CSBR

One Day One Struggle! 2023

On November 9th, a global chorus rises in celebration of sexual and bodily rights as human rights. This year, the One Day One Struggle! campaign, led by the Coalition for Sexual and Bodily Rights in Muslim Societies (CSBR), united communities around the world. We proudly supported four dynamic member organisations: Asosiasi LBH APIK Indonesia and Qbukatabu; Forum for Dignity Initiatives (FDI), advocates for sexual and bodily rights in Pakistan; and Kaos GL, a leading voice for LGBTQ+ rights in Turkey.

From Indonesia to Pakistan and Turkey, these organisations brought the spirit of One Day One Struggle! to life through diverse and impactful initiatives. Stay inspired by these stories and join the movement for sexual and bodily rights for all. Visit the CSBR social media pages to learn more and discover how you can contribute.

Pathchola Foundation – Bangladesh

Pathchola organised an online workshop, “Breaking Barriers: Empowering Youth through Transgender Sensitization in the Digital Age,” on Monday, November 27, 2023, via Google Meet regarding One Day One Struggle (ODOS) in the month of November. This workshop was held for support to Global Campaign One Day One Struggle #ODOS2023.

A total of 37 participants from Government Organization, NGO, Local Level and youth community attended the workshop. The workshop aimed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the transgender community and to discuss ways to empower them through digital literacy and sensitization.

Asosiasi LBH APIK Indonesia – Indonesia

Asosiasi LBH APIK Indonesia has arranged an Instagram Live online discussion entitled “From Morals, Culture, Religion, to the State: The Situation of the Fulfillment of Rights Access to Safe Abortion for Women in Indonesia”. The discussion was held to celebrate the ODOS campaign together with the opening of 16 days of anti-violence against women campaign, by inviting three speakers from a SHR expert, a legal assistant for victims of sexual violence, and a Moslem religious expert.

The 1.5 hours Live IG discussed the current situation of access to safe abortion in Indonesia with various obstacles both from religious, cultural aspects and legal instruments that still hasn’t yet accommodated the needs of women and people with the capacity to become pregnant. Currently, abortion regulations in Indonesia can only be provided to: (1) victims of sexual violence up to 14 weeks of pregnancy, and (2) pregnancy which has medical emergencies. Meanwhile, the absence of implementing regulations that regulate the technical implementation of safe abortion makes safe abortion to those two specific conditions still inaccessible.

They also produced two short videos highlighting the speaker’s key statements. The recorded discussion can be accessed here, and the bilingual short videos can be accessed on Youtube.

Through the safe abortion access campaign, the LBH APIK Indonesia Association aims to: (1) raise public awareness regarding safe abortion belongs to sexual and reproductive health right, (2) breaking the stigmas and discriminations aimed at women and people with the capacity to become pregnant regarding abortion, (3) encourage and invite the public to jointly monitor the technical regulations of the Health Law 17/2023.

Qbukatabu – Indonesia

To observe ODOS 2023 campaign, Qbukatabu brought the conversation about Feminist Queer Artists: Resistance and Resilience. A number of feminist queer artists voiced out their work, struggle and hopes in future in doing artivism in the format of video. We hope this video can inspire others who also have to deal with everyday resistance because of their bodies, sexuality, gender identity and self-expression to persistence and to be resilience. They also produced and published short videos in YouTube Channel & Instagram Reels a short video that contain basic information regarding ODOS campaign. They would also upload a compilation short videos from Feminist Queer artists regarding artivism to promote sexual & bodily rights. The latter video would consist of thoughts and experiences from up to 8 feminist & Feminists Queer artists regarding their works & journey in the respective fields.

Forum for Dignity Initiatives (FDI) – Pakistan

FDI arranged a study circle to support an important and timely initiative aimed at addressing the intersections of climate change, women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and the deficiency of gender-responsive policies. The One Day One Struggle Campaign would provide the perfect opportunity for FDI to organize a study circle with university students on the implications of climate change on women’s bodily autonomy, sexual and reproductive health, and rights. The study circle aimed to raise awareness by educating students and the community about the linkages between climate change and women’s SRHR, shedding light on the vulnerabilities and challenges women face. It also facilitated research on this critical intersection, identifying specific issues, and solutions that can inform policy changes. Develop a clear advocacy strategy to promote gender-responsive policies at the local, national, and international levels. The ultimate goal is to build a community of engaged individuals advocating for gender-sensitive climate policies by encouraging dialogue to better understand the intersectionality of sexual and reproductive health and rights and climate change and through actionable research findings to advocate for gender-responsive policies.

Kaos GL – Turkey

The ODOS 2023 was organized by Kaos GL Association in 9 November 2023. This year, in parallel with the global economic crisis after Covid-19 pandemic and its subjective effects of different societies was brought to the agenda. In this framework, the theme of the event was “+” is not always positive. Between sur-plus exploitation and sur-plus potentiality.

CSBR CSBR Activities, Headline

Gender, Sexuality, Islam & Science – Spring 2023

This reading & discussion course will create a space for participants to reflect on and debate critical perspectives in the development of discourses on gender and feminism across the world. The readings explore the variety of shapes women’s movements have taken; how race, class, gender and sexuality interact with one another; and the implications of notions of ‘development’ on women’s movements.

This 8-week course is offered in collaboration with the Coalition for Sexual and Bodily Rights in Muslim Societies (CSBR). It’s a space for those keen to bridge philosophical, academic and personal perspectives.

Application Link

Deadline to Apply: 28 February 2023

Questions? Email: Noshaan Shahid (aunshahid38@gmail.com)

CSBR ODOS

OneDayOneStruggle 2022

Every 9 November communities around the world come together in celebration of sexual and bodily rights as human rights, as part of the One Day One Struggle! campaign, coordinated by the Coalition for Sexual and Bodily Rights in Muslim Societies (CSBR).

Followed by COVID-19 pandemic, 2022 has been a challenging year for human rights movements as many organization resuming in-person events besides online meetups, many of them have come up with hybrid presence to ensure inclusion of respective communities. CSBR has also gone through transitional phase for the entire year which has limited its presence in external presence. In the spirit of embracing the new normal & towards better tomorrow, for this year’s One Day One Struggle campaign, all member organizations have focused on building strong narratives to support communities across regions.

BANGLADESH

Pathchola Foundation, a trans-led organization from Bangladesh organized three sessions regarding ODOS in the month of November. It also published one video clip showcasing the struggle of a transgender person to survive and thrive to establish their identity. The three offline sessions conducted in three different districts of Bangladesh (Khulna, Sylhet & Mymensigh) focused on overcoming the struggled that transgender persons face in everyday life. Each session also included ideas about achieving goals through solidarity, networking & proper guidance.

INDONESIA

Our member organization Qbukatubu published infographics in their website and their socials (Twitter and Instagram). The infographics are to get our audience know more about One Day One Struggle Campaign. They asked their audience to post in their social media accounts about their thoughts on the importance to have solidarity in advocating sexual and bodily rights in Indonesia.

Qbukatabu also planned to have an ODOS x TDOR Campaign. They have called on transgender community to share the challenges and hopes of being a transgender Muslim in Indonesia. They plan to collect photos containing messages/hopes and also videos of some trans activists who also promote freedom of belief and religion specifically for the LGBTIQ+ community in Indonesia. The submission remained between 9 – 18 November 2022. Qbukatabu expects to publish the photo-video compilation in our social media by 20 or 21 November 2022. Through this collaboration campaign Qbukatabu will (1) raise societies awareness that everyone including transgender communities has the right to embrace their religion/faith and worship accordingly; (2) be a moment to remember and send our prayers for our trans communities who already passed away for many reason including violence and discrimination on behalf of religion and morality.

