The HERO Awards is APCOM’s annual fundraising event in Bangkok, which acknowledges outstanding HIV and LGBTQI advocates and allies from across Asia and the Pacific. Over 350 \guests received and honored exceptional individuals, organizations, and allies working on LGBTQI human rights and HIV advocacy last Friday 22 November 2024 in Bangkok at this year’s HERO Awards 2024, hosted by the Ireland Embassy to Thailand.
The event was opened by H.E. Mr. Patrick Bourne, the Irish Ambassador to Thailand. He shared,
“LGBTQI+ communities across the Asia-Pacific region continue to be subject to oppression and discrimination. HIV and AIDS remain a huge threat. The HERO Awards recognize the important work being done by brave advocates and activists, to raise their struggle and be part of the struggle to make change happen. They’re an opportunity for us to come together, to learn from each other, and to find strength in solidarity.”
The theme was “Strength in Solidarity,” highlighting that our community is strongest when we stand together and support one another’s causes. This electric night was full of celebration and joy as our guests, representing over twenty countries worldwide, gathered to honor community activists, recharge at the HERO PARTY BKK, and network with various stakeholders, including diplomatic missions, government, community organizations, private sector, academics, media, and allies.
Caroline Almeida, Senior Director Public Affairs of Gilead Patient Solutions, one of our esteemed HERO Award 2024 sponsors, shares that
“As a company committed to ending the HIV epidemic for everyone, everywhere, these awards are important as they recognize the work of outstanding members of the community who are making a difference in the lives of many people. Community advocates play an important role in overcoming stigma, sharing knowledge, and improving access to HIV care and treatment. Thanks to organisations such as APCOM, the HERO awards offer us a platform to amplify our voices against health inequity and stigma.”
Individuals and organizations from across Asia and the Pacific were honoured at the HERO Awards ceremony, witnessed by Ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions from ten countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Ireland, Germany, Mexico, Sweden, Timor-Leste, UK, and community representatives from 50 organizations and 12 countries across the region who attended the APCOM Community Summit 2024. Award Recipients across categories were from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Nepal, The Philippines, and Thailand. Annually, three awards are proudly selected by community partners: Community Hero by ILGA Asia; Transgender Hero by APTN; and HIV Hero by APN+.
“This award is not only a recognition of myself, but also of those who have supported me along the way. The past 7 years have been incredibly challenging, but you all made it less difficult for me. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart, and let’s keep winning together for trans & LGBTI+ rights in Asia.”
Recipient of Transgender Hero Award, Henry Tse, Hong Kong.
“In the face of uncertainty and adversity, we have chosen hope. Every small victory in our fight for equality – whether it’s providing safe spaces, offering support to those in need, or advocating for policy changes – has been achieved through collective effort and unwavering determination.”
Recipient of Community Hero, Tashi Tsheten, Bhutan
“This award signifies more than just recognition; it’s a reminder of the power of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. It inspires me to continue striving for greater heights and to make a positive impact to fight HIV for a better world and brighter future for PLHIVs to live without fear and worry of stigma and discrimination.”
Recipient of HIV Hero, Seum Sophal, Cambodia,
The HERO Awards 2024 is thrilled to announce the inaugural year for the LBQ Award, which recognizes the work of a Lesbian, Bisexual and Queer (LBQ) person who has improved the lives of Lesbian, Bisexual and Queer people in any capacity.
The first recipient of this award is Kwee Vien Tanjung from Indonesia:
“Tonight, I stand here filled with gratitude for the privilege of working alongside and learning from remarkable activists. It is not solely about a dream; it is about a collective of dreamers uniting to create a reality more beautiful than any individual dream. This is the profound essence of sharing our dreams.”
The Business Ally award had two recipients this year, marking the exciting connections between the LGBTQI+ community and the private sector, Bloomberg and Seagate.
“The work to gain equity and equality for the LGBTQ+ community has been hard fraught with many win’s along the way, whilst the battle is not over yet, I am committed to using my voice to advocate for the fundamental human rights of the community and my platform and work to continue to push for change.”
Recipient of Business Ally,
Alisha Fernando, Hong Kong
“I want to acknowledge the tireless efforts of the LGBTQI community and allies who have paved the way for greater diversity and inclusion. I am truly inspired by the courage and resilience of the LGBTQI community and remain committed to advocating for their rights and dignity.”
Recipient of Business Ally
Cattreeya Thithiwongsawet, Thailand.
The recipients of the Community Ally, Community Organisation and Social Justice awards hailed from South Asia, including Bangladesh, India and Nepal.
“On behalf of my team, I express our heartfelt gratitude for being recognized as the recipient of the HERO Award 2024 in the community organization category.This recognition empowers us to fight for equality, human rights and inclusion.”
Recipient of Community Organisation, Noboprobhaat Foundation, Bangladesh
“This award belongs to all of us. To the vibrant communities across Asia and the Pacific—your resilience, courage, and voices are the heartbeat of this mission. Together, we are proving that inclusion isn’t just an ideal—it’s a necessity.”
Recipient of Community Ally, Akshay Tyagi, India
“I found it difficult in social settings due to my disability and intersectional identity. I was being double discriminated against, which has made my life difficult. Today, receiving this award, I feel my presence accepted. Thank you APOCOM team, Midnight, and social justice award for giving me value.”
Social Justice, Aaditya Rai, Nepal
The last two awards, Health and Wellbeing and Young Achiever award, were represented by Mongolia and The Philippines.
“Together, let’s continue breaking barriers, building safe spaces, and lighting the path for future generations. This award inspires my team and me to move forward with even more passion and determination—amplifying the voices of the LGBTQI+ community, especially young people, in Mongolia and across the region.”
Young Achiever, Tseveenravdan Tsogbat, Mongolia
“This recognition is not just for me, it is for every volunteer, ally and advocate who believes in the power of love and compassion to transform lives. This award is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together.”
Health and Wellbeing, Dr. Ronivin Garcia Pagtakhan, The Philippines
Last but not least, the recipient of the most esteemed award of the night, The Shivananda Khan Award, recognizing an extraordinary achiever in Asia and the Pacific, was Kamolset Kanggarruar from Thailand. We are honored to share the space with Kamolset, the current secretary-general of the Rainbow Sky Association, who has dedicated over twenty years of service to the LGBTQI+ community of Thailand in advocating for HIV justice and the marriage equality bill.
“I hope this award serves as an inspiration for the younger generation working in this field to stay motivated, not to give up, and not to lose hope. I would like to thank the award committee for recognizing the value and effort that led to this award, which might even be “the last award of my life.”
Shivananda Khan Award, Kamolset Kanggarruar, Thailand
The vibrant evening featured dazzling drag performers, talented violinists, and the renowned University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce’s Thai Music and Dance Club, representing the rich diversity and exceptional talent of the LGBTQI community.
After the HERO Awards, guests stayed for the unforgettable party of the year, HERO PARTY BKK, the new name of the well-known HERO Awards After Party. This year’s party included legendary DJs Bryant, Rita Rita and Pat+, energetic dancers, and an eclectic, immersive 3D show. This year’s theme is “Unchain“, which symbolizes breaking free from limitations and embracing limitless possibilities. After honoring the hard work of the community, HERO PARTY BKK provided a safe space to recharge and joyfully celebrate collective community efforts.
“This award ceremony is a platform to cherish advocates, shine a spotlight on challenges, and get recognition by governments and stakeholders. The theme this year is Strength in Solidarity, highlighting the fact that although we all come from different places, we have a shared goal and are strong together. Every year during the HERO Awards, I feel this the most, as we’re not only commemorating activists for their hard work, but celebrating everyone for their efforts, ”
Executive Director of APCOM, Midnight, concluded.
Moving forward, the HERO Awards and HERO PARTY BKK continue to serve as a beacon of hope, unity, and recognition for the LGBTQI and HIV advocacy communities across Asia and the Pacific. As we reflect on this year’s theme, Strength in Solidarity, we are reminded that collaboration and mutual support are vital in advancing human rights and health equity. Together, we look ahead with renewed energy and commitment to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and every voice is heard.
Shivananda Khan Award for extraordinary Achievement
“I hope this award serves as an inspiration for the younger generation working in this field to stay motivated, not to give up, and not to lose hope. I would like to thank the award committee for recognizing the value and effort that led to this award, which might even be “the last award of my life.”,
Kamolset Kanggarruar,
Thailand
Business Ally
“The work to gain equity and equality for the LGBTQ+ community has been hard fraught with many win’s along the way, whilst the battle is not over yet, I am committed to using my voice to advocate for the fundamental human rights of the community and my platform and work to continue to push for change.”
Alisha Fernando,
Hong Kong
“I want to acknowledge the tireless efforts of the LGBTQI community and allies who have paved the way for greater diversity and inclusion. I am truly inspired by the courage and resilience of the LGBTQI community and remain committed to advocating for their rights and dignity.”
Cattreeya Thithiwongsawet,
Thailand
Community Ally
“This award belongs to all of us. To the vibrant communities across Asia and the Pacific—your resilience, courage, and voices are the heartbeat of this mission. Together, we are proving that inclusion isn’t just an ideal—it’s a necessity.”
Akshay Tyagi,
India
Community Hero
“In the face of uncertainty and adversity, we have chosen hope. Every small victory in our fight for equality – whether it’s providing safe spaces, offering support to those in need, or advocating for policy changes – has been achieved through collective effort and unwavering determination.”
Tashi Tsheten,
Bhutan
Community Organisation
“On behalf of my team, I express our heartfelt gratitude for being recognized as the recipient of the HERO Award 2024 in the community organization category.This recognition empowers us to fight for equality, human rights and inclusion.”
Noboprobhaat Foundation,
Bangladesh
Health and Wellbeing
“This recognition is not just for me, it is for every volunteer, ally and advocate who believes in the power of love and compassion to transform lives. This award is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together.”
Dr. Ronivin Garcia Pagtakhan,
The Philippines
HIV Hero
“This award signifies more than just recognition; it’s a reminder of the power of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. It inspires me to continue striving for greater heights and to make a positive impact to fight HIV for a better world and brighter future for PLHIVs to live without fear and worry of stigma and discrimination.”
Seum Sophal,
Cambodia
LBQ Hero
“Tonight, I stand here filled with gratitude for the privilege of working alongside and learning from remarkable activists. It is not solely about a dream; it is about a collective of dreamers uniting to create a reality more beautiful than any individual dream. This is the profound essence of sharing our dreams.”
Kwee Vien Tanjung,
Indonesia
Social Justice
“I found it difficult in social settings due to my disability and intersectional identity. I was being double discriminated against, which has made my life difficult. Today, receiving this award, I feel my presence accepted. Thank you APOCOM team, Midnight, and social justice award for giving me value.”
Aaditya Rai,
Nepal
Transgender Hero
“This award is not only a recognition of myself, but also of those who have supported me along the way. The past 7 years have been incredibly challenging, but you all made it less difficult for me. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart, and let’s keep winning together for trans & LGBTI+ rights in Asia.”
Henry Tse,
Hong Kong
Young Achiever
“Together, let’s continue breaking barriers, building safe spaces, and lighting the path for future generations. This award inspires my team and me to move forward with even more passion and determination—amplifying the voices of the LGBTQI+ community, especially young people, in Mongolia and across the region.”
Tseveenravdan Tsogbat,
Mongolia
HERO Awards 2024 brought to you by:
