More Than a Decade of Advancing Human Rights and Equality in Myanmar

Since its establishment on May 10, 2011, C.A.N-Myanmar has contributed to the growth of Myanmar’s LGBTQIA+ movement, strengthened civil society collaboration, and promoted human rights, equality, and inclusive participation.

Through community engagement, advocacy, human rights education, documentation, and partnerships, C.A.N-Myanmar has worked to ensure that LGBTQIA+ communities and other marginalized groups are recognized, protected, and empowered.

Our Key Achievements

A Pioneer in Myanmar’s LGBTQIA+ Human Rights Movement

Established on May 10, 2011, C.A.N-Myanmar is one of Myanmar’s pioneering LGBTQIA+ led human rights organizations.

For more than a decade, the organization has supported the development of LGBTQIA+ community leadership, human rights awareness, and inclusive social change.

Connecting Myanmar’s LGBTQIA+ Movement with Regional and Global Networks

In September 2015, C.A.N-Myanmar became the second organization from Myanmar to become a member organization of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA World and ILGA Asia).

This milestone strengthened Myanmar’s representation within regional and international LGBTQIA+ human rights movements.

In 2017, the Chairperson of C.A.N-Myanmar’s Board of Consultants was elected as a Board Member of ILGA Asia, representing Myanmar’s LGBTQIA+ movement at the regional level.

Global Advocacy & Representation

Keynote Representation & Global Policy Influence (Bangkok, 2026)

Amplifying Myanmar’s LGBTQI+ Voices on the World Stage

At the global launch of the Queer Forced Displacement Network (QFDN) in Bangkok, CAN-Myanmar delivered a keynote address to over 70 global human rights defenders, diplomats, researchers, and international organizations.

Highlighting Human Rights Crises: CAN-Myanmar brought global attention to the grave human rights violations, systemic risks, and forced displacement facing LGBTQI+ communities in post-coup Myanmar, emphasizing the critical need for a coordinated international response.
Co-creating Global Principles: As a Founding Member, CAN-Myanmar actively contributed to shaping the Chao Phraya Principles, ensuring that the lived experiences and protection needs of Myanmar’s displaced queer community are integrated into global humanitarian and asylum frameworks.

Strengthening Civil Society and Democratic Participation

C.A.N-Myanmar has actively contributed to Myanmar’s civil society development through collaboration, networking, and civic engagement.

Key contributions include:

Founding member organization of the Election Observers Network Mandalay (E.O.N-M) since 2014;
Collaboration with the Mandalay Civil Society Network, working together with approximately 75 local civil society organizations since 2015;
Supporting inclusive participation of LGBTQIA+ communities in democratic processes.

Advancing LGBTQIA+ Participation in Electoral and Democratic Processes

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

Through this initiative, C.A.N-Myanmar has contributed to strengthening recognition, participation, and representation of LGBTQIA+ communities within Myanmar’s democratic transition.

Documenting Human Rights Realities After the 2021 Military Coup

Following the military coup in February 2021, LGBTQIA+ communities and other marginalized groups faced increased risks of discrimination, violence, and human rights violations.

In response, C.A.N-Myanmar became a founding organization of the Myanmar LGBTQIA Human Rights Watch Forum in October 2022.

The Forum represents a collective effort by LGBTQIA+ organizations and activists to:

Monitor and document human rights violations;
Collect evidence and information on abuses affecting LGBTQIA+ communities;
Raise awareness among national and international stakeholders;
Contribute to accountability and transitional justice efforts.

Our Contribution to Change

Through our work, C.A.N-Myanmar has helped to:

Empower Communities

Supporting LGBTQIA+ people and marginalized communities to understand, claim, and defend their rights.

Strengthen Networks

Building connections among LGBTQIA+ organizations, civil society groups, and human rights actors.

Increase Visibility

Ensuring LGBTQIA+ experiences and human rights concerns are recognized within Myanmar and internationally.

Promote Inclusion

Advocating for a society where diversity is respected and everyone can participate equally.

Looking Forward

C.A.N-Myanmar continues to build on more than a decade of experience by strengthening human rights protection, supporting communities, developing leaders, and working with partners toward an inclusive, democratic, and just Myanmar.

Empowering LGBTQIA+ Communities, Defending Human Rights FOR ALL.

Our Impact