PAKISTAN

Our member organization Forum for Dignity Initiatives (FDI) has arranged a discussion on twitter space on the pressing issue of Periods Poverty & Menstrual Justice in relief work. In regard of #onedayonestruggle campaign on Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights of Women. The young leaders across Pakistan joined the space sharing their experience and learnings on Menstrual relief in flood affected areas.

The discussion focused on the current relief work on Menstrual hygiene of women in flood affected areas and sustainable solutions through inclusive policies in future. The recorded space can be accessed here.

TURKEY

Our member organization WWHR-New Ways and Kaos GL from Turkey, have been organizing “Solidarity Keeps Us Alive” events since 2019 to emphasize the importance of solidarity among feminists and LGBTI+’s together on the struggle against anti-gender movements and discourses, and to develop new strategies. This year we came together as almost 50 activists from feminist and LGBTI+ organizations under a forum to talk about the effects of deepening poverty and the aggravated anti-gender oppression on our lives and bodies. We concluded the forum talking about an imaginative future where we can all live an equal and emancipated life, leaving the forum with hope and empowerment.

CSBR ODOS

OneDayOneStruggle 2021

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose unprecedented challenges to all of us, 2021 has been a tough year for human rights movements, many of which face setbacks unique to their communities. In the spirit of acknowledging this struggle, for this year’s One Day One Struggle campaign, all member organizations will focus on themes that they deem important and most pressing respectively.

See a brief listing of the planned actions below, and keep up with us using on Twitter (@SexBodyRights, #OneDayOneStruggle), Instagram (@csbrsexbodyrights) and Facebook (facebook.com/CSBRonline) on November 9th for updates as the actions occur!

TURKEY

WWHR-New Ways and Kaos GL from Turkey, have been organizing these events since 2019 to emphasize the importance of the struggle of feminists and LGBTI+s together against anti-gender movements and discourses, and to develop new strategies.

This year, they wanted to consider all these debates which arose again around the withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, and to rethink the concepts of gender and gender equality. For this purpose, their panel titled “Gender: from Feminism to Queer Theory”, which will be online on November 9, will discuss how and when gender has become one of the key concepts of the LGBTI+ rights struggle, theoretical and historical transformations that paved the way for the emergence of trans exclusionary feminist views and their increasing visibility in years, the reflections of these debates in the feminist movement in Turkey, the historical alliances between the Turkey’s feminist and LGBTI+ movements and the possibilities of alliances in the near future.

After the panel, they continue with an online party.

The event will be Turkish. If you still want to participate, you can register via this link.

Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CVzzJ9QgFV7/?utm_medium=share_sheet

BANGLADESH

Inclusive Bangladesh and its EQUAL partner organizations (Prantoz Foundation, Pothchola Hijra Shongho, and Shree) will be jointly celebrating this year’s ODOS, highlighting the day-to-day struggle of Non-Binary people in the context of Bangladesh. The celebration will be a month-long program where the organizations will hold online and offline events such as ten digital poster publications, one art campaign, one webinar with nonbinary people, and a virtual dance show. This year ODOS will be celebrated under the hashtag #DOTOKOTA, a Bengali term that reflects upon something that has the power of creation, mixing with others. This highlights the power of non-binary people who shades lights on the unknown aspects of diverse gender in one singular body.

Event logs will be available from 1st November onwards on our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/INCLUSIVEBD/ and on twitter https://twitter.com/Inclusivebangla

INDONESIA

GAYa NUSANTARA Foundation, one of the first national LGBTIQ+ organisations in Indonesia, will be uploading 15 video/audio series of religious narrations delivered with love by young friends with Islamic & Christian backgrounds. They will be uploaded gradually through the GAYa NUSANTARA YouTube channel from November 8, 2021 to November 12, 2021.

Da’wah in Love, the title for this campaign, delivers religious narratives that calm, reassure and embrace diversity in gender and sexuality, so that religion can increasingly appear in a friendly face and uphold justice and equality for all mankind.

It is hoped that the doors of love or mercy can be opened wider in a religious framework that no longer judges, oppresses and hurts, but is instead open to accepting those who are often labeled as sinners and are limited in their safe spaces even in the context of religion which should be a place of worship and shade for sweat bearers; those who continue to be attacked and hated in such a way simply because they have a different sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or sex characteristics from the majority group.

Below is the list of the videos.

November 8, 2021

1) Developing Islam Rahmatan Lil Alamin – audio (Surya Alam Maulana);

2) Love Wins (Yasinta Fatmawati);

3) Creating a Safe Space for All (Agus R Nugraha);

November 9, 2021

4) Conversion Therapy: Coercion in the Name of God (Felix);

5) Religion and Justice for the Oppressed – audio (Miftahul Huda);

6) Judging Others (Amar Alfikar);

November 10, 2021

7) Gender Diversity in Religion (Ratna Triwulandari);

8) Highlighting Labeling of Gender Identity and Sexuality (Han);

9) Self-Acceptance as Part of Faith (Mohamad Safiq Niam);

11 November 2021

10) Religious Da’wah that Embraces not Clobbers (Ratna Dewi Palupi).

11) Religion and Humanity (Arimbi);

12) Worship in Diversity (Agetta Putri Awijaya).

12 November 2021

13) God’s Judgment Doesn’t See Gender Identity and Sexuality (Fikri Abdillah);

14) Gender and Sexuality Based Violence (Masruroh);

15) Interpreting the Story of the People of the Prophet of Lut or Sodom & Gomorrah – audio (Kelphin Jeremiah T)

CSBR CSBR Activities

Sign up! Summer Course on Gender & Feminism

We’re excited to offer a new summer reading and discussion course, offered by Noshaan Shahid of PRAQSIS, in collaboration with CSBR. Full details and application form here: https://bit.ly/CSBR_FGSS. Sign up by July 9th 2021!

Course Dates: Saturdays, UTC 11am – 1:30 pm, from 17 July – 4 September 2021.

Theme: This reading & discussion course will create a space for participants to reflect on and debate critical perspectives in the development of discourses on gender and feminism across the world. The readings explore a variety of shapes women’s movements have taken; how race, class, gender and sexuality interact with one another; and the implications of notions of ‘development’ on women’s movements.

Full Details & Application form: https://bit.ly/CSBR_FGSS

Deadline to Apply: 9 July 2021

Questions? Email: Noshaan Shahid <here>

CSBR CSBR Activities, News on Sexual & Bodily Rights

HRC47 Side Event: Using Faith and Tradition to support an inclusive understanding of Gender and Sexuality

CSBR is a co-sponsor of the side event, “Using Faith and Tradition to support an inclusive understanding of Gender and Sexuality“, taking place on 8 July 2021, at the upcoming 47th Session of the UN Human Rights Council. Register here, and see details below.

CSBR News on Sexual & Bodily Rights, Resources & Tools

2021 Rights at Risk: Time for Action!

In collaboration with the members of the Observatory on the Universality of Rights, we are proud to launch the new 2021 Rights at Risk: Time for Action report!

Each day anti-rights actors have more money and more power, but feminists are fighting back.Get the latest information on the people & organizations attacking our human rights, where they’re getting their money, and their latest strategies.

