Alegra Wolter

This session comprehensively captured sexuality and gender-based inequalities through the lens of marginalized populations, where community empowerment is vital. Led by four panellists, it encompassed the experience of LGBTQ+ communities in India, sex worker advocacy in Australia, mental health for trans people in Thailand, and human rights violations in Ukraine.

Randhoni Lairikyengbam (SAATHII,India) opened the discussion on LGBTQ+ empowerment through peer-led capacity building, redress, facilitating access to protection and delivering LGBTQ+ advocacy with stakeholders. Trained peers were instrumental in providing social protection and referrals. Decriminalizing sex work provides a safer environment, lowers HIV/STIs, removes police, and embraces strong networks. Jules Kim (Scarlet Alliance, Australia) highlighted how decriminalization helped Australian sex workers to