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Amplifying the voices of young LGBTIQ individuals in Asia-Pacific

Together, we fight for equality, equity, and justice.

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Our Flagship Programs.

LEADERSHIP AND MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Guiding LGBTIQ+ individuals to realize their full potential, develop their leadership skills, and inspire others.

YOUTH ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND LABOR RIGHTS

Ensuring fair labor practices and economic opportunities for all youth.

YOUTH VOICES MEDIA HUB

A platform for youth to share their stories, perspectives, and creativity with the world.

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

Creating a learning environment where every student feels valued, respected, and supported.

MIND MATTERS: YOUTH MENTAL WELLNESS PROGRAM

A safe space for youth to explore, express, and heal their minds.

Latest News and Articles​

Stay woke, stay informed: Get the latest scoop on advocacy, activism, and progress towards a more inclusive and diverse Asia-Pacific community.​

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Building Strategic Partnerships between Civil Society and Key Stakeholders for an Effective COVID-19 response in Kiribati: Levita Levi, Kiribati
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every aspect of life around the world and the Kiribati Islands are no exception.
March 10, 2026
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Taking it forward – PLHIV and LGBTIQ communities lead the COVID-19 response in South Korea: Sung-Uk So (So-Ju), South Korea
The world is now being swept by waves of fear and unrest as the global pandemic continues to take the
March 10, 2026
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Bringing to the Forefront the Voices of Youth from the Marshall Islands: Anfernee Nenol Kaminaga, The Marshall Islands
Anfernee Nenol Kaminaga, best known as Nenol, from the Marshall Islands (indigenously known as Aelōñ Kein Ad, Jolet jen Anij,
March 5, 2026

YVC Community​

Access exclusive resources and opportunities to drive positive change in your community and beyond.​

Community Hub

Discussion Forums and online spaces to connect with fellow activists and allies.

Learn & Grow​

Resources, Mentorship Program, and Micro-Grant Program to support your activism and personal growth.​

Amplify Your Voice​

Share Feedback & Needs to shape our advocacy efforts and help create positive change.

Get Involved​

Opportunities to participate in campaigns, projects, and advocacy efforts.

Stay Informed

See Events Calendar and get updates on Upcoming and Past Events.​

Media Gallery

Access photos and videos from past events and activities.

Who We Are

YVC is a regional network of young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex individuals in Asia-Pacific working on SRHR, SOGIESC, Youth Empowerment, and Human Rights issues.

Established in 2010, YVC engages in community mobilization, national, regional and global advocacy related to young people belonging to diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and sex characteristics.

YVC has established strong and meaningful partnerships with regional community networks.

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Projects

Taking action for positive change through our impactful projects.

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Publications

Our collection of research, reports, and resources.

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Supported Initiatives

projects by partner organizations, backed by YVC.

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To Greater Heights

In celebration of a decade of advocacy work, this strategic plan, “To Greater Heights”, is a continuation of Youth Voices Count’s focus to realize equality, equity, and justice for young LGBTIQ people across the Asia-Pacific. This plan of action will be implemented from 2021 to 2025.

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Success Stories and Testimonials

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Justin
Youth Voices Count, Inc. has been instrumental in the regional LGBTIQ youth advocacy across the region. Since 2010, we strive to empower communities and organizations led by young people. We are inspired by the vision of those who founded YVC to ensure that LGBTIQ young people are not left behind. YVC continues to grow but our mission and vision remains. As we say in YVC, “Count Your Voice With Us!”. So, “make your voice count!”
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Toni
YVC changed my life from being in the advocacy for a very long time and leaving it to pursue my corporate job. It left me with little to no connection in the development world. YVC opened it’s doors for me and gave my life a new purpose, a new meaning, and has given me virtually a new life to be able to serve and help the LGBTQIA+ community of the whole Asia-Pacific region. So, YVC has been instrumental in creating this new life for myself and for the people around me, and that’s why I’m very appreciative. That’s why I love YVC.

MUHAMMED ALI KHAN

ADVOCACY AND NETWORK ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

MALAYSIA

THEY/THEM

Mohammed (they/them) is a youth community organizer and facilitator based in Bangalore. With a professional background in molecular and cellular biology, they have conducted research on the rapid disease diagnosis of Dengue Virus in India. As a queer facilitator and co-founder of multiple safe spaces in their city, Mohammed actively advocates for marginalized communities. Their work on intersex rights has been featured in leading outlets such as The News Minute, Youth Ki Awaaz, Outlook India, The Deccan Herald, Feminism in India, and Gaysi. Their passion lies in research and with bridging gaps for biological education and human rights.

Their organizational affiliations include being the Co-founder of Intersex Human Rights India, the Community Founder and Facilitator of Polyglamorous Polys, a Senior Facilitator at Queer Campus Bangalore, and the Community Founder and Facilitator of Project RISE.

They are a recipient of the Pride Palooza Awards 2024 in the Advocacy of the Year category.