Discover tools to debunk their arguments and take inspiration from feminist wins and resistance stories, all in the latest report.

Download the Report

Many of our human rights spaces and processes have already been undermined, but we still have a chance to stop this. Join us in calling for UN officials to take urgent action to counter ultraconservative mobilisation against human rights. We can no longer afford to wait!
Sign and share the Call to Action

CSBR CSBR Activities

Connections, Possibilities and Joy: Reflections from the Healing Circles (2020)

“Collective healing spaces are hard for me to do on my own. Sometimes you need collective motivation. This really helps me work on my well being” – Saleha. [A quote from the Healing Circles, hosted by CSBR & RESURJ in 2020, illustrated by Sonaksha Iyengar (www.sonaksha.com)]

From October – December 2020, CSBR and RESURJ collaborated to host the Healing Circles, a 5-part workshop series to deepen solidarity, connection and care. As networks, we hoped to create a space for feminists that centred the politics of pleasure, wellbeing and resilience, while collaboratively addressing the deep impacts of personal, systemic and intergenerational traumas that as activists we face daily in our movement building. It felt especially timely to hold these gentle spaces, as we passed the first half-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eighteen of us participated in the virtual spaces, connecting from all across the globe. We joined together from Brazil, Chile, Canada, Egypt, France, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Paraguay, Spain, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and the UK. Throughout the Healing Circles, we explored varied body-based, spiritual and communication practices. This supported us to articulate what healing meant to each of us, within the context of our daily lives, our mother tongues, our gendered experiences, and the socio-political landscapes we found ourselves within. We journeyed together through a mix of casual conversation, creative expression, practices of non-violent communication. We were led through experiences of somatic exploration, authentic dance, and shamanic journeying by healers & activists embedded within feminist movements.

Our shared experiences and reflections affirmed the ways healing and transformation emerge from an attention to our bodies & spirits. They also affirmed the expansive pathways that arise from decolonizing the mainstream, capitalist & individual takes on self-care & wellness which increasingly dominate public discourse. We left with a consensus on the strength & necessity of work that supports collective care and resiliency as an integral part of movement-building.

The Healing Circles were co-facilitated by Marisa Viana and Rima Athar, along with Aizat Shakieva, Hilal Demir, Niza Solari Oyarzo. We’re glad to share records of the conversation highlights here, documented by Jamila Abbas and illustrated by Sonaksha Iyengar (www.sonaksha.com). Email us with thoughts, and please share widely with attribution. We hope it inspires similar spaces wherever you are.

You can download the full PDF here: CSBR_RESURJ_HealingCircles2020 Download

Opening Circle: Connections, Possibilities & Joy

*“Connections, Possibilities & Joy”: a graphic record by Sonaksha Iyengar of the opening of the Healing Circles, co-hosted by CSBR & RESURJ. Click the image above to view in full detail.*

“I am the soft of my upper arms, and the firm rounded curves of my strong tan shoulders. I used to think I am the things I carry, and now I want to be the person holding myself, me and my shadows all in one embrace” – Syar. [A quote from the Healing Circles, hosted by CSBR & RESURJ in 2020, illustrated by Sonaksha Iyengar]

“I see communication as a tool for human connection. The goal is to hear ourselves from the heart. We are different not only culturally, but personally too. But if there is pain in the heart, will it come through? Our emotions and needs are the universal language that we all know, and we can hear each other’s heart through it” – Hilal Demir. [A quote from the Healing Circles, hosted by CSBR & RESURJ in 2020, illustrated by Sonaksha Iyengar]

“Is it possible for us to begin to hold space to feel comfortable in our bodies? It is interesting to be able to do this virtually, giving us the chance to share as much or as little of ourselves as we want” – Marisa. [A quote from the Healing Circles, hosted by CSBR & RESURJ in 2020, illustrated by Sonaksha Iyengar]

“Being older than all of you, I can say this: Take time for you. Do things nobody else can do for you because you have to do it. Play instruments or listen to music that moves your soul. Touch yourself, make love to yourself. Take your time, it’s very important. Don’t go for peace, peace is an invention. Go for revolution, revolution is life. The capitalism systems want us to be sad and angry. Resist it. Resist it by being joyful.” – Niza Solari Oyarzo. [A quote from the Healing Circles, hosted by CSBR & RESURJ in 2020, illustrated by Sonaksha Iyengar]

Closing Circle: Connecting Mind, Body & Voice

*“Connecting Mind, Body & Voice”, a graphic record by Sonaksha Iyengar of the closing of the Healing Circles, co-hosted by CSBR & RESURJ. Click the image above to view in full detail.*

CSBR News from Member Organizations, News on Sexual & Bodily Rights, Statements

CSBR Statement of Solidarity for Freedom of Assembly & Association, and the Rights of LGBTIQ+ Peoples in Turkey

Read the full statement below, and download the PDF to share here:

CSBR_SolidarityStatement_FreedomofAssembyLGBTIQTurkey2021Download

4 February 2021

The Coalition for Sexual and Bodily Rights in Muslim Societies (CSBR) expresses our solidarity with the people of Turkey who are fighting to ensure that freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and the broader human rights of LGBTIQ+ peoples are respected. We are deeply alarmed by the repression of academic freedoms and escalating violence at Boğaziçi University in recent days. This includes the shutting down of the LGBTIQ+ Club on campus,^[1] the arrests of hundreds of students and activists, targeting specifically LGBTIQ+ students and all LGBTIQ+ community, and the increasing militarization of campus through continued police presence.

Commitments to freedom of expression, and freedom of peaceful assembly and association are cornerstones of democratic societies, ensuring exchange of ideas, pluralism, and dialogue across the diversity of peoples of any given nation. Under a false pretext of shoring up “national security”, the AKP government has increasingly acted to silence public debate and critique across universities, beginning with mass evacuations, taking administrative or judicial action against professors voicing critical views, and the continued incarceration of academics, students and intellectuals over the last few years.^[2]

This escalating violence in the sphere of higher education over the years, has also had a deeply chilling effect on freedom of expression, freedom of association, and human rights across wider social spheres in Turkey. The most recent events at Boğaziçi University, and the statements from those in power–including the government appointed University Rector, the Minister of Interior Affairs, and the President as well–are deeply disturbing, considering they attempt to justify the restrictions of academic freedoms, and the rights of LGBTIQ+ people specifically, in the name of Islamic values.^[3]

In a public statement President Erdogan targeted LGBTIQ+’s for the protests and denied LGBTIQ+ existence in Turkey, saying that LGBTIQ+ existence is not in accordance with Turkish national and religious values. We as feminists and LGBTIQ+ people living in Muslim societies affirm and restate unequivocally that LGBTIQ+ peoples have always existed within Muslim societies and across the world, and will continue to exist. The manipulation of religious ideology to deny fundamental human rights, either by state or non-state actors, cannot ever be condoned.

The Coalition for Sexual and Bodily Rights in Muslim Societies is deeply concerned for the security and safety of our friends and allies, who are organizing and living within a climate of fear and insecurity, with no protection or recourse from the judicial or legal systems in place.

We call upon the Turkish government to ensure the exercise of independent thought and freedom of expression and association in the country, in line with its human rights obligations and constitution.

