My name is Cher, 19 years old from Bangkok. I’m a Young Health Programme Youth Ambassador who recently participated in Youth Pride 2024 to be a part of the youth group raising our voices on gender-based violence, which affects the health and well-being of young people.
I identify myself as a nonbinary sapphic, so as a part of the LGBTIQ+ community, I think Pride Month is a month for all of us to come together and take a stand to show and recognize the importance of equality and remember the journey of struggles that have led us to where we are today. Personally, I am studying law and I am interested in human rights, therefore, I want to participate in Youth Pride 2024 because it truly enhances my knowledge and understanding as a part of using the civic space to raise my voice for better changes.
I volunteered to be one of the youth representatives to speak about issues ranging from gender identity certification, which sparks debates on titles, to health, education, and the serious enforcement of laws. The problem of gender-based violence towards LGBTIQ+ young people have wide-ranging impacts. For instance, pregnancy and childbirth are still legally recognized only for men and women. In diverse sexual partnerships, couples still have to legally adopt children and be identified as father and mother. In a relationship between a straight woman and a trans woman, the trans partner still has to be listed as the father. Additionally, the right to receive hormone treatments remains costly for everyone. Therefore, those social barriers need to be changed to improve the lives of LGBTIQ+. We should all be equal because we are all human.
After participating in the activity, I got to know more about the network organizations and improved my communication and social skills, including learning martial arts from the workshop. I felt very happy and fulfilled. Although I felt a pang of sadness and sympathy when hearing my friends reflect on the problems they faced, I was inspired by how strong they were to overcome these challenges and create change together.
This experience boosted my confidence, filled me with positive energy, and helped me make many new friends. The activity has ignited a passion in this young law student who dreams of becoming a proficient lawyer in this field for everyone.
After being a part of the Young Health Programme, I further applied to be a part of the Youth Advisory Committee of Plan International Thailand to advocate on gender equality issues that influenced Child Rights. Joining Plan International’s Youth Advisory Committee has been a transformative experience for me. It has given me a platform to amplify youth voices, influence decision-making, and contribute to meaningful change on issues that matter to young people worldwide.
Through collaboration with diverse peers, I have gained leadership skills, a deeper understanding of advocacy, and the confidence to drive positive impact in my community and beyond. This experience has empowered me to not just be heard but to be an active part of shaping a more just and equitable world. Thank you, Plan International Thailand, for being a part of my journey.
