APCOM and The Irish Embassy Proudly Present the 8th HERO Awards 2024: Celebrating Equality and Rights

Press release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APCOM and The Irish Embassy Proudly Present

the 8th HERO Awards 2024: Celebrating Equality and Rights

Save the date 22 NOV 2024, 18.00 – 21.00 at The Sukosol Hotel, Bangkok

Bangkok, 17 October 2024—Standing for HIV, Equality and Rights, the HERO Awards is an annual event which acknowledges outstanding service to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) communities, and the HIV response in Asia and the Pacific region.

This year’s HERO Awards 2024, to be held on the evening of Friday 22 November at The Sukosol Hotel, Bangkok. The 8th edition will be officially hosted by the Embassy of Ireland to Thailand.

“The Irish Embassy is honoured and delighted to support the HERO Awards. Human rights, equality and inclusion are the highest priorities of Ireland’s foreign policy, and we and our EU partners do everything we can to support these objectives in Thailand and across the region. An important part of the difficult work of advocating for equality is highlighting the contribution of outstanding and brave individuals and organisations. Honorees who have done LGBTI communities across the region proud are role models from whom we can all learn so much.”

Pat Bourne, Ambassador of Ireland to Thailand

Under the theme of “Strength in Solidarity”, HERO Awards 2024 will highlight the power and resiliency of the community and its allies, recognizing every individual’s distinctiveness and the immense power that can be achieved through collective unity. In a world where hatred and violence are often promoted and even celebrated, this event aims to showcase the positive outcomes that arise from mutual support and encouragement. While fear and intimidation can alienate and weaken both the community and its allies, coming together demonstrates that there is truly boundless strength in solidarity.

”We are seeing shrinking spaces for civil society working to advance equality and rights across the globe, and the HERO Awards will once again shine a light on those that never give up when times are bad. The HERO Awards is the platform where you can definitely feel ‘strength in solidarity’ come alive, and now more than ever we must come together to protect and advance equality and rights for everyone.”

Midnight Poonkasetwattana, Executive Director, APCOM

The evening will feature 11 prestigious awards presented by representatives from embassies, sponsors, and three Community Partners: APN+, APTN, and ILGA Asia. These esteemed partners have played a vital role in selecting this year’s honorees.

“Hero Awards is an important initiative that celebrates the incredible work of LGBTIQ activists who make a real difference in their communities. By recognizing their contributions, we not only honor their dedication but also shine a light on the LGBTIQ movement, which often goes unnoticed. Since 2017, ILGA Asia has partnered with APCOM to showcase the outstanding achievements of these activists through the Community Hero Awards. This collaboration aims to uplift voices that deserve recognition and inspire ongoing advocacy and activism in the region.” Khine Su Win, Strategic Development Director, ILGA Asia and one of the community partners and HERO Awards 2024 recipient committees

A highlight of this year’s event is the inclusion of a new award category, the “LBQ Hero,” recognizing outstanding contributions by Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer individuals who have significantly improved the lives of LGBTQI people in Asia and the Pacific or across the region more broadly. APCOM will also bring over 70 regional community partners in Asia and the Pacific for a Community Summit as well as different stakeholders to engage with the event.

“My career goal is to work towards creating safe spaces and improving the quality of life for sex workers and the LGBT+ community, not for the expectation of receiving any awards. However, when the work we do is recognized and valued through the ‘HERO Awards’, it definitely helps fulfill and create even more positive energy for our work for the community.” Surang Janyam, Director, SWING and The Community Ally Award 2018 recipient

The Award ceremony will run from 18.00 – 21.00 which promises a wonderful evening of inspiration and celebration at the Kamolthip Ballroom, the Sukosol Hotel and fabulously fun cocktail reception with delicious canapes accompanied by fine and premium drinks.

