LGBT Rights
Work in this area has been officially running at HREIB since 2007. The focus is the promotion and protection of the rights of LGBT persons from Burma. In addition, HREIB aims to educate and empower these persons, including those living in migrant communities along Burma's borders. These goals are achieved through the use of curriculum and resources designed specifically to address LGBT themes, such as discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender-based violence and identity. Some of the education resources developed in line with these goals include a full length album, three music videos, documentaries and several pamphlets on sexual health. A number of these materials can be found on the website.
Advocacy initiatives are also run, including an event to mark the International Day Against Homophobia as well as support for people from Burma to take part in Pride Parades. HREIB also documents the situation of LGBT people inside Burma and publishes its findings in a monthly publication, Colours Rainbow, the only magazine of its kind in Burma. The website corresponding to this publication is visited by people from all over the world.
As a result of LGBT Rights training numerous LGBT people have developed the confidence to discuss their experiences openly for the first time in their lives. Following community organizing, an independent LGBT rights organization, Rays of Rainbow, has also emerged in Ranong Province, Thailand.