Transforming Stigma into Strength: Empowering the LGBTQIA+ Community in Mon State

In the vibrant yet traditional landscapes of Mon State, Myanmar, where culture and modernity intersect, stands Kyal Sin Htet, a symbol of resilience and hope. She is profoundly influencing her community as an LGBTQIA+ peer educator.

Kyal Sin Htet's journey has been full of challenges and stigma. Discrimination and isolation began early, stemming from her family and extending into her wider community. "I found my gender identity when I was just ten years old. As I explored my identity through my mother’s makeup, the backlash was immediate, both at home and school," Kyal Sin recalls. These experiences, marked by bullying and exclusion, shaped her resolve. "We are also human and a part of the community. Why are people not willing to treat us equally and let us live our lives freely as humans?" she questions, highlighting a poignant reality for many LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Despite the hurdles, Kyal Sin found her calling in activism and education. Working with a local NGO in Mon State partnering with UNFPA, she ventured into communities, frequenting places like beauty salons where LGBTQIA+ individuals gather, providing them with not just awareness on sexual and reproductive health including HIV/AIDS prevention and resources like pamphlets and condoms, but also much-needed support on gender equality and human rights. "I have been passionate about community work, making a difference for our society," she explains. Her efforts extend to engaging family members of LGBTQIA+ individuals, aiming to educate them about rights and acceptance, though she admits, "We have a long way to go to end the discrimination."

The stigmas are deep-rooted. "In our community, LGBTQIA+ people are often called 'Ah chowk,' a term that deeply hurts," Kyal Sin highlights. These challenges underscore the critical nature of her awareness raising on LGBTQIA+ rights, which not only dispel myths but fosters an open space for learning and solidarity in the community.

Beyond education, Kyal Sin plays a crucial role in creating a network of support and fostering acceptance through her advocacy. She usually meets with those ostracized by their families, reinforcing her belief in creating an equal community where people support each other. 

Kyal Sin's message is powerful and clear, echoing through her advocacy: "Acceptance starts with understanding. We are not asking people for special treatment; we are asking for equal rights. We all have dreams, we all have the right to love, and we all deserve respect."

As she continues her work, Kyal Sin Htet remains a beacon of hope, transforming stigma into strength to make a change in the community. Her journey is one of courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights of LGBTQIA+ community. Through her efforts, she's not only changing lives but also reshaping the social fabric of Mon State into a more inclusive one.

**This story was originally published on the UNFPA Myanmar Website Page.