Min Khant, LGBTIQ activist from Sagaing Region

My name is Min Khant. I am a LGBTIQ from Sagaing region. Since 2017, I have worked in the field of HIV protection. Over the years, I have participated in human rights and LGBTIQ rights trainings as well as organized multiple trainings. My role as a representative for the LGBTIQ network in Sagaing Region has included documenting human rights violations committed against LGBTIQ people in the Region, the violations committed by local junta forces, access to ART treatments (antiretroviral therapy), and discrimination in healthcare services, as well as engaging in advocacy while providing nutrition support to members, which are the network’s primary activities.

The Union Betterment Party offered me the opportunity to run as a parliamentarian candidate in the 2020 general election. However, I refused because it was not my preferred party. Since the coup attempt in 2021, I have led anti-junta activities. I formed secret groups to provide assistance for members of the Civil Disobedience Movement, members of underground resistance groups and LGBTIQ activists by finding donors.

The junta issued an arrest warrant for me under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code on September 27, 2021. My home was searched by the junta forces three times, but I managed to escape. Now, I am in a secure and safe environment and continue conduct human rights activities. I also continue to provide assistance to the internally displaced persons.