Since its establishment in 2011, C.A.N-Myanmar has played an important role in Myanmar’s LGBTQIA+ movement and broader civil society development.

2011 — Establishment

C.A.N-Myanmar was founded in Mandalay as an LGBTQIA+-led human rights organization committed to promoting human rights awareness, preventing violations, and strengthening community responsibility.

2014 — Supporting Democratic Participation

C.A.N-Myanmar became an initiative and founding member organization of the Election Observers Network Mandalay (E.O.N-M), contributing to inclusive civic participation and democratic processes.

2015 — Regional LGBTQIA+ Movement Engagement

C.A.N-Myanmar became the second organization from Myanmar to join the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA World and ILGA Asia).

The organization also became part of the Mandalay Civil Society Network, collaborating with approximately 75 local civil society organizations.

2017 — Regional Leadership

The Chairperson of C.A.N-Myanmar’s Board of Consultants was elected as a Board Member of ILGA Asia, strengthening Myanmar’s representation within the regional LGBTQIA+ human rights movement.

C.A.N-Myanmar also became a founding and leading member of the Coalition of LGBTQIA Organizations for the Electoral Sector in the Democratic Transition of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar (CLOES-DTRUM).

2021 — Responding to Crisis

Following the military coup in Myanmar, C.A.N-Myanmar expanded its human rights work to respond to increased risks faced by LGBTQIA+ communities and other vulnerable populations.

2022 — Myanmar LGBTQIA Human Rights Watch Forum

C.A.N-Myanmar became a founding organization of the Myanmar LGBTQIA Human Rights Watch Forum, a coalition established to monitor, document, and report human rights violations against LGBTQIA+ communities following the military coup.

The Forum brings together LGBTQIA+ organizations and activists working toward accountability, justice, and protection of human rights.