More Than a Decade of Advancing Human Rights and Equality in Myanmar
Since its establishment in 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 in 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.
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.
CAN MYANMAR 