We affirm sexual and bodily integrity, freedom of expression and freedom of religion and belief are fundamental rights of all people, regardless of their gender, citizenship, class, age, mental and physical ability, religion, marital status, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, and sex characteristics. We stand in unequivocal support of LGBTIQ+ people in Turkey, and their fundamental rights to live with dignity and free from persecution and violence.

We amplify the call from the people of Turkey, for the international community to raise awareness, issue statements of solidarity, and spread the news of what is happening globally.

#LGBTİHaklarıİnsanHaklarıdır #AsagiBakmayacagiz #WeWillNotLookDown

Signed,
Coalition for Sexual and Bodily Rights in Muslim Societies (CSBR)

_________________________________
Notes:
1. Melih Bulu shut off the Boğaziçi LGBTI+ Studies Club!
2. Middle East Studies Association
3. Slander, investigations, and hate campaigns against LGBTI+’s at Boğaziçi University

CSBR CSBR Activities

Apply by 3 February: Life Cycles & Ritual Leadership

We are excited to open the call for the latest in CSBR’s series of community spaces for Queer Muslims, this time on Life Cycles & Ritual Leadership!

Over eight weeks we’ll explore basic Muslim rituals, distinctively simple and embodied, that support us along prominent life stages, including birth, choices at the threshold of adulthood, discovering embodied love, partnering, parting from partners, queer parenting, death and healing.

Full description of the course and the application form available here: http://bit.ly/QQ4_LIFECYCLES. Applications due 3 February 2021.

CSBR News on Sexual & Bodily Rights, Resources & Tools

The Signs in Ourselves: Exploring Queer Muslim Courage

In February 2019, 22 queer (LGBTIQ+) Muslim activists from across Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines and Timor Leste gathered together in Kathmandu, for the very first cross-regional convening that would explore lived experiences, organizing strategies, needs across contexts, and networking support for queer Muslim communities across Asia.

Through rich discussions and sharing, one of the key learnings over the five days was that in order to support the growth of a new generation of queer Muslim leaders that could advance holistic and affirming approaches to faith and sexuality, activists needed to start documenting queer Muslim stories that were grounded and rooted in local contexts.

*Illustration by Dhiyanah Hassan for “The Signs in Ourselves: Exploring Queer Muslim Courage”, of two people embracing each other through a hug, hand in hand*.

Such stories would provide a much needed community resource, to allow queer Muslims to see themselves reflected, visible and vocal in public life and discourse–despite conservative and fundamentalist forces’ attempts at erasure. Such stories would reflect as well, the many ways queer Muslims have navigated and reconciled seeming contradictions in sacred texts, and in deeply-held belief systems amongst families, communities of all kinds, and national ideologies. Perhaps most striking, such stories would also serve as a living testimony and reference to the power, beauty and wisdom of LGBTIQ+ Muslims defining their own lived realities, and claiming themselves as the authority of their personal and public lives. In many ways, queer Muslim’s lived realities offer us a simple reminder that there is no need to go to the “experts”, the “religious leaders”, and “the authorities”, in order to ensure that queer Muslims are accepted, included, supported and that their universal human rights respected. Another starting point for strengthening queer Muslim courage, then, lies in creating resources and spaces for self-acceptance and affirmation, building and reclaiming access to spiritual knowledge as a community, and honouring the truth that all queers of faith are themselves, like everyone else, a reflection of Divine Love.

To that end, since the gathering in Nepal, CSBR has supported a plethora of knowledge building and storytelling projects by and for queer Muslim activists across Asia, while also strengthening and building a community of allies to amplify the calls for solidarity and support.

On the occasion of international human rights day 2020, we are proud to launch our newest publication, “The Signs in Ourselves: Exploring Queer Muslim Courage“, which documents in depth lived experiences of 12 queer Muslims from Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, while also sharing snapshots of experiences from queer Muslims across the world.

*Illustration by Dhiyanah Hassan, for “The Signs in Ourselves: Exploring Queer Muslim Courage”, showing three faces surrounded by flowers and geometric shapes showing the moon and its phases.*

Intended as a well-being resource and accessible workbook, the publication also includes questions for personal reflection and exercises for collective discussions, inviting readers use this publication to explore their own stories with community, in workshops, and other spaces of organizing and activism. Additionally, the publication shares references to scholarly frameworks that articulate the expansiveness and inclusivity of sacred texts and Islamic values, that require respect for all human beings, however diverse in their sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics.

In the words of the author, Liy Yusof, The Signs in Ourselves is “a love letter to God, to all the queer Muslims who changed my life in years of navigating human rights spaces, and to the ones I haven’t met but know are out there”. While created as a resource primarily for queers of faith, this is also a text that will benefit allies and those seeking to expand their knowledge and awareness of queer Muslims’ struggles and experiences.

Download your copy here: https://bit.ly/SignsInOurselves

We encourage you to share the text through the link above, to use it in workshops, and to let it inform your ideas and practices around community-building, allyship and solidarity. We hope you ask critical questions, and let yourself be challenged by what you read. We also encourage you to share your questions and ideas with us.

Email: coordinator@csbronline.org with any feedback you may have.

CSBR News on Sexual & Bodily Rights, Statements, Videos

Together We Must Protect and Support WHRDs in Middle East and North Africa: Urgent Call to Action

To mark international Human Rights Day, and the close of the 16 Days Of Activism 2020, we share this urgent call to action, for the protection and support of women human rights defenders (WHRDs) in the Middle East and North Africa.

Read the statement below, and download the statement in English here, and in Arabic here. To learn more about about WHRDs under threat across the region in Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, watch the #SupportWHRDs playlist here.

Together We Must Protect and Support WHRDs in Middle East and North Africa

URGENT CALL TO ACTION

Women human rights defenders (WHRDs) are crucial actors in the struggle to ensure human rights are enjoyed by all, moving their societies toward more inclusive and equal ones. In the Middle East and North African (MENA) region, where most countries lag behind in gender equality, WHRDs play an even more critical role, but also face greater challenges. Over the last few years we have witnessed a rise in violence against WHRDs in the MENA region. 2020 was an especially violent year, where in some instances, WHRDs received death threats and tragically, in several cases, such as in Iraq and Libya, WHRDs were killed.

The spike in violence[1] directed at WHRDs in MENA, and the increasing criminalization of rights advocacy, are appalling and unacceptable. WHRDs in the region are the target of government-sponsored smear campaigns, regularly threatened, arrested, in some cases abducted and forcibly disappeared, subjected to torture and other ill treatment in detention, face serious violation of their due process rights, and some are facing lengthy pretrial detention[2] and prison sentences[3]. They are experiencing the violations of their rights, simply because they dared to hold their governments accountable and advocate so that the most vulnerable and marginalized groups can enjoy equality, inclusion and justice.

WHRDs in conflict zones such as Libya, Syria, Yemen and Iraq, are at risk of persecution and attacks by non-State actors for exposing crimes and abuses committed by warring militias and armed groups. Kurdish WHRDs in Turkey are subject to arbitrary detention and prosecution on terrorism charges. Egypt, Iran and Saudi Arabia too stand out because of their consistent persecution and targeting of WHRDs. Also, WHRDs in Western Sahara are subject to threats and targeting from Moroccan authorities in addition to judicial harassment.

Governments are carrying out these attacks in violation of their international obligations, but in some contexts the attacks against rights defenders are also in direct violation of national laws that guarantee due process. In a thinly veiled attempt to give legitimacy to their actions, some States[4] are using existing laws to persecute rights defenders while others have adopted laws that specifically criminalize human rights advocacy. Some States, have creatively resorted to labeling rights advocacy as actions undermining national security or even worse support for terrorism.

