What We Do

We drive positive change through impactful projects, insightful publications, and supported initiatives that empower youth and transform communities.

Our Projects

Get inspired by our impactful projects. Created by the individuals of YVC, these initiatives are driving positive change and advancing the rights of young LGBTIQ individuals across Asia-Pacific.

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IGNITE! EMPOWERMENT GRANTS
Youth Voices Count is committed to supporting LGBTIQ youth-led initiatives in the region. Following the same vision of our IGNITE! Mentorship Programme in 2015, the Youth Empowerment Grants hopes to support youth-led projects working around LGBTIQ+ in countries in the Asia-Pacific Region. The grants will be implemented for a period of 6 months, which will include pre-activity preparations, fund transfers, documentation, and liquidation. This 2020, the IGNITE! Empowerment Grants is supporting 5 youth-led LGBTIQ initiatives from the Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, India, and Bangladesh.
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Rainbow Relief Response
Through the support of Frontline AIDS, Youth Voices Count led the Rainbow Relief Response during the COVID-19 pandemic for PLHIV and LGBT Communities in the Philippines” with eleven organizations that work with LGBTIQ and PLHIV communities across the Philippines. This project provided immediate support in the form of relief packs (food items, reproductive health essentials), information education (IEC materials, information drives), service delivery (community based screening, self-test kits, access to ARV and Hormones), financial support (travel and communication allowances), and psychosocial support across several target beneficiary areas. While we support immediate needs, we also hope to create a “better normal” for our communities by assisting target beneficiaries to adapt to the current situation.
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QueerxBodies
QueerxBodies is an interview series that celebrates queer activisits and influencers in the Asia-Pacific region with an emphasis on the intersection between being queer and other lived experiences, such as race, religion, HIV status, neurodiversity, disability, indigenous culture, and more.
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In Good Shape
In Good Shape aims to utilize a wellbeing awareness approach through sports to advocate for health rights and healthier practices among young people in the Philippines. Together with young people of diverse identities (Ezekiel Vargas, Quino Reyes, Geli Bulaong, Nick Escalderon) the project promotes safe and supportive spaces to engage peers for LGBTIQ inclusion in the sports and fitness industry.

Our Publications

Step into a world of insight and understanding. Discover a range of reports, research papers, and stories authored by the dedicated individuals of YVC, that illuminate the experiences and challenges faced by young LGBTIQ individuals.

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2018
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Supported initiatives

A collection of projects by partner organizations, backed by YVC, as we unite in our commitment to drive positive change and uplift the voices of young individuals.

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ÉQUITÉ SRI LANKA
Équité Sri Lanka comprises a close-knit team of multi-disciplinary experts experienced in research and advocacy in a range of development and humanitarian specialties. It was formed (unofficially but with a social media presence) in May 2017 and operated by a group of enthusiastic human rights activists in Sri Lanka. Since then, Équité has been forming a strong network with young volunteers who have roots in various regions across the country, with national organizations such as Sri Lanka’s Human Rights Commission and Legal Aid Commission and with a range of LGBTIQ NGOs.
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Iloilo Pride Team
The Iloilo Pride is a network of Ilonggo LGBTQIA’s that aims to put attention on LGBTQIA issues through social conversations, telling the communities’ struggles through stories, and paving the way for visibility, involvement, empowerment and equality. They help educate the communities, institutions and agencies about Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Human rights,Gender Equality, and other advocacies the organization believes in within the Province and City of Iloilo including neighboring provinces and cities in Western Visayas, and effectively creating safe spaces for persons of diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC). They also promote visibility and acceptance of persons of diverse SOGIESC in the Province and City of Iloilo including neighboring provinces and cities in Western Visayas by establishing community engagements, research, lectures, workshops and training with various institutions, communities, organizations and agencies. By partnering and encouraging the responsive involvement of the public and/or private sector to help promote SOGIE education in the country.
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Inti Muda Jawa Barat
Inti Muda Jawa Barat is a network organization, a constituent of Inti Muda Indonesia, made to assist and bring awareness to young key populations in the West Java region. The key populations that Inti Muda Jawa Barat focuses on consist of young gay men, young transgendered people, young female sex workers, young people with substance use disorder, and young people living with HIV/AIDS. Their vision with each targeted community is to create a key population that is empowered and has their rights met and fulfilled supported by three pillars of our organization; building the capacity of young key populations, advocating policies, and building networks.
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Noboprobhaat Foundation
Noboprobhaat Foundation is a non-profit organization working for the overall development of marginalized SOGIESC communities of Bangladesh. Along with that, they work for marginalized women, youth, and indigenous people. They focus and prioritize the establishment of SOGIESC Rights and Human Rights, SOGIESC’s equal right to Education and Health, Economic Equity, Gender Equity, Prevention of Gender-Based Violence, Protection of Indigenous Culture, Eradication of Unemployment and Creating Employment Opportunities, Capacity Building, Knowledge Generation, Policy, and Advocacy, SRHR, SDG, HIV, and overall development of Climate.
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UniGEN
UniGEN is an LGBTIQ community-based grassroots organization in Ho Chi Minh City. UniGEN’s vision is to promote inclusivity and diversity within and outside Vietnam LGBTIQ community. Since 2015, UniGEN has organized and developed multiple projects to break down stereotypes about the LGBTIQ community, raise visibility, and awareness of minority groups within the LGBTIQ community, promote freedom of love and pride of self. Their values include: Embrace the Diversity – Tolerate & Empathize – Leave no one behind.
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Blossom Trust
Blossom Trust is a grassroots non-government organization established in Tamil Nadu, India that focuses on community-led integrated development and empowerment of children, LGBTQI+, women, HIV and TB-affected people, and other marginalized communities. Their areas of impact include health and awareness-raising, capacity building, and education, through a training-of-trainers approach, liaisoning and advocacy activities, and the establishment and strengthening of community networks and Self-Help Groups.
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Queer Asian Project
Since Queer Asian Project was launched in March 2020, they have been focused on highlighting as many stories as possible from queer Asians across the globe. These stories are told by everyday people who experience their lives in a myriad of ways. They are about dreams, courage, loss, struggle, survival, love, and ultimately, transformation.
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KAISA
Kaakibat sa Inklusibong San Pablo (KAISA) is a youth-led coalition working to protect individual rights and offer equal opportunities for all in the province of Laguna, Philippines. This coalition aims to promote social inclusivity and diversity by raising awareness on discrimination against LGBTQIA+ community, women, people with disabilities, religious minorities, and indigenous people through public policy.
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Amitie Trust
Amitie Trust is a community-based organization of, by, and for the people with non-normative sexualities and/or gender non-conformities. Apart from working in the interest of their community, they also work for promotion of sexual health among mainstream people as well. This helps in mainstreaming an issue where people are marginalized because of their sexualities and gender identities. It also serves the mainstream society by enhancing their awareness around sexual health, gender and sexuality.
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INCLUSIVE BANGLADESH
Inclusive Bangladesh is a non-registered local non-profit and voluntary-based community youth organization run from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Its mission is to construct an inclusive culture through ensuring quality education, addressing hate speech and violent extremism, promoting interfaith dialogue and gender diversity with active participation of youths across Bangladesh. Its coherent vision is to promote an egalitarian society where the local youths will be in the leading function to empower each other, become future leaders, ensure human rights, and play an active role in constructing a sustainable, efficient, equitable, and peaceful society. View their Employability Skill Development Handbook here.
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YA_ALL
Read as “Yawol”, Ya_All in Manipuri translates to Revolution. They are the first youth-queer-led and focused registered Youth Network in the North East Region of India having 8 states and based in Imphal. All the board, staff, and volunteers are under 35 years of age. Ya_All provides a safe space through their initiative called “Meitram”, the first co-working and networking space run by queer individuals in India. Meitram acts as the Free Resource Hub and supports young and queer persons through free peer counseling, free peer-to-peer training, capacity building, and advocacy to educate, equip, and empower young people and destigmatize the conversations around Sexual & Reproductive health and rights (SRHR), Mental health & well-being, Substance use & Harm Reduction of adolescents, youth and LGBTI+ individuals.
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BAHAGHARI CENTER
Established in 2010, Bahaghari Center contributes towards eradicating discrimination within and against the LGBTQIA community. Their efforts include: 1. LGBTQIA-related studies (e.g., “Being LGBT in Asia: Philippines Country Report” for UNDP and USAID, journalistic stylebook for media practitioners covering LGBTQIA issues, and #PreventionNOTCondemnation to identify HIV-related efforts of faith-based organizations; 2. Giving trainings/workshops to LGBTQIA communities on SOGIESC and HIV (e.g., it is the only organization that gives community-based HIV screening training to Deaf Filipinos); and 3. Organizing LGBTQIA gatherings (e.g. in 2017, it oversaw the 4th LGBTQIA National Conference). View their brochure on SOGIESC 101 here.
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Prism
Prism is an anonymous online messaging platform designed to uplift members of the LGBTQ+ community by connecting them to supportive listeners to exchange guidance, experience, and advice. We developed this platform over the last two years to address the growing need of the LGBTQ+ community seeking online support. Check out their website at prismchat.com.
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Q-Tips
As part of our continued interfaith advocacy for LGBTIQ adolescents and youth, Youth Voices Count partnered up with Queer Theologians in Praxis for an online ecumenical and public study on the “Introduction to Queer Christian Theologies”. This course is primarily designed for interested young queer activists, youth leaders and students, and faith leaders.
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Queer Youth Group Nepal
Queer Youth Group: Queer Youth Group from Nepal began as a loose affiliation in 2018, registered as a not-for-profit in 2020 advocates for the rights of people of marginalized sexual orientation, gender identity & sex characteristics (PoMSOGIESEC).
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MYRainbow
MYRainbow & Queer Asian Project: Initiated in 2018, MYRainbow is a non-profit community in Malaysia that seeks to empower LGBTQ+ youth and develop role models for the community. We aim to enable all LGBTQ+ youth to achieve their potential, regardless of where they are through virtual and physical spaces.
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Inter-University LGBT Network
Inter-University LGBT Network & Young OUT Here: Inter-University LGBT Network is a student-run organisation that collaborates with and maintains the continuity of the various university groups.,currently having 8 member groups across universities in Singapore. Our mission is to foster safe and inclusive school communities regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.
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Queer Muslim Project
The Queer Muslim Project is one of the largest youth-led online networks of LGBTQIA+ Muslims, with a global community of over 22,000 people and counting. We work to equip LGBTQIA+ persons with the skills necessary to challenge existing narratives of fear and stigma around their bodies and identities through digital storytelling, inclusive faith-based dialogue, identifying adequate legal and mental health support, and creating safe and enabling online and offline spaces.

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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