“We believe it is important that Companies looking to engage with the increasingly important LGBT market also genuinely embrace the issues that are important to LGBT Community. Asia has a big and increasingly visible LGBT Community, representing a significant part of the USD 5 trillion Spending Power represented by the LGBT Consumer Segment Globally and we believe the important work being undertaken in Asia by APCOM is a great way for Companies to support the LGBT Community in the region. Important developments, such as Marriage Equality in Thailand, demonstrate the importance of effective advocacy as well as the business potential represented by these positive developments.”

Paul Thompson, LGBT Capital, HERO Awards 2024 Sponsor

“At Love Spirit, we believe in celebrating diversity and embracing love in all its forms and this partnership allows us to contribute to a cause that aligns with our values and creates meaningful connections within the Community.”

Anders Jacobsen, CEO at Love Spirit Brands AB (“Love Spirit”), HERO Awards 2024 Sponsor

Attendees can look forward to a range of activities, including showcases, a marketplace, and engaging fundraising efforts by the LGBTQI+ community and partners. Additionally, the event will feature vibrant live entertainment, embodying the theme of “Strength in Solidarity.”

Let’s celebrate for “Strength in Solidarity”

HERO Awards 2024 Tickets Available Here: Link

Are you ready to unchain your inner HERO?

Join us at the HERO Party BKK 2024

Save the date 22 NOV 2024, 21.00- 2.00, the Sukosol Hotel, Bangkok

HERO Party BKK is a brand-new name of the well-known HERO Awards After Party. This party is an annual event and always scheduled on the same day after the HERO Awards ceremony, which this year will happen on 22 November. Since 2020, it has become not only a tribute to the incredible contributions for HIV, Equality and Rights of the HERO Awards recipients and the community across Asia and the Pacific, but also a crucial fundraising event among the public aimed at supporting current and future initiatives of APCOM and the community.

“This after-party allows the community to come together in celebration and joy, honoring the strength and efforts of those fighting for LGBTQI+ rights. The party also provides a space for reflection and connection after the main event, highlighting that the journey toward equality is both collective and ongoing”

Naphat Kruthai, SOGIESC Inclusion and Corporate Engagements Officer

The theme of this year is “Unchain”, which symbolizes breaking free from limitations and embracing limitless possibilities. It represents the collective effort to dismantle barriers, overcome obstacles, and celebrate the freedom and empowerment of the community. By unchaining ourselves from past constraints, we can fully realize our potential and support one another in creating a more inclusive and equitable world.

“Unlike other parties, I intend to create a new piece of art specifically using Motion Graphic 3D with a resolution of 30-40fps. This is the one and only in Thailand for the Circuit Party”

Noppadon (Tae) Sovachan, RGB Event Organizer

 

 

The event will be held from 21.00 till 2.00 on 23 November 2024 at the same hall with the HERO Awards ceremony. A highlight of this year is a 3D experience for the first 200 guests, with FREE custom 3D glasses enhancing the visual spectacle. This 3D visual interaction is specifically designed for this party and will definitely bring out all the imaginations, senses, and fun to the dance floor.

“I will mix new songs combining Techno and Circuit music styles for this HERO Party BKK 2024. I can guarantee that whoever comes to the event will definitely “Unchain” Inner Hero.”

DJ Rita

Expect a night of Circuit music, dancing, drag shows, and unexpected surprises with heartfelt gratitude, and opportunities to contribute to a cause that empowers and uplifts. It is time to enjoy the party and celebrate the achievements, express our thanks, and fuel the ongoing fight for HIV, Equality and Rights for all.

Join us and unchain your inner HERO!

HERO Party BKK Tickets Available Here: Link

 

For media inquiries, please contact:

Suriya Phongphunngam (Bobo)

APCOM Foundation

Tel: 095 249 1950 | LINE: bobobito

Email: suriyap@apcom.org

Warin Pattarapatumthong (Audi)

TQPR Thailand

Tel: 096 964 6428

Email: audi@tqpr.com

 

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