2020 is perhaps the most challenging year for people worldwide and COVID-19 has brought about extreme changes across the globe, amplifying the challenges that LGBTIQ persons faced in ASEAN. It has forced many of us to adapt and adopt new strategies to survive the isolation and discrimination that is unique and specific to our communities. Instead of bowing down to the immense problems created by the pandemic, many LGBTIQ groups with the support from the ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, reacted quickly to address the ordeals faced. After all, surviving in defiance against all odds has always been the core strength of our queer communities and as Southeast Asians who have often had to face institutionalized discrimination from authoritarian governments in the region.