LGBT rights in Myanmar

Myanmar

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) people in Myanmar face legal challenges and discrimination that non-LGBT people do not. Same-sex sexual activity is illegal within the Union of Myanmar and people found guilty may have to pay fines or go to prison for many years.[1] The government used to be more authoritarian which made it difficult to get accurate information about the legal or social status of LGBT people in Myanmar. In recent years, better media coverage, better civil freedoms, and ongoing political reforms have allowed LGBT people to gain more recognition in the country.

Under past governments, no LGBT political or social life could exist. People in Myanmar have very conservative views about human sexuality. In Myanmar, no formal gay bars or LGBT human rights groups exist yet, but there are some nightclubs in cities that have a reputation for both heterosexual and LGBT visitors. Myanmar also celebrated its first gay pride in several cities around the country in 2012 to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.

Aung Myo Min, the Human Rights Minister of the Myanmar government and an openly gay man, has been involved in the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF). In 2021 he talked about diversity in the new National Unity Government in Myanmar which fights homophobia.[2] Today he is involved with Myanmar human rights organizations, including the Campaign for Lesbian Gay Rights in Burma. In 2003, Focus Asia (Star TV) aired a story about the Nat Kadaws. The "Utopia Guide to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar & Vietnam" references "Transgender shaman channelling spirits at Myanmar sacred festivals."[3]

References

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