Reflections from CSBR Members on organizing for diverse sexual rights in ARROW for Change
In this edition of ARROW for Change, read diverse perspectives and voices on the right to choose freely on matters of sexuality across the Asia Pacific region, from a number of CSBR Members, including:
- an interview with our Coordinator, Rima Athar, “On Invisibility & Erasure within LGBTIQ organizing”;
- Reflections on “Queer Muslims Movement Building through Storytelling”, from Rafiul Rahman of The Queer Muslim Project; and
- “Making Space for Sexual Rights within the Religious Spheres”, by Rozana Isa of SIS.
Sexuality is one of the most central and defining aspects of being human. The WHO working definition of sexual rights states that all persons should have the right to the highest standard of health in relation to sexuality which includes access to SRH services; to seek, receive and impart information in relation to sexuality; sexuality education; respect for bodily integrity; choice of partner; to decide to be sexually active or not; consensual sexual relations; consensual marriage; to decide whether or not and when to have children; and to pursue a satisfying, safe and pleasurable sexual life. However, the right to sexuality also remains one of the most hotly contested topics globally, moving it from the realm of personal to political, alongside an ever-growing movement for social and legal acceptance of SOGIESC.
This edition analyses the links between the right to sexuality and bodily autonomy and integrity, and discusses current perspectives on the right to sexuality in the region, drawing attention to the intersectionalities between the right to sexuality and issues such as class, age, ethnicity, and disability. Read about the diverse stories from the ground from countries such as India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Uruguay, Fiji, Malaysia, and others.