Can anyone explain what Eamonn Murphy means when he speaks of double stigma and discrimination? Are young members of sexual minorities more discriminated against than old members? Is there any concrete evidence for this?
This is a copyrighted media release. Hmmm.
Jamie
++++++++++++++++++
MEDIA RELEASE
Loud and Proud: Young People Stomp in the Golden Land
12 August 2014, Yangon, Myanmar
Celebration on International Youth Day includes young people of diverse sexuality and gender identity. Myanmar Youth Stars and Youth Voices Count co-organised the Loud & Proud event to tackle self-acceptance amongst young men who have sex with other men and young transgender persons with the aim to celebrate their identify and their love.
“We are excited about this partnership. The Loud and Proud event here in Yangon creates a much needed space and atmosphere where young people, especially young transgender persons and young MSM can feel confortable being who they are, and being with who they love,” commented Kyaw Min Htun who is in the Board of Director of Myanmar Youth Stars, and also a member of Youth Voices Count.
The Loud and Proud Campaign was initiated as a response to the unique self-stigma issue facing MSM, gay, bisexual and transgender youth in Asia and the Pacific revealed by Youth Voices Count’s community research, which was captured in their policy brief The Hidden Dimension.
Loud and Proud event uses mass media to educate the public about sexual diversity, educational institutions to advocate for the need to create safe environment for young MSM and young transgender persons to live their lives to their fullest potential with supportive legal protection.
Dr. Soe Naing, Executive Director of International HIV/AIDS Alliance in Myanmar expressed deep concerns about the HIV epidemics among young transgender persons and young MSM in Myanmar.
“Despite that 95% new infections among young people occur among the most-at-risk groups, interventions targeting these populations in Myanmar are insufficient, especially for young transgender persons, whose data is largely unavailable,” said Dr. Soe Naing.
“Due to widespread discrimination against them, young transgender persons and young MSM are much more vulnerable than other groups and can hardly be reached with current health services in the country,” he added.
Mr. Eamonn Murphy, UNAIDS Country Director Myanmar emphasized the importance of strong partnership in creating a favourable legal environment for young transgender persons and young MSM.
“Being young and being gay, bisexual or transgender mean that these populations are facing double stigma and discrimination, especially when homosexuality is still being criminalized under Section 377 of the Penal Code. It makes them very reluctant to access health and other services,” said Mr. Eamonn Murphy.
“UNAIDS is currently supporting national and local level advocacy in tackling this issue in partnership with government, other UN agencies and NGOs,” he added.
At the core of the event is to bring out the personal stories through creative edutainment performances. Similar events have been done in collaboration with Youth Voices Count in Mongolia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Viet Nam, and Fiji will be the next country.
“We want to send the message that young MSM, gay and transgender persons are not alone, and they could find support from our community,” Kyaw Min Htun added.
Copyright © 2014 Youth Voices Count, All rights reserved.
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