However, the backlash of States against WHRDs, has done little to ensure their security in a region where we are witness to increasingly deafening public outcries and demands for social justice, including

in the form of mass protests in which citizens are objecting to decades of repressive policies, insecurity, mismanagement and political and economic corruption. The systematic attack on human rights defenders and the criminalization of rights advocacy follow years of repressive policies in the MENA region targeting civil society and civic space, including through restrictions on and closure of NGOs and the press and through attacks on academic freedoms.

The closure of civic space and increased rights violations are taking place in a context of emboldened fascisms, fundamentalisms, nationalisms, and authoritarianisms globally. Part of this picture is the pushback on the international human rights mechanisms and guarantees, as well as bodies charged with holding States accountable on rights violations. For years now, State and non-State actors have advocated an anti-rights agenda, aimed at weakening rights language and guarantees, as well as dismantling and defunding UN human rights systems. These anti-rights actors have worked steadfastly to weaken the ability of human rights systems and in particular the UN special procedures processes, to demand State accountability on violation of human rights. In the context of the MENA region, we see State and non-State anti-rights actors engaging in international human rights spaces using tactics of infiltration, surveillance, co-optation of rights language, and reprisals against WHRDs, all intended to consolidate national efforts to shut down civic space, and in addition, create a parallel human rights framework that denies rights and undermines State accountability.

Alarmingly, the deterioration of rights in MENA has happened with little condemnation from the international community, with many governments choosing to prioritize other policy objectives, such as security of their corporate, economic or military interests in the region and profits from arms sales. Some have turned a blind eye to rights violations in the hopes that they can stop the flow of migration to Europe by refugees who are fleeing the very failed regional policies that have contributed to war, instability, economic crisis and repression. More egregious has been the embrace of authoritarian policies and regimes in the region, by the US, UK and some European States.

Recommendations:

We strongly urge governments in the MENA region to heed the call of their public and adopt socially just policies, centered on human rights. State security rests first and foremost on the ability and willingness of States to meet the needs of citizens. In doing so, States can and should rely on and be accountable to WHRDs and their organizations, who are well positioned to reflect the concerns and demands of communities.

We remind MENA States too of their obligation to guarantee and protect the rights of women to participate in civic life, including their freedom of association, expression and assembly, contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as asserted in various international treaties, foremost among them the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and regional treaties including the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol). These rights, among others, are reiterated in the Declaration on the Rights and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, also known as the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, adopted by the General Assembly on 8 March 1999. The Declaration applies to everyone acting to promote and protect human rights as long as they accept and apply the principles of universality of rights and non-violence. Further, the Declaration on Women Human Rights Defenders, obliges States to recognize the risks, discrimination and violence women human rights defenders face, and put into place concrete gender-sensitive policies and programs for their protection.

We call on governments around the world to rethink their policies and approach to the region. Policies toward the MENA region need to prioritize human security and be centered on human rights principles that promote and uphold social justice.

All UN Member States, given their human rights commitments, need to uphold and strengthen the roles of UN rights mechanisms, including ensuring sufficient funding for UN Special Procedures, to carry out critical work.
We urge donors to prioritize and fund the work of WHRDs, establish and support mechanisms that help to ensure the safety of those under the greatest threats, including facilitation of visa requests for quick evacuation in cases where lives are threatened. We further encourage donors to support psychosocial wellness programs as well as integrated security and self-care training in an effort to help WHRDs who are suffering as a result of pressures at multiple levels.

[1] This includes a rise in assassination threats and killing of WHRDs in Iraq, Libya, increased detentions in Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arbia and Turkey and increased administrative detentions in Palestine as well as violent defamation and smearing campaigns in Morocco, Lebanon and Yemen.

[2] See for example: https://www.ishr.ch/news/hrc44-egypt-release-solafa-magdy-esraa-abdelfattah-sanaa-seif-and-all-defenders-now

[3] See for example: https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/02/19/iran-environmentalists-unjust-sentences-upheld

[4] Some examples of countries that have used existing laws or have adopted new laws to restrict civic engagement and target or persecute rights defenders include: Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Turkey. Additionally, mass protests in countries such as Algeria, Lebanon, Iraq and Sudan, were used as a pretext for judicial harassment and targeting of rights defenders.

CSBR News from Member Organizations, News on Sexual & Bodily Rights, Resources & Tools

Inclusive Bangladesh joins CSBR!

“At Inclusive Bangladesh, we envision to create an inclusive Bangladeshi society where every citizen will be a resource for safe-guarding each-other’s human rights and peaceful living. Our work and effort circulate in promoting gender equality, religious literacy, global citizenship, diversity and equality.”

Inclusive Bangladesh joined CSBR in October 2020. Inclusive Bangladesh is a non-registered, local non-profit and volunteer-based community youth organization from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Established in 2013, Inclusive Bangladesh is now working with diverse local and international organizations, multilateral and multi-layered development partners and active youth change makers. Its mission is to construct an inclusive culture through ensuring quality education, addressing hate speech and violent extremism, promoting interfaith dialogue and gender diversity with the active participation of youths across Bangladesh.

As part of CSBR’s One Day One Struggle campaign in 2020, Inclusive Bangladesh organized a month-long campaign to raise awareness on the rights of intersex people in Bangladesh. Check out their zine, which captures experiences and struggles through visual arts and literary pieces: https://bit.ly/IntersexZineBangla

CSBR Headline, News on Sexual & Bodily Rights

#SupportWHRDs for #16Days 2020

Government crackdown against women human rights defenders (WHRDs) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has consistently intensified during 2020. Governments have systematically restricted civic space & shut down organizations, and they’re increasingly targeting the few remaining activists with terrorism & security charges. As such, WHRDs have systematically faced government harassment, smear campaigns, detention, arrest, lengthy prison sentences, torture and even assassinations.

For the 16 Days of Activism to violence against women, CSBR joins FEMENA, WHRD-MENA Coalition, DAWN-Mena, AWID, Human Rights Watch, and the International Service for Human Rights, to launch a campaign to raise awareness of the situation of women human rights defenders across Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.

CSBR News on Sexual & Bodily Rights, ODOS, Videos

Plastic Etude #OneDayOneStruggle

Watch this improvised contemporary performance exploring authentic body movement and self expression. How does it speak to you?

This video was created by feminist activists across Central Asia who are exploring embodiment as part of holistic and integrated security, well-being and care. They’re launching it in celebration of sexual and bodily rights for all, as part of #OneDayOneStruggle 2020!

CSBR News from Member Organizations, News on Sexual & Bodily Rights, ODOS

#OneDayOneStruggle ~ Cyber Hygiene is a Priority!

Cyber Hygiene (or digital hygiene) is a term that can be defined as a set of good simple daily routine practices, which individuals undertake to ensure the correct use of any devices that are connected to the Internet and engage in any sort of information transfer processes.There are a variety of practices with which we achieve cyber hygiene; some of these practices deal directly with our devices, such as periodically scanning for viruses, using a reliable and secure internet connection, and making sure that files are encrypted.

Digital hygiene practices, for some, also include matters that seek to safeguard the mental health of individuals while using the Internet, starting with limiting the content that would appear to them and which is considered harmful to their psychological and mental safety and security, through to the presence of awareness among individuals about dealing with the stress accompanying what is called “Browsing Addiction”, which is a psychological disorder that compels a person to search, play, shop or gamble to satisfy a need, deficiency or psychological void, not a material need; arriving to practices that contribute in avoiding the feelings of fear of not following the events, updates, and so on.

