HIV & LGBT HEROES SET TO SHINE AT THE 3RD ASIA-PACIFIC COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS

BANGKOK, 16 August 2019: HIV and LGBTI community heroes from across Asia and the Pacific are set to be honoured at a special event in Bangkok in November, with organisers of the 3rd HERO Awards currently seeking nominations from community members across the region

Standing for HIV, Equality and Rights, the HERO Awards is an annual gala event in Bangkok which acknowledges outstanding service to the HIV response in Asia and the Pacific, and to the region’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) communities. The HERO Awards also raises money for the HIV and LGBTI human rights work of APCOM, a leading Asia Pacific HIV and LGBTI community network based in Bangkok.

Taking place on Friday 22 November at the Netherlands Ambassador’s Residence in Bangkok, the HERO Awards is a special fundraising event for the Bangkok-based APCOM Foundation, a leading NGO which works to fight HIV and advance LGBTI health and rights across the Asia Pacific region. The Awards are also being supported by a range of corporate sponsors, community organisations and diplomatic missions.

Community members and supporters throughout Asia and the Pacific are invited to nominate individuals and organisations across nine (9) categories who have made significant contributions to the health and rights of LGBTI people and people affected by HIV. The categories are: Social Justice; Health & Wellbeing; Community Ally; Community Organisation; Young Achiever; Transgender Hero; HIV Hero; Community Hero; and Business Ally.

A judging panel – comprising representatives from APCOM’s Regional Advisory Group and from community networks APN+, APTN and ILGA Asia – will then select three finalists for each category, one of whom will be chosen as the award recipient. The award winner will then be supported to travel to Bangkok to attend the presentation ceremony on 22 November. The nomination process is FREE and only takes a few minutes. Nominations close at 5pm on Friday 20 September. To find out more or submit a nomination, please visit: www.heroawards.asia

APCOM Executive Director Midnight Poonkasetwattana says the success of HERO Awards since they were established in 2017 shows that people want to celebrate and be inspired by the extraordinary work of everyday heroes:

"Whether it’s big or small, making a difference in the lives of other people is what defines a hero. Directly helping others, improving the wellbeing of others, or inspiring others are all examples of community service. Whoever they may be and whatever their contributions are, you can help these amazing people and organisations get the recognition they deserve by nominating them for a HERO Award and by attending the event. We also thank all our corporate, community and diplomatic partners for helping us honour community service, celebrate diversity and inclusion and raise much needed funds for our vital work in the community."

APCOM LGBTI Human Rights Ambassador, Hon Justice Michael Kirby of Australia added:

"The Asia and Pacific regions have lagged behind others in advancing the human rights of LGBTI people. But a big wave of reform in laws and attitudes is now beginning. The change agents are heroes of our time. The Moon landing 50 years ago forced even the reluctant to see the comparatively small size, unity and beauty of our Planet Earth. APCOM Heroes work tirelessly to enhance unity around the beauty of loving one another."

Hero Awards 2018
https://www.heroawards.asia