But beneath the struggle is hope, and we can see that there is room for the rainbow even in places with so little light to go around. In Vietnam, a growing movement of parents and friends travel the country in defense of their LGBTIQ children. In Cambodia, efforts are underway to integrate more affirmative discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE) into their public education programs. And in Timor-Leste, a fresh and enthusiastic LGBTIQ movement is giving activists in Southeast Asia a template for advocacy that is truly rooted in our unique experiences and contexts. In these stories, families are also at the forefront, and they guide us as we reshape the region into a place worthy of the rainbow.

We celebrate IDAHOT to showcase our victories for the rights of LGBTIQ people, as an expression of our vision of a future where diversity is cherished and protected. But we also celebrate to commemorate our suffering, as an act of protest against the continuing injustices perpetuated by the state and societies at large. On this day, we celebrate the lives of those who continue to fight for LGBTIQ people, the memories of those we have lost, and the dreams of those who see a future where love always comes naturally.