From 15–18 May 2026, communities, activists, artists, partners, allies, and changemakers came together at SCBX NEXT TECH, Bangkok, to commemorate IDAHOBIT 2026 under the powerful theme: “At the Heart of Democracy” – The Journey from Amsterdam to Bangkok
On behalf of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and all partners, including the Amsterdam Rainbow Dress, APCOM Foundation, the Rights and Liberties Protection Department under the Ministry of Justice, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Bangkok Pride, GIRLxGIRL, Baturu Women’s Film Festival, The Okura Prestige Bangkok, and SCBX NEXT TECH — thank you to everyone who joined us throughout this meaningful four-day journey.
Photo Release:
15 MAY https://photos.app.goo.gl/3MiBYCNZbdGetpVa8
15 MAY (Reception) https://photos.app.goo.gl/5CmeJsVV5DuLbHxm7
18 MAY https://photos.app.goo.gl/jNvPyFJPk4hyCU3h7
Over four inspiring days, the event transformed SCBX NEXT TECH into a vibrant community space for dialogue, art, advocacy, film, and storytelling, highlighting the importance of democracy, equality, inclusion, and LGBTQI+ human rights.
One of the major highlights was the iconic Amsterdam Rainbow Dress, which travelled from Amsterdam to Bangkok as a powerful global symbol of solidarity and visibility. The exhibition and fireside conversations around the dress encouraged deeper reflections on freedom, equality, and the realities still faced by LGBTQI+ communities around the world.
APCOM Foundation was proud to contribute to the program through several community engagement activities and sessions throughout the event, including conversations on LGBTQI+ rights, inclusion, health equity, community resilience, and the importance of amplifying diverse voices across Asia and the Pacific.
Throughout the program, APCOM also helped create spaces for:
- community storytelling and lived experiences
- conversations on democracy and human rights
- visibility of LGBTQI+ communities in the region
- networking and solidarity among civil society, diplomatic missions, private sector partners, artists, and community advocates
- film screenings, exhibition, and creative expressions that celebrated diversity and inclusion
The event also featured meaningful discussions and reflections from community leaders, activists, youth voices, and APCOM HERO Awards recipients, whose stories reminded us of the importance of hope, resilience, and collective action.
We would also like to invite everyone to watch the recording videos from the sessions and reflections on 18 May. Their voices continue to inspire conversations around leadership, community, and Pride.
Session Records:
Stay tuned for the full report back and highlights from IDAHOBIT 2026 coming soon.
Thank you once again to all speakers, volunteers, artists, partners, and participants who helped make IDAHOBIT 2026 a meaningful and memorable space for dialogue, art, Pride, and democracy.