MARZE ANN GUTIERREZ

GRAPHIC ARTIST

Philippines

THEY/THEM

Marze graduated as Magna Cum Laude at West Visayas State University, majoring in English Language Studies and is currently taking up their Masters in English Language Studies at the same institution. They are also currently a part of Iloilo Pride Team’s Creatives team.

During their leisure time, they take their time reading books, listening to music, and sketching.

JOHNMEL ESTIMAR

FINANCE MANAGER

PHILIPPINES

THEY/THEM

Johnmel M. Estimar is the founder and senior adviser of La Villa Pride, a grassroots-level organization for LGBTQI in Villa, Iloilo. They are also a member of the Iloilo Pride team, a Community Based Screening motivator for HIV and an LGBTQI Rights Activist. Miles, as they like to be called, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo, Inc. They also hold an Associate Degree in Cruise Ship Management in the same University.

They have ample experience in clerk and accounting work for nine years from their previous employer, they are currently employed with Youth Voices Count as Finance Manager since 2019.

ANTHONY LOPEZ

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PHILIPPINES

HE/HIM, THEY/THEM

Mx. Toni graduated with a bachelor’s degree of secondary education majoring in English at the Capiz State University back in 2021. Aside from this, they sought out other educational opportunities such as Advocacy and Project Management at the Women Deliver Digital University (2015), International Women’s Health and Human Rights at Stanford University (2014), and Global Health and Humanitarianism at the University of Manchester (2013).

An advocate of many causes, they are members of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, and Y-PEER Pilipinas, founder of the Y-Cap for SRHR, founder of United Colours of CapSU, and Alumnus of Women Deliver Young Leaders Program. Back in 2018, they were awarded as the SDG 5 Youth Champion due to the amiable service they have rendered for gender equality.

CZAR REAL

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

PHILIPPINES

HE/HIM

Czar Real is a results-driven professional with business and organizational expertise, specializing in data analysis, research leadership, and strategic planning. Currently, he leads data-driven studies that provide actionable insights for decision-making across sectors.
 
His experience also spans teaching, freelance research consulting, and community outreach, particularly in HIV/AIDS advocacy, food waste reduction, and social justice. He is certified in Six Sigma Yellow Belt and Security Risk Management for NGO, with a strong commitment to driving impactful and meaningful change.
 
Currently pursuing Professional Masters in Data Science – Computing at the University of the Philippines, a graduate of double degree in Business Economics and Operations Management at the University of St. La Salle and has earned a diploma of International Entrepreneurship in Academy of Entrepreneurs – Australia.

JOHN MICHAEL OUANO

BOARD MEMBER

PHILIPPINES

HE/HIM

John Michael Ouano is the President of ALIVE SUPPORT GROUP and a Case Manager at an HIV Treatment Facility.
 
As part of the organization, he promotes safe spaces for domestic violence survivors, sexual assault survivors, and young people across all sectors. He also advocates for continuous education on HIV and AIDS awareness to help eradicate the stigma and discrimination surrounding it.

VINCE LIBAN

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

PHILIPPINES

HE/THEY

Vince Liban is a human rights and LGBTQI+ advocate, licensed Environmental Planner, and National Convener of Pride PH, leading one of Southeast Asia’s biggest Pride events.
 
Recognized as a Youth Champion for SDG 10, he advances equality, inclusive democracy, and youth empowerment through policy advocacy, urban planning, and grassroots organizing.
 

KAISER HO

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

MALAYSIA

THEY/THEM

Kaiser is a transmasculine/non-binary activist and decolonial queer-feminist facilitator in Southeast Asia who focuses on queering up systems and the politics of pleasure to bring about radical, transformative change. While holding an external law degree and certification in public policy analysis, their core competencies in analysing grassroot power structures is attributed to the 10+ years of community mobilisation in online communities. This understanding of complex internet dynamics informs their work as an educational module facilitator and advocacy advisor in Monsters Among Us [MAU], a youth-lead organisation championing child rights against harassment and abuse, bodily autonomy and comprehensive sexuality education.

They are actively involved in ASEAN-based leadership committees in the advancement of SOGIESC rights: designing programs to build up organisational technical infrastructure, presenting regional trends analysis in diplomatic summits, and facilitating knowledge sharing sessions about queer right to information in countries that suppress freedom of assembly and expression. They also worked with Kemban Kolektif in the Women Gaining Ground project [WGG]—a consortium lead by partners like CREA, Akili Dada, and IWRAW Asia Pacific [IWRAW-AP] in collaboration with 16 in-country strategic partners—to produce briefing papers that center anti-carceral approaches and restorative justice frameworks to prevent sexual and gender-based violence.

JAN GABRIEL

BOARD MEMBER / INTERIM CHAIRPERSON

PHILIPPINES

HE/THEY

Jan is the Engagement Executive of Mindcare Club and a consultant at We Thrive Wellbeing and Consultancy Services. He also a member of both teh Sports and Exercise Psychology SIG and LGBT Psychology Association of the Philippines.

He was previously part of the team of ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, a regional human rights organization focusing on the promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTQ+ people in Southeast Asia.

ADAMS PHAN

CORE WORKING GROUP

VIETNAM

HE/HIM

Adams Phan graduated from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Education majoring in Teaching English as a Foreign Language in 2017. During  his 4 years in the university as the Chairman of the Department’s Student Union, and the Vice President of the University’s Student Association, he took part in planning and implementing many social and cultural activities and events as well as having a former background in coordinating non-profit projects and organizing events. 

He was granted the “Bridging the Gaps Learning Institute” Scholarship by Aids Fonds in 2017, received a Certificate of Completion of the “MSMIT Regional Training of Trainers” Workshop, and was also awarded a Certificate for Outstanding Achievements in Social Activities by the Vietnamese National Students’ Association. Although graduating from HCMC University of Education, he shares that he has had an abiding passion for social activities and advocacy since his early twenties. 

He always longs to contribute his youth to help enhance and improve the rights and healthcare services for LGBTIQ+ communities nationally, regionally, and worldwide.

RUKSHANA KAPALI

CORE WORKING GROUP

NEPAL

SHE/HER

Rukshana is a transgender activist and blogger from Nepal who started sharing their personal experiences as a transgender person at the young age of 15. Currently taking up her bachelor of arts in Legislative Law at the Chakrabarti Habi Education Academy–College of Law, Rukshana shares an interest in intersections of language, SOGIESC and law wherein she works around policy changing through legal activism. As of present, she is the Executive Director of Queer Youth Group since October 2020 which is a youth-led network working for the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) rights in Nepal. A devoted advocate for SOGIESC, Rukshana holds officerships in multiple organizations such as Vice President at the Gender and Sexual Minorities Youth Network of National Youth Council, Organizing Committee at the Nepal Pride Parade, Chief Secretary at the LOOM Nepal, Individual Member at Amnesty International Nepal, Focal Person from Nepal at Youth LEAD,, and Board Member of the South Asia Hub, Innovation For Change. She is recognized as a speaker at the opening panel in Women’s Pre-Conference and contributor in the Women’s Manifesto during the ILGA Asia Conference in 2022.

Due to her outstanding contributions to her advocacies, she received the National Volunteering Award by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Government of Nepal in 2020, and Youth Change Maker Award by the United Nations Youth Student Association Nepal in 2018.

FILA MAGNUS

CORE WORKING GROUP

MALAYSIA

HE/SHE

Fila Magnus graduated as cum laude at Upper Iowa University majoring Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Communications. She served as the Director of Communications for the International Youth Alliance for Family Planning (IYAFP) for over 6 years and is currently working at Mental Fitness Hub. 

Fila is a member of the For Youth Initiative Kuala Lumpur (FYIKL) and shares that she is committed to ensuring that youth from all walks of life are granted access to knowledge and resources that they require in order to be able to make informed decisions and choices in regards to their autonomy and sexuality. If she’s not advocating for SRHR, refugees, or politics in general, you’ll find her in some part of the globe in search of the faith in humanity that she’s lost along her way.

MARION REA CAMEROS

ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE

PHILIPPINES

SHE/HER

Marion graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting Technology which has made her suitable for being the Accounting Associate of Youth Voices Count. She lists watching movies as one of her hobbies that helps her wind down during her leisure time.

LOUELA MARIE PRADO

ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER

PHILIPPINES

HE/SHE/THEY

An advocate at heart, Louela is a part of several youth-led organizations in the Philippines with various advocacies ranging from climate justice, environmental protection, gender equality, human rights, SRHR, mental health prioritization, youth empowerment and HIV/AIDS awareness. She is currently the Interim Chairperson of Iloilo Pride Team after serving the organization for 4 years as the Admin Officer, Executive Secretary at Proyekto Philippines, Member of Team Dugong Bughaw, and more.

She graduated as Summa Cum Laude at West Visayas State University majoring in English Language Studies and is currently taking up her Masters in English Language Studies at the same institution. During her stay at the university, she served as the Vice Chairperson at the University Student Council and Federated Student Council where she organized programs and initiatives that advocated for student involvement in societal causes and being the voice of the students that lobbies their concerns to the administration.

In July 2022, she was awarded by JCI Regatta as one of the Top Outstanding Students in Iloilo and a Top Circle Awardee which is the most prestigious recognition given by the award-giving body.

TASHI TSHETEN

CORE WORKING GROUP

BHUTAN

HE/THEY

Tashi is the South Asian representative in the Core Working Group. He is affiliated with the Queer Voices of Bhutan.

RIZKY ASHAR

CORE WORKING GROUP

INDONESIA

HE/HIM

Rizky “Ekky” Ashar Murdiono is a graduate student of Computer Science and Information Technology with extensive knowledge in social issues, media, and content development. Back in 2016, he studied a non-degree in Advancing Human Rights at Kennesaw State University.

He is a Co-Founder of the 2030 Youth Force Network and has practical experience in the United Nations in digital communication. He was also a U-Report Learning Consultant for UNICEF Indonesia from 2021 to 2022, and has been featured on TIME Magazine in their article entitled “Eight Young Leaders on How They Want to Shape the Decade Ahead”. He was also awarded the N-Peace Award in 2016.

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