Dear APCOM Friend,

Calling all IAS Members: The Governing Council of the International AIDS Society (IAS) is holding elections and the ballot is now open to all members until 3 May 2018. Help us elect APCOM Executive Director Midnight Poonkasetwattana to represent the best interests of the Asia Pacific region, on a platform of increasing the diversity of voices, increasing community knowledge sharing and strengthening community partnerships. Members will have already received a ballot via email, but please visit the election webpage for any further questions. We thank you for your support!

Positive Action for MSM & Transgender People: Grants available. ViiV Healthcare is providing small grants for those seeking to improve sexual health & wellbeing and advance social and economic justice for men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people in resource-limited and hostile settings. Applications are being accepted until Monday 30^th April for grants up to GBP £40,000 for two-year projects. Please visit the official grant website for further details and full application instruction.

Equal Rights Coalition: Canada will be hosting a special Global Conference on LGBTI Human Rights and Inclusive Development in Vancouver from August 6 to 8, 2018. Civil society/NGOs are encouraged to participate in this special event and should apply through the national LGBTQI2S human rights organization, Egale Canada, who is overseeing the international NGO selection process. Applications are due by May 9, 2018.

Commonwealth Equality Network (CEN): Towards a Common Future? Leaders of the 53 Commonwealth member states will be meeting in London on 16^th-20^th April 2018 “to address the shared global challenges we face and agree actions on how to create a better future for all.” CEN will be hosting a special event on 18^th April titled “LGBT Equality in the Commonwealth: The Business Case” and we urge all available partners and supporters to attend this free event. The panel aims to bring together a diverse group of speakers from across business, government and civil society during the historic main event.