This year, Mesahat celebrates the “One Day, One Struggle”, by shedding light on the importance of including the concept and practices of “Cyber Hygiene” as part of our basic practices to reach our holistic safety and security.

“النّظافة الرّقميّة أولويّة”

النّظافة الرّقمية (أو النّظافة الإلكترونيّة) هو مصطلح يمكن تعريفه على أنّه مجموعة الممارسات البسيطة اليوميّة الرّوتينيّة الجيّدة، التي يقوم بها الأفراد لضمان صحة استخدامهن/م لأيّ أجهزةٍ تُوصَل بالإنترنت وتتعلّق بعمليّات نقل المعلومات. تتنوّع تلك الممارسات الّتي نحقّق بها مفهوم النظافة الرقمية؛ حيث تحتوى تلك الممارسات على أمورٍ نقوم بها على أجهزتنا بشكلٍ مباشر كالفحص الدّوريّ للفيروسات، واستخدام إنترنت موثوقٍ به وبطريقةٍ آمنة، والتأكّد من تشفير الملفات. وتشمل أيضًا ممارسات النّظافة الرّقمية لدى البعض أمورًا تسعى للحفاظ على الصّحّة النّفسيّة للأفراد على الإنترنت، بدايةً من عمل البعض على تحجيم المحتوى الظاهر لهن/م في ما هو ضارٌّ لسلامتهن/م وأمانهن/م النفسي والوجدانيّ، مرورًا بتواجد وعيٍ لدى الأفراد حول التّعامل مع التّوتّر المُصاحب لما يسمى “إدمان التّصفُّح”، وهو اضطرابٌ نفسيٌّ يدفع الشّخص قهرًا للبحث، أو اللعب، أو التّسّوق، أو المقامرة سدًّا لحاجةٍ أو نقصٍ أو فراغٍ نفسيٍّ لا حاجةً مادّية؛ وصولًا لممارساتٍ تساهم في تجنُّب الشُّعور بالخوف من عدم متابعة الأحداث والتّطوّرات، وغيرها

تحتفل مساحات هذا العام بحدث “يومٌ واحد نضالٌ واحد”، عن طريق التّركيز على أهمّية إدراج مفهوم النّظافة الرقمية “السّيبرانية” كجزءٍ من مفاهيمنا الأساسيّة للوصول لأماننا الشامل

CSBR News from Member Organizations, News on Sexual & Bodily Rights, ODOS

#OneDayOneStruggle 2020: Exploring touch, collective security, community fundraising, intersex rights, poetry as resistance, love in a pandemic, and solidarity beyond borders!

By highlighting the pressing political developments impacting sexual and bodily rights across our local and national contexts, the campaign demonstrates that sexuality is a site of political struggle and seeks to build solidarity to support everyone’s right to choose freely on matters of sexuality, fertility, bodily autonomy, gender identity and self expression.

In 2020, One Day One Struggle actions are planned across Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Palestine, the Philippines, and Turkey, with some cross-regional action from Central Asia as well.

* * * * *

BANGLADESH

Under the title শরীরিনিবর্তন, or #ForebearingBodies, Inclusive Bangladesh and the EQUAL platform, Somota Foundation and Noboprophaat, have designed a month-long program to celebrate each week, with a key focus on “Stories and Struggles of Intersex Peoples” in Bangladesh.

On 9 November, the team will launch a podcast exploring different dilemmas and experiences intersex people face. On 16th November, community members from rural & remote areas will share their experiences through various literary forms and visual arts, with a focus on grief and desire. On 23rd November, intersex activists will lead a webinar to discuss ways to reduce depression & isolation during Covid-19, for intersex peoples and people of diverse gender identities. Finally, on 30th November, a brief video of celebrating ODOS 2020 throughout the month, and a Zine compiling the discussions, artwork and expressions of intersex struggles will be launched.

Follow the hashtags: #শরীরিনিবর্তন, #ForebearingBodies, and #OneDayOneStruggle throughout November, and catch the updates with Inclusive Bangladesh through Facebook @INCLUSIVEBD, and Twitter @inclusivebangla.

Inclusive Bangladesh is a youth-led community organization based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Since 2013, Inclusive Bangladesh has been promoting gender equality, SRHR, diversity, peace, tolerance, and religious literacy, employability skills development and mental health wellbeing
among the key young population of Bangladesh.

* * * * *

Working within the context of the on-going pandemic, much confusion, myths and disinformation abound about how communities can best stay safe. Working with gender diverse communities across Bangladesh, for #OneDayOneStruggle, Bandhu Social Welfare Society will launch a series of informative videos to dispel myths and build greater awareness of factual ways to prevent high prevalence rates, and to reduce mental stress.

This is part of Bandhu’s on-going efforts to support communities with COVID-19 relief, including through ensuring mental health support, awareness programs, distribution of personal safety equipment, networking, develop different types of education materials.

* * * * *

CENTRAL ASIA

Across Central Asia, feminist activists have been exploring the use of dance therapy as a means to engage in embodied healing and stronger self-expression. For #OneDayOneStruggle, we’ll launch a video amplifying the beauty, joy and power of authentic body movement.

* * * * *

EGYPT

In celebration of One Day One Struggle, Mesahat Foundation for Sexual and Gender Diversity is holding a focus group discussion for LGBTQI++ activists and community leaders to provide their inputs on the development of a collective safety and security manual.

The manual serves to provide a risk assessment tool and recommended actions based on the assessment, which can support readers to make informed and practical decisions on their safety.

Stay tuned as well for a poster exploring holistic well-being, collective care, diversity and agency on 9 November, and the launch of the manual later this year!

* * * * *

INDIA

Catch a live conversation on #FearlessTouch and Embodiment, by Fearless Collective and Sar-e-Rahguzar, from 5:30-6:30 PM IST.

Artist Shilo Shiv Suleman and poet Sabika Abbas Naqvi will be sharing updates from the recently concluded Touch project, which resulted in two public art murals as monuments that explore feminine desire and tender masculinities–all carried out in safety and resistance against the backdrop of the pandemic in Lucknow and Jaipur.

Follow @FearlessCollective on Instagram on 9 November to catch the conversation, and to also see updates and content about Embodiment, a campaign which looks across the gender spectrum to engage with masculinity, feminine energy, and emotional intelligence. #FearlessTouch

* * * * *

The Queer Muslim Project (TQMP) will be hosting an Instagram live session on Queer Muslim Futures as part of #OneDayOneStruggle 20202, 9 November at 7:30 pm IST.

Reya Ahmed and Maniza Khalid, the creators of TQMP’s latest publication Queer Muslim Futures: A Collection of Visions, Utopias and Dreams will be in conversation.

Follow The Queer Muslim Project on Instagram: @thequeermuslimproject to catch the live discussion! You can also download the book here: http://bit.ly/qmfbook.

* * * * *

INDONESIA

Join GAYa NUSANTARA for the launch of Judging LOVE: Pieces of Poetry about Women, Diversity of Genders and Sexualities, Beliefs, and Love that Wins, on 9 November, on Zoom, at 19:00 Surabaya.

