APCOM, one of Asia Pacific’s leading HIV and LGBTI community networks, based in Bangkok, is organizing a five-day summit to honour LGBTQI/ HIV advocates and their community who are striving for the rights of LGBTQ communities in Asia Pacific. Commencing from 23rd to 27th November, this impactful summit will include numerous innovative seminars presenting an impressive combination of leading experts, community advocates, and influencers who will raise awareness and bring focus to key issues relevant to the LGBTQI +/HIV community.
Prior to the summit, APCOM is hosting a press conference on Wednesday, 11th November at 1:00 pm which will be attended by Midnight Poonkasetwattana, Executive Director of APCOM; Mr. Paul Stephens, Minister and Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy Thailand and representatives from Thai Red Cross Foundation, UNAIDS, Thai enterprise DTAC for LGBTQI Biz forum and several others. The press conference will be moderated by: Jom Poompan and will also have special performances by various celebrities, artists Thailand including Amadiva.
Brief information about the Community summit:
The summit will start from 23rd November with the RRRAP conference 2020 on the 2nd floor of Pullman King Power Hotel, Bangkok. The three-day conference will host a series of offline and online seminars discussing issues related to the ‘LGBTQI + and HIV’ community. Attendees will hear from leading experts and advocates who will share insights and thought-provoking sessions on, for example, HIV and community organisation approaches for continuity of service delivery during the time of COVID-19. A variety of virtual meeting platforms with presentations, panels, fireside chats, interactive workshops and Q&A; and bespoke networking opportunities are part of the 2020 summit program.
On 26th and 27th November, attendees can participate in the Thai LGBT Trade Fair and a special session on Diversity and Inclusion at the Infinity Ballroom, Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel. The aforementioned session will focus on why inclusion in the private sector is important; and experiences of LGBTQI inclusion in some businesses in Thailand. There will also be booths from various Thai based SMEs and LGBTQI organizations which will showcase knowledge and expertise in their specific work or business area. This aims to contribute in raising awareness and increasing discussions about diversity and inclusion in the private sector.
Lastly, the business forum ends with the HERO Awards 2020 on the evening of 27th November. The HERO Awards is an annual fundraising gala event which acknowledges outstanding HIV and LGBT advocates and allies from across Asia and the Pacific for making significant contributions to the HIV response to the region’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities.
The awards raise money for HIV prevention and human rights work of APCOM, such as the #CoronaCompassion, APCOM’s emergency funding. The evening will be led by Mariya Poonlertlarp, Miss Universe Thailand (2017) and Thai TV presenter Khun Wannasingh Prasertkul. This dynamic and high profile duo is known to raise their voice for various causes in the Thailand. Additionally, the after-party will bring the LGBTQI + community together featuring entertainment by artists, such as Khun Pan Pun Pangina Heals Drag Queen, the mother of Thailand.
