it’s important to remain vigilant at all times, as bad actors can exist in any country. Making connections with local LGBT individuals and communities can provide additional support and safety during your visit. Keep in mind that while tourists may enjoy some liberties, they must still exercise caution and respect for the broader context of LGBT rights in Laos.[25]

In-Country Research Studies on LGBTI in the Lao PDR

The first ever published survey of LGBT youth in Laos “A Youth-Led Study On The Challenges Faced By Urban LGBT Youth in Laos.” in collaboration with UNESCO Bangkok, Lao Youth Union and Proud to be us Laos.

This is one of the main components of the Lao National Policy on Youth development 2019-2030 and a part of a bigger UNESCO report on youth-led research in Laos.

This particular report focuses on young LGBT persons living in Vientiane Capital and is the product of several months of research and analysis. It was coordinated by UNESCO Bangkok and Proud to Be Us Laos, an LGBT rights organisation based in Vientiane Capital, and supported by Lao Youth Union.

Click Here to Download: http://www.mediafire.com/file/b2clcxljo87o2oz/Survey+of+Lesbian%2C+Gay%2C+Bisexual%2C+Transgender%2C+Intersex%2C+Queer+%28LGBTIQ%29+Youth+in+Lao+PDR.pdf

Revealing the Rainbow: The Human Rights Situation of LGBTIQ HRDs in Southeast Asia

The report is launched at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) with the collaboration of Rainbow Community Kampuchea-rock, and the support of United Nations Human Rights in Cambodia and the Embassy of Sweden in Phnom Penh. The launch aims to engage government representatives in a dialogue to strengthen the social inclusiveness and the legal protection of the LGBTIQ in Southeast Asia. The report serves as the evidence of the growing visibility of LGBTIQ rights and HRDs within the UPR process, this Report identifies significant room for improvement within Southeast Asia in terms of the protection of LGBTIQ.

Click Here to Download: http://destinationjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/LAOS-Revealing-the-Rainbow-Individual-Country-Pack-Destination-Justice-2018.pdf

Being LGBT At Work (A STUDY OF LGBTI PERSONS IN THR WORKPLACE IN LAO PDR)

conducted by Faculty of Law and Political Science National University of Laos, Law and Development Partnership, and Proud to Be Us Laos – ພູມໃຈທີ່ເປັນເຮົາ is officially a part of the Annual Legal Research Forum 2019 “Law and Development From the Lao PDR’s perspective” at the Faculty of Law and Political Science National University of Laos

Click here to download: https://files.fm/u/jtarre73p

“Manual on the Diversity Promotion, Workplace Inclusion, and Attitudes of the Legal Practitioners to Gender Diversity (Workplace Experimental Handbook)”

Click here to download: https://files.fm/u/7f7jeb9vg

“Research on Peer Education Volunteer Training For LGBTI Youth in Vientiane Capital” in collaboration with The VWYC Fans – Lao Women’s Union Vientiane Capital

Click here to download: https://files.fm/f/xsch7mm93

For more information:
www.facebook.com/proudtobeuslaos
www.twitter.com/proudtobeuslaos

[1] Proud To Be Us Laos (2022)
[2] Proud To Be Us Laos (2022)
[3] “Adopt Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Legislation That Addresses Direct & Indirect Discrimination And Encompasses All The Prohibited Grounds Of Discrimination Including Sexual Orientation And Gender Identity.” – Iceland, “Continue Taking Steps To Improve The Rights Of The LGBTI Persons Particularly By Identifying Their Needs. Consider Involving LGBTI Representatives In The Decision-Making Processes.” – Malta
[4] Proud To Be Us Laos (2022)
[5] Lao PDR, Civil Code (2018)
[6] Proud to be Us Laos (PTBUL), Being LGBT at Work: A Study of LGBTI Persons in the Workplace in Lao PDR, 2019. The report was commissioned by the Law and Development Partnership (LDP) and the Faculty of Law & Political Science of the National University of Laos.
[7] World Bank in Lao PDR, https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/lao/overview, accessed April 2021
[8] Draft National Youth and Adolescence Policy, Lao Youth Union (2018)
[9] Proud to Be Us Laos, Survey of LGBT Youth in Lao PDR: A Youth-Led Study on the Challenges Faced by Urban LGBT Youth in Laos, UNESCO Bangkok, 201
[10] Proud to Be Us Laos, Survey of LGBT Youth in Lao PDR: A Youth-Led Study on the Challenges Faced by Urban LGBT Youth in Laos, UNESCO Bangkok, 2018
[11] CHIas Laos, Familial Acceptance of People with Sexual & Gender Diversity in Laos, 2021
[12] Ibid
[13] APCOM and CHIas Laos, The State of LGBTQI People’s Economic Inclusion, Lao PDR, 2020
[14] Ibid
[15] Nicholas, J. & Howard, J. (1998). Better dead than gay? Depression, suicide ideation and attempt among a sample of gay and straight-identified males aged 18 to 24. Youth Studies Australia, 17(4), 28-33.
[16] Garofalo, R., Wolf, R.C., Wissow, L.S. et al. (1999). Sexual orientation and risk of suicide attempts among a representative sample of youth. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 153(5), 487-493.
[17] Clements-Noelle, K., Marx, R. & Katz, M. (2006). Attempted suicide among transgender persons: The influence of gender-based discrimination and victimization. Journal of Homosexuality, 51(3), 53-69.
[18] USAID, Laos Health Strategy 2019–2023, 2019 Available at: https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1861/USAID_Laos_Health_Strategy_2019-2023.pdf
[19] World Health Organization Lao PDR, Mental Health Stakeholders Meeting, Representative to Lao PDR speech, 17 November 2020. Available at: https://www.who.int/laos/news/speeches/speech/mental-health-stakeholders-meeting
[20] APCOM and CHIas Laos, The State of LGBTQI People’s Economic Inclusion, Lao PDR, 2020
[21] Proud to Be Us Laos, Survey of LGBT Youth in Lao PDR: A Youth-Led Study on the Challenges Faced by Urban LGBT Youth in Laos, UNESCO Bangkok, 2018
[22] APCOM and CHIas Laos, The State of LGBTQI People’s Economic Inclusion, Lao PDR, 2020
[23] Oxfam in Laos, Voice Context Analysis
[24] Proud to Be Us Laos (PTBUL), Being LGBT at Work: A Study of LGBTI Persons in the Workplace in Lao PDR, 2019.
[25] https://queerintheworld.com/lgbt-rights-in-laos/?fbclid=IwAR3TG_biK5pesKndOJNfl9cV9Vut0pJDGPe4aoxMowqGu0LuEzR1QRdU79I