Exploring LGBTQ+ Rights in Asia

The LGBTQ+ community is an incredibly diverse and powerful one, spanning across many countries and cultures. Unfortunately, while some countries have embraced this community and its rights, many others have yet to do so. In Asia, a region of the world with a variety of different cultures and beliefs, this is especially true. Here, we will take a look at some of the key countries in the region, with a focus on their history of LGBTQ+ rights and the current legal status.

The history of LGBTQ+ rights in Asia is long and complex. In some countries, such as China and Japan, the LGBTQ+ community has been accepted and celebrated for centuries. In other countries, particularly in South and Southeast Asia, there is a long history of discrimination and criminalization. In many countries, LGBTQ+ rights have only recently begun to be addressed, and in some, such as Malaysia and Indonesia, the situation is still dire.

History of LGBTQ+ Rights

In China, LGBTQ+ rights have been relatively accepted for centuries. In fact, many ancient Chinese texts describe same-sex relationships in a positive light. However, in the 20th century, the Chinese Communist Party began to criminalize homosexuality and the LGBTQ+ community was forced to go underground.

Current Legal Status

In 1997, homosexuality was decriminalized in China. In 2001, it was officially removed from the list of mental disorders. However, same-sex marriage is still not legal, and there is still much discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community in the country.

LGBTQ+ Rights Movement in China

In recent years, the LGBTQ+ rights movement in China has gained strength. There are several LGBTQ+ rights organizations in the country, such as the Beijing LGBT Center, which works to raise awareness of the issues facing the community and to advocate for their rights.

History of LGBTQ+ Rights

Japan has a long history of accepting LGBTQ+ people. In ancient times, same-sex relationships were common and there were even ceremonies for same-sex couples. However, in the modern era, discrimination and criminalization have become increasingly common.

Current Legal Status

In Japan, same-sex marriage is still not legal, and there is still much discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. However, in recent years, there has been a move towards greater acceptance and there are now several cities that recognize same-sex partnerships.

LGBTQ+ Rights Movement in Japan

In recent years, the LGBTQ+ rights movement in Japan has grown in strength. There are several LGBTQ+ rights organizations in the country, such as the Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation, which works to raise awareness of the issues facing the community and to advocate for their rights.

History of LGBTQ+ Rights

Historically, South Korea has been relatively accepting of LGBTQ+ people. However, in recent years, discrimination and criminalization have become increasingly common.

Current Legal Status

In South Korea, same-sex marriage is still not legal, and there is still much discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. However, in recent years, there has been a move towards greater acceptance and there are now several cities that recognize same-sex partnerships.

LGBTQ+ Rights Movement in South Korea

In recent years, the LGBTQ+ rights movement in South Korea has grown in strength. There are several LGBTQ+ rights organizations in the country, such as the Korea Sexual Minority Culture and Rights Center, which works to raise awareness of the issues facing the community and to advocate for their rights.

History of LGBTQ+ Rights

In India, LGBTQ+ people have been accepted for centuries. In ancient times, same-sex relationships were common and even celebrated. However, in the modern era, discrimination and criminalization have become increasingly common.

Current Legal Status

In 2018, homosexuality was decriminalized in India. However, same-sex marriage is still not legal, and there is still much discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community in the country.

LGBTQ+ Rights Movement in India

In recent years, the LGBTQ+ rights movement in India has gained strength. There are several LGBTQ+ rights organizations in the country, such as the Humsafar Trust, which works to raise awareness of the issues facing the community and to advocate for their rights.

History of LGBTQ+ Rights

In Thailand, LGBTQ+ people have long been accepted and celebrated. In ancient times, same-sex relationships were common and even celebrated. However, in recent years, discrimination and criminalization have become increasingly common.

Current Legal Status

In Thailand, same-sex marriage is still not legal, and there is still much discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. However, in recent years, there has been a move towards greater acceptance and there are now several cities that recognize same-sex partnerships.

LGBTQ+ Rights Movement in Thailand

In recent years, the LGBTQ+ rights movement in Thailand has grown in strength. There are several LGBTQ+ rights organizations in the country, such as the Thai Transgender Alliance, which works to raise awareness of the issues facing the community and to advocate for their rights.

History of LGBTQ+ Rights

In Taiwan, LGBTQ+ people have long been accepted and celebrated. In ancient times, same-sex relationships were common and even celebrated. However, in recent years, discrimination and criminalization have become increasingly common.

Current Legal Status

In 2019, Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. This was a major victory for the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the country. However, there is still much discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community and more work needs to be done.

LGBTQ+ Rights Movement in Taiwan

In recent years, the LGBTQ+ rights movement in Taiwan has grown in strength. There are several LGBTQ+ rights organizations in the country, such as the Taiwan Alliance to Promote Civil Partnership Rights, which works to raise awareness of the issues facing the community and to advocate for their rights.

History of LGBTQ+ Rights

In the Philippines, LGBTQ+ people have long been accepted and celebrated. In ancient times, same-sex relationships were common and even celebrated. However, in recent years, discrimination and criminalization have become increasingly common.

Current Legal Status

In the Philippines, same-sex marriage is still not legal, and there is still much discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. However, in recent years, there has been a move towards greater acceptance and there are now several cities that recognize same-sex partnerships.

LGBTQ+ Rights Movement in the Philippines

In recent years, the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the Philippines has grown in strength. There are several LGBTQ+ rights organizations in the country, such as the Metro Manila Pride, which works to raise awareness of the issues facing the community and to advocate for their rights.

History of LGBTQ+ Rights

In Vietnam, LGBTQ+ people have long been accepted and celebrated. In ancient times, same-sex relationships were common and even celebrated. However, in recent years, discrimination and criminalization have become increasingly common.

Current Legal Status

In Vietnam, same-sex marriage is still not legal, and there is still much discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. However, in recent years, there has been a move towards greater acceptance and there are now several cities that recognize same-sex partnerships.

LGBTQ+ Rights Movement in Vietnam

In recent years, the LGBTQ+ rights movement in Vietnam has grown in strength. There are several LGBTQ+ rights organizations in the country, such as the ICS Centre, which works to raise awareness of the issues facing the community and to advocate for their rights.

History of LGBTQ+ Rights

In Malaysia, LGBTQ+ people have long been discriminated against and criminalized. In recent years, this discrimination and criminalization has only become worse.

Current Legal Status

In Malaysia, same-sex marriage is still not legal, and there is still much discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, homosexuality is still illegal in the country and carries a punishment of up to 20 years in prison.

LGBTQ+ Rights Movement in Malaysia

In recent years, the LGBTQ+ rights movement in Malaysia has grown in strength. There are several LGBTQ+ rights organizations in the country, such as the Malaysian HIV/AIDS Activists Association, which works to raise awareness of the issues facing the community and to advocate for their rights.

History of LGBTQ+ Rights

In Indonesia, LGBTQ+ people have long been discriminated against and criminalized. In recent years, this discrimination and criminalization has only become worse.

Current Legal Status

In Indonesia, same-sex marriage is still not legal, and there is still much discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, homosexuality is still illegal in the country and carries a punishment of up to 15 years in prison.

LGBTQ+ Rights Movement in Indonesia

In recent years, the LGBTQ+ rights movement in Indonesia has grown in strength. There are several LGBTQ+ rights organizations in the country, such as the Indonesian Alliance for Diversity, which works to raise awareness of the issues facing the community and to advocate for their rights.

Continuing Challenges

While there have been some major victories for LGBTQ+ rights in Asia in recent years, the fight is far from over. Many countries in the region still criminalize homosexuality and fail to recognize same-sex partnerships. As such, it is important that we continue to fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Asia and to raise awareness of the issues facing the community.

Hope for the Future

Despite the challenges, there is still hope for the future. In recent years, the LGBTQ+ rights movement in Asia has grown in strength and more and more countries are beginning to recognize and accept the rights of LGBTQ+ people. It is our hope that, one day, all of Asia will be a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ people.

References:

Beijing LGBT Center. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved April 15, 2021, from https://www.blgb.org/about-us/

Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved April 15, 2021, from https://lgbt-law.jp/en/

Korea Sexual Minority Culture and Rights Center. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved April 15, 2021, from https://www.ksmcr.org/en/

Humsafar Trust. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved April 15, 2021, from https://www.humsafar.org/about/

Thai Transgender Alliance. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved April 15, 2021, from https://thaitransgenderalliance.org/about-us/

Taiwan Alliance to Promote Civil Partnership Rights. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved April 15, 2021, from https://www.tacp.org.tw/en/about

Metro Manila Pride. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved April 15, 2021, from https://www.metromanilapride.org/about-us

ICS Centre. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved April 15, 2021, from https://www.icscentre.org/about

Malaysian HIV/AIDS Activists Association. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved April 15, 2021, from https://mhaaa.org/about/

Indonesian Alliance for Diversity. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved April 15, 2021, from https://www.iad.or.id/en/about-us/