It has been a tradition of ASC to celebrate wins, however small or large they may be. We take stock of the hard work, resilience, and commitment we put into our advocacy in pushing forward the agenda of equitable inclusion to ensure that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristic (SOGIESC) will be given the opportunity to reach for their dreams to live a life with dignity.

As we reflect on our journey at ASC, it’s essential to recognize both the challenges we face and the opportunities that lie ahead in our commitment to sustainability in the region. We face head on the challenges of the ever-limiting space for LGBTIQ rights and how environmental, socio- political, and economic constraints have further compounded issues of exclusion and vulnerability.

These challenges only further our hunger for equality and inclusion as we maximize opportunities to put forward our equality agenda in the coming months. Strategic partnership will always be a priority as we believe that we can only be as strong as our partners are. We will continue collaborations with the government, other civil society organizations, and the private sector because together we can amplify our impact and leverage resources more effectively. The need for education and awareness has never been more important in this day and age where misinformation has not only maintained animosity and exclusion but further fueled hatred and indifference. ASC will continue leading educational initiatives, capacitating individuals and organizations to participate in sustainable practices and amplify our mission.

Gone are the times of striving to be the best. It has been replaced by the need to work together to reach for the best situation for all people.