To celebrate #OneDayOneStruggle, GAYa NUSANTARA is hosting a poetry launch for the collection of poems titled “Menghakimi CINTA: Serpih Puisi tentang Perempuan, Ragam Gender dan Seksualitas, Ragam Keyakinan, dan Cinta yang Memenangkan” (Judging LOVE: Pieces of Poetry about Women, Diversity of Genders and Sexualities, Beliefs, and Love that Wins) .

This is an anthology written by numerous feminists, queer activists, and religious figures from diverse faiths, capturing the harsh realities of women and minority groups in Indonesia, as well as messages from religious leaders to fight against violence and hatred based on gender, sexuality and religions.

* * * * *

To celebrate #OneDayOneStruggle, Qbukatabu has compiled video documenting the perspectives of a diversity of activists–from young LBTQ organizers, indigenous people, musicians, media journalists and feminists–on how to maintain and expand the space for activism amidst heightened repressions of civil society. They’ll also be sharing updates about the campaign, as part of the exploration of how solidarity bolsters our movements! Follow Qbukatabu on Facebook, Twitter: @Qbukatabu and YouTube: Tim Qbukatabu to catch it!

* * * * *

MALAYSIA

Pondan Bantu Pondan by Cempaka Collective, co-organised with Gender & Sexuality Alliance Kota Kinabalu (GSAKK) – 9 November 2020, 20:00-22:00 Malaysia.

Pondan Bantu Pondan is an initiative to bring together queer people from all walks of life to promote and find solidarity from each other.

In Malaysia, one of the most common insults or slurs thrown at queer people is “pondan”, often directed towards trans women or “flamboyant” men. The term has been hurtful in the past, but today the queer community is starting to reclaim it, with a sense of empowerment. Through this conversation, Cempaka Collective aims to share experiences of how the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly impacting queer people living in rural areas, who face additional barriers to accessing financial aid and other forms of support due to their identity and sexuality.

As such, the event supports on-going fundraising efforts for the Queer Solidarity Fund, started in May 2020 by GSAKK in response to the pandemic. These funds have been used to support the costs of essential needs for queer folks, including food, rent and utility needs. With the second wave of COVID-19 arriving in Sabah due to the recent state election, there’s been an increase of support needed. The current fundraiser is aiming to raise RM 38,000 in funds, and to date is halfway through.

Follow Cempaka Collective on Twitter @Cempaka_Co & Instagram @Cempaka_Co, and GSAKK on Instagram @gsakotakinabalu to find out more. If you can, donate to support the fundraiser! #PondanBantuPondan #OneDayOneStruggle

* * * * *

#RightsCameraAction! #CapturingQueerMalaysia #QueerOnScreen!

Songsang Studios is a participatory filmmaking journey, empowering queers in Malaysia and beyond to utilise video for visibility, to amplify the experiences of sexual minorities and produce entertaining content that advocates for equality.

For #OneDayOneStruggle, Songsang Studios will share a short video on the journey so far, while the full series will be launched on their Youtube channel in January 2021. You can already subscribe at bit.ly/songsangtube to not miss their content, add them on IG bit.ly/igsongsang, and follow them on their twitter bit.ly/twsongsang

* * * * *

PALESTINE

Love, marriage and relationships in the time of COVID19, a podcast series by Muntada Al Jensaneya–the Arab Forum for Education, Sexuality and Reproductive Health.

Earlier this year, after months of home isolation, social distancing and fear of the spread of coronavirus COVID-19–Muntada launched this podcast series as a means to engage people in conversation about mechanisms of resilience.

How do we deal with out sexuality and feelings amidst a period of deferred dreams and restrictions on movement? Most of us are in constant wait, sometimes forced to be with others, or forced to remain alone and in isolation. Whatever the situation, the movement restrictions left many of us struggling with conflicting questions and feelings.

Safaa Tamish, the founder of the Gender Forum and a Marital Relation & Sexual Education counsellor, explores answers to these tensions and dilemmas.

Follow Muntada on Soundcloud, Facebook, and Instagram to catch the episodes in Arabic.

* * * * *

TURKEY

Solidarity Beyond Borders! an international conversation hosted by Women for Women’s Human Rights–New Ways and KAOS-GL, on 9 November, at 17:00 Istanbul.

A breath, an inspiration…While leaders acting against LGBTI+ and women learn from each other and develop their oppression techniques, what can we, as resisters, learn from each other? The struggle in Brazil can be a breath for Turkey or a gesture in Russia can inspire a new activism in Poland. We invite you to witness the political atmospheres of different geographies around the world and the activism and international and transnational organization practices that have flourished here.

When this panel was planned, the world had not yet been tested by the COVID19 pandemic. Perhaps for the first time, we experience our attachment to each other’s bodies in such an increasingly expanding global horror – and, more importantly, in a radical uncertainty. We have been witnessing that international associations, governments and institutions have failed to, or chosen not to, fulfill their responsibilities in the face of this global problem. Today, when we are dragged into a radical uncertainty, we are confronted with the “fact” that we have no choice but to produce solutions through individual actions against the risks we face as a society.

To join the panel, please click here to fill in the registration form. Simultaneous interpretation into English and Turkish will be offered during the panel. The detailed schedule of the panel will be announced in the coming days.

* * * * *

Katre Kadin joins the campaign through their on-going workshop for LGBTI+ solidarity in Erzincan.

Located in the province of Erzincan, Katre Women’s Consultation and Solidarity Association, works to achieve gender equality by combatting heterosexism and patriarchy. Katre Kadin recieves many applications LGBTI+ individuals experiencing violence, and provides appropriate and necessary supports. This year, supported by CSBR, Katre Kadin launched the “LGBTI+ Getting Stronger in Erzincan” project. Through a series of workshops, the project beings LGBTI+ individuals together with the aim of countering isolation from homophobic and transphobic oppression and exclusion, developing solidarity skills amongst LGBTI+ individuas, and learning from each other through experience exchange.

* * * * *

Additionally, Muamma LGBTI @muammalgbti will hold an IG Live discussion on support for refugee self-organizing. Stay tuned!

* * * * *

As always our great appreciation to the efforts of the organizers of this year’s campaign!

CSBR News from Member Organizations, News on Sexual & Bodily Rights, Statements

Open letter to WHO: Including LGBTIQ Communities in World Health Organization’s Covid-19 Response

“Rest assured that we have heard your important message, and as we update our guidance and approach to COVID-19, we will ensure that the specific challenges of LGBTQI communities will be recognized and addressed“. – Dr. Ghebreyesus

On 24 September 2020, twenty networks and organizations across Asia–including APCOM, Asia Pacific Transgender Network (APTN), the Coalition for Sexual and Bodily Rights in Muslim Societies (CSBR), ILGA Asia, ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, Youth Voices Count, Intersex Asia, and International Women’s Rights Action Watch–wrote a letter to Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), to advocate for inclusion of LGBTIQ communities in global responses to COVID-19.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the WHO

On 8 October 2020, Dr. Ghebreyesus responded, affiriming that:

“WHO is committed to strengthening collaboration with the broad spectrum of civil society and community organizations, including those representing LGBTQI populations….We need to ensure all voices on how to best respond to the pandemic and deliver needed services are heard…Rest assured that we have heard your important message, and as we update our guidance and approach to COVID-19, we will ensure that the specific challenges of LGBTQI communities will be recognized and addressed“.

