Pride Month message from The Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG (Australia)

Contributor:
The Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG
APCOM LGBTIQ Human Rights AMBASSADOR

I extend best wishes to all friends of APCOM and to all LGBTIQ people and allies reading this message.

The world has been thrown into chaos by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Lock down is hard on many individuals.  It is especially hard on those who suffer stress, depression and anxiety because of their sexuality.

This is a time when it is important for all of us to reach out and make sure members of sexual minorities, including MSM throughout Asia, are aware of precious friendships.  Many of the lessons we learned in the 1980s-90s in relation to the challenges of HIV/AIDS apply equally to the challenges of COVID-19.  Speaking candidly about the condition and reaching out to those who have been infected or who are at risk.

LGBTIQ people worldwide must be proud of the achievements we have made over the past 30 years.  Those achievements must be expanded and extended to confront the challenges of COVID-19.