Asian Intersex Forum

Recognizing the unbalanced representatives of intersex people from the regions of Asia, intersex activists identified the need to create spaces within the region. With the goals to enhance individual and organizational capacity, identify specific regional needs and priorities, address human rights violations against intersex persons and develop strategies at the regional level, in 2018, a group of Asian intersex activists initiated the Asian Intersex Forum project.

The Asian Intersex forum is the regional platform for stock-taking and lesson-sharing on efforts to advance human rights protection for intersex people in Asia. As the Asian region’s foremost gathering in this area, the forum provides a unique space for dialogues among a variety of intersex activists and individuals on trends, challenges and good practices in preventing and addressing intersex-related human rights issues in Asia. The first forum was held in 2018. It attracts more than 30 intersex activists, leaders, experts, practitioners and allies for three days of action- and solution-oriented dialogue and self-care journey.

The Forum is guided and chaired by intersex activists and communities in Asia, supported by Intersex Human Rights Fund, ILGA Asia, and Intersex Asia.

About the First Asian Intersex Forum

In February 2018, the first Asian Intersex Forum took place in Bangkok, Thailand. A total of 12 intersex people representing intersex organizations and communities from Hong Kong (China), India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam participated in the forum.

During the forum, the participants established Intersex Asia – the first regional network of Asian intersex-led organizations and intersex activists working towards the promotion of human rights for intersex people in Asia.

Apart from that, a Public Statement – the First Asian Intersex Statement – has been articulated by the participating intersex activists that extend and affirm their demands to end discrimination against intersex people in Asia, and ensure the right of bodily integrity, physical autonomy, and self-determination.

About the Second Asian Intersex Forum

The 2^nd Asian Intersex Forum took place in Seoul, Korea in August 2019. The forum brought together 10 Asian intersex activists and individuals to future the discussion of building a stronger intersex human rights movement in the region of Asia.

During the forum, the participants recalled and re-affirmed the first Asian Intersex Statement delivered in 2018, and further contributed to the adoption of a draft action plan 2019-2020 for Intersex Asia.