Read the original open letter and download the PDF here:

Open-Letter-to-WHO_20200817_v5-FinalDownload

Read the response from Dr. Ghebreyesus here:

WHO-Letter-to-APCOM_Poonkasetwattana-APCOM Download

24 August 2020

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Director General
World Health Organization
Avenue Appia 201202 Geneva, Switzerland

Re: An Open Letter to World Health Organization to integrate effects of COVID-19 on the LGBTQI communities and for SOGIESC Inclusive strategies and response to COVID-19

Dear Dr. Ghebreyesus,

We, the undersigned, represent civil society organizations working to advance the rights of LGBTQI communities in Asia and the Pacific. And we write to urge you to include aspects of sexual orientations, gender identities, expressions and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) into your polices, programs and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has highlighted, and in many instances exacerbated the discrimination and lack of legal protections faced by LGBTQI people, communities and their families.

While the COVID-19 pandemic affects the general population, it disproportionately affects vulnerable sectors, including LGBTQI communities, due to SOGIESC-related stigma and discrimination.

In a joint statement issued by human rights experts on May 14, 2020, this disproportionate effect was highlighted as: “In all latitudes, LGBT persons are disproportionately represented in the ranks of the poor, people experiencing homelessness, and those without healthcare, meaning that they may be particularly affected as a result of the pandemic[..]” The statement also highlighted how COVID-19 and the responses to address it have contributed to existing inequalities and discrimination. In relation to the LGBTQI communities, the statement outlined that criminal laws add to the vulnerability of LGBTQI because of police abuse and arbitrary arrest and detention in relation to the restriction of movements. Also, LGBTQI people who are required to stay at home experience prolonged exposure to unaccepting family members, and this exacerbates rates of domestic violence and physical and emotional abuse. Without a doubt, this affects their physical and mental health.[1]

The UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights also outlined the effects of COVID-19 to LGBTQI people and communities in its guidance document on COVID-19 and the human rights of LGBTQI people. The document highlighted that the existing stigma and discrimination based on SOGIESC while seeking health services, laws which criminalize same-sex relationships and those which target transgender and gender diverse persons due to their gender identities and expression “can elevate the risk for LGBTI people from COVID-19.” The same document also highlighted the possibility of interruption and de-prioritization of health services in the context of overload on healthcare systems as a result of COVID-19.[2]

These scenarios, together with present and possible effects of COVID-19 on LGBTQI people and communities, have been identified in various surveys conducted by organizations working on LGBTQI rights and health issues. For example, a survey conducted by APCOM[3], a regional organization based in Bangkok representing and working with a network of individuals and community-based organizations across Asia-Pacific, indicated that organizations and communities were concerned about the effects of COVID-19 on the delivery of health services, including HIV-related services. Access of LGBTQI people to mental health services, for those who need them, has been affected by the pandemic. These issues are in addition to the stigma and discrimination experienced by service users during normal times.

The effect of COVID-19 to the livelihood of LGBTQI people has also been identified in an OutRight Action International paper, which stated that LGBTIQ people are predominantly engaged in the informal sector, reliant on daily wages and without the safety nets of protections in many countries, they are especially susceptible to the effects of economic slowdowns and limitations on movement.[4]

There are also narratives where LGBTQI couples and families are not able to access programs and responses which aim to alleviate the effects of the pandemic as these programs and responses are designed with heteronormative assumptions about what constitutes families. A survey conducted by Marriage For All Japan [5] suggested fear of same sex-couples about not being able to participate in making medical decisions in cases related to COVID-19 due to the absence of legal recognition of same-sex relationships. This illustrates worries among LGBTQI couples where they will be denied the ability to care for and make decisions for each other in times of emergencies. Trans and gender diverse people can also experience exclusion in state-sponsored health programs due to requirements of legal identification documents.[6]

We are also cognizant that LGBTQI communities and organizations bring with them a wealth of knowledge about their situations and experiences which can be instrumental in crafting inclusive responses to the pandemic.

It is in this context, we, the undersigned individual activists; organizations; and networks working on LGBTQI and health issues, ask the World Health Organization to:

• Ensure that the challenges being faced by LGBTQI, MSM and people and communities of diverse SOGIESC during the COVID-19 pandemic will be given due attention, and policies, programs, and responses are inclusive and do not add to the exclusion and discrimination experienced by LGBTQI people, communities and families.

• Integrate a SOGIESC-inclusive approach in their COVID-19 related guidance documents, situation reports, briefs, strategies and response.

• Work closely with LGBTQI organizations and communities towards a more inclusive responses to the pandemic.

Integrating a SOGIESC framework will contribute to our collective goal of addressing impacts of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations and take us closer towards the goal of “leaving no one behind” as envisioned by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Sincerely,

Name	Position	Organization	Territory
Midnight Poonkasetwattana	Executive Director	APCOM	Asia Pacific
Ryan Silverio	Regional Coordinator	ASEAN SOGIE Caucus	Southeast Asia
Joe Wong	Executive Director	Asia Pacific Transgender Network	Asia and the Pacific
Shale Ahmed	Executive Director	Bandhu Social Welfare Society	Bangladesh
Suben Dhakal (Manisha)	Executive Director	Blue Diamond Society	Nepal
Esan Regmi	Executive Director	Campaign for Change	Nepal
Rima Athar	Coordinator	Coalition for Sexual and Bodily Rights in Muslim Societies	Asia and North Africa
Lieu Anh Vu	Executive Director	ILGA Asia	Asia
Ishita Dutta	Program Manager	International Women’s Rights Action Watch Asia Pacific	Asia Pacific
Prashant Singh	Coordinator	Intersex Asia	Asia
Gopi Shankar Madurai	Coordinator	Intersex India ForumSrishti Madurai LGBTQIA Student Volunteer Movement	India
Jeff Cagandahan	Officer in Charge	Intersex Philippines	Philippines
Hiker Chiu	Founder	OII Chinese	Taiwan
Isabelita B. Solamo	Executive Director	PILIPINA Legal Resources Center	Philippines
Jerome Yau	Chief Executive	Pink Alliance	Hong Kong
Evelynne Gomez	Program Officer	The Asia Pacific Resource & Research Center for Women (ARROW)	Asia Pacific
Rafiul Alom Rahman	Founder	The Queer Muslim Project	India
Tahir Khilji	Board Member	VISION	Pakistan
Naila Awwad	General Director	Women Against Violence	Palestine
Justin Francis Bionat	Executive Director	Youth Voices Count, Inc.	Asia Pacific

[1] COVID-19: The suffering and resilience of LGBT persons must be visible and inform the actions of States. Statement by human rights experts on the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. Accessed from https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25884&LangID=E

[2] COVID-19 and the human rights of LGBTI people. UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights. Accessed from https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/LGBT/LGBTIpeople.pdf

[3] The COVID-19 Effects Series, APCOM. Accessed from https://www.apcom.org/the-covid-19-effect-series-part-1/

[4] Vulnerability Amplified: The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on LGBTIQ Persons. OutRight International. Accessed from https://outrightinternational.org/sites/default/files/COVIDsReportDesign_FINAL_LR_0.pdf

[5] ‘I want them to be treated as the same family: The difficulty that LGBT faces with the new Corona. Accessed from https://www.buzzfeed.com/jp/saoriibuki/marriage-for-all-corona

[6] Recognize the need of trans and gender diverse communities during Covid-19 pandemic. Asia Pacific Transgender Network. Accessed from https://www.weareaptn.org/2020/03/31/see-us-support-us-recognise-the-needs-of-trans-and-gender-diverse-communities-during-covid-19-pandemic