Why Protecting LGBTQ+ Voices Matters for Asia’s Future
Introduction A society’s future is formed not only by its laws and institutions, but also by who is able to participate in everyday life. When people are prevented from accessing education, employment, healthcare, or public life because of who they are, the consequences exceed individuals. Communities lose voices, skills, and contributions that could otherwise strengthen society. A recent statement from the ASEAN SOGIE Caucus highlights these concerns in relation to LGBTQ+ people in Indonesia and calls for greater regional solidarity. What Happened In July 2026, the ASEAN SOGIE Caucus raised an alarm over what it described as escalating attacks against LGBTQ+ people in Indonesia. The organization cited experiences including harassment, displacement, loss of employment or education, family rejection, digital attacks, criminalization and threats of violence. It also expressed solidarity with community organizations, human rights defenders, lawyers, health workers, journalists, edu...