Rights to Be: LGBTQI+ Activists Unite to Drive Gender Justice and Human Rights in Thailand

From May 6–9, 2025, representatives from the Nam Kwan Sii Rung community in northern Thailand participated in the National Workshop: Rights to Be – Empower Yourself. The event was hosted in Phayao province and brought together LGBTQI+ activists, community organizers, and human rights defenders from across the country.

The goal of the workshop was clear: to ignite conversations, strengthen community bonds, and strategize for collective action that drives gender justice and human rights for LGBTQI+ individuals in Thailand.

A Convergence of Diversity, United in Purpose

The workshop was not just a meeting—it was a movement. It welcomed a wide range of voices, experiences, and identities. From transgender advocates to lesbian activists, from youth leaders to rural organizers, participants came with a shared commitment to justice and inclusion.

Representatives from Nam Kwan Sii Rung shared stories from their local work, highlighting challenges related to healthcare access, social stigma, and rural exclusion. They emphasized how building trust with local stakeholders can foster long-term social change.

Strengthening New Generations of Activists

Rights to Be created space for emerging leaders to build skills in strategic planning, public policy engagement, and mental health care for activists—a key element often overlooked in long-term organizing work.

Participants explored what it means to care for themselves and their communities in the face of burnout, violence, and political resistance. They discussed the importance of inner resilience as a foundation for sustainable change.

Safe Spaces That Lead to Structural Change

At the heart of the workshop was the idea of safe spaces—environments where everyone can speak, dream, and share without fear of judgment. When individuals feel respected and seen, they gain the strength to speak out, organize, and demand recognition from the broader society.

Rights to Be showed that building a more inclusive society is not just an aspiration—it’s an achievable reality when people come together with intention, humility, and solidarity.

Gratitude for Collective Effort

This powerful gathering was made possible thanks to HON HOUSE – the Health and Opportunity Network, along with various national partners and contributors. Their commitment ensured that this wasn’t a one-off event, but part of a longer journey to shift systems and support local leaders.

The Nam Kwan Sii Rung team expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of a national dialogue and emphasized the importance of including rural voices in LGBTQI+ rights work.

Conclusion: Empowerment Through Community and Collaboration

Rights to Be: Empower Yourself reminded us that every identity deserves dignity, and every voice can shape the future.

By creating spaces for sharing, learning, and collaboration, this workshop did more than train activists—it fueled a movement rooted in empathy, equity, and hope.