It is time for Southeast Asia to take action, independent of foreign movements and aid, to address what is fundamentally a local problem. As a community, we must take ownership and lead with pride to secure gender equality, LGBTQ+ acceptance, and justice for all.
By Hongchhay Chan (he/him), Sovansere Pheoung (she/her), and Reaksa Pin (she/her)
In protest of the government's bigotry, a group of queer activists at Brisbane Pride decided to create their own 'Gay and Lesbian Kingdom'. Under international law, 'oppressed people who occupy an EOT (External Overseas Territory) ... (have) the right to self-determination and self-government'. The Coral Sea Islands, recognised as an EOT of Australia, met this criteria. By asserting their occupancy, these activists could establish their own queer friendly government.
By Syaa Liesch (they/them)
