IDAHOT Events 2015: Laos celebrated IDAHOT for the first time

In Vientiane, the European Union delegates together with LGBT group Proud To Be – Laos hosted a event in commemoration of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. The event was attended by more than a dozen people and marked the day for the first time in the country.

[box type=”note” ]We are still busy collecting information on this year’s IDAHOT activities and are waiting to hear back from activists and event organisers. If you have information to share with us, please write us at contact@dayagainsthomophobia.org[/box]
Information from gaystarnews.com:

The small communist country of Laos celebrated the International Day Against and Transphobia (IDAHOT) for the first time this year.

The European Union delegation in Vientiane hosted a reception on 18 May and flew the rainbow flag next to the EU one.

The event was attended by more than a dozen local activists and diplomats from the US, Australian, British, French diplomats embassies.

‘The highlight of the event was not just that it was the first time celebrating in a difficult country like Laos,’ LGBTI activist Anan Bouapha told Gay Star News.

‘The national media also came to film the event and interviewed transgender advocate Latty Sengdala about the level of acceptance of third gender in Lao society.’

LGBTI group Proud to Be Us – Laos noted that this marked the first time in the country’s history that a transgender person had spoken publicly on issues that concern them.

‘It’s another historic event in Laos. This is a platform for our community to move forward another step toward a more inclusive society,’ said Bouapha.

IDAHOT was created in 2004 to draw the attention of policymakers, opinion leaders, social movements, the media and the public to LGBTI issues. It is now commemorated in 120 countries across the world.

Watch the media coverage by LNTV here.