Legendary Taiwan activist Chi Chia-We is recognized at APCOM’s HERO Awards in 2017 (Photo: Christian Koeppel via Facebook)
A leading Asia-Pacific NGO has called for nominations for its HERO Awards.
Bangkok-based APCOM Foundation will recognize individuals dedicated to LGBTI and HIV causes in the region at an awards ceremony in November.
The giltzy gala will raise funds for APCOM’s work in HIV education, prevention, treatment, care and support, and human rights.
A panel of judges from APCOM and regional community networks will select three finalists to attend the ceremony. Finally, they will select one winner on the night.
‘Whether it’s big or small, making a difference in the lives of other people is what defines a hero,’ said APCOM Executive Director Midnight Poonkasetwattana.
‘Whoever they may be and whatever their contributions are, you can help these amazing people and organisations get the recognition they deserve by nominating them for an Award,’ Poonkasetwattana also said.
The categories for nominations are: Social Justice; Health & Wellbeing; Community Ally; Community Organisation; Young Achiever; Transgender Hero; HIV Hero; and Community Hero.
Importantly, nominations close at the end of September, so act quick.
Annual event
Standing for HIV, Equality and Rights, the inaugural HERO Awards took place in Bangkok last year.
Eight people were awarded at last year’s event, including marriage equality, HIV prevention, transgender rights and community health advocates.
Chi Chia-we, Taiwan’s legendary LGBTI rights campaigner who led the country’s recently successful charge for marriage equality, was recognized as a community champion.
The HIV Hero award also went to 25-year-old Gautam Yadav for his exceptional work as an HIV activist and role model for young people with HIV in India.
Furthermore, India’s Ashok Row Kavi received the inaugural Shivananda Khan Award for Extraordinary Achievement. It recognized his 40 years of outstanding service as an LGBT rights activist and HIV advocate.
