The Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar made the news this month. It was revealed that two LGBTI individuals had been arrested under the colonial-era Section 377 of the penal code.
Myanmar criminalizes ‘carnal intercourse against the order of nature’. The British introduced it in 1860 and those found guilty face up to 10 years in jail. It is the same law India’s Supreme Court recently ruled was unconstitutional.
In Myanmar, LGBTI individuals face widespread discrimination in schools, the media, at work, and in their families.
Despite the recent arrests, Myanmar’s LGBTI community has seen signs of progress. This year, the country celebrated its first public LGBTI pride event in its largest city, Yangon.
Gay Star News spoke to Myanmar LGBTI advocate Hla Myat Tun about life in Myanmar for LGBTI people.
Hla Myat Tun is Deputy Director of equality organization Colors Rainbow. He’s been working hard to foster understanding of Myanmar’s LGBTI community.
He hopes, through education and awareness, wider society can accept the community. Read more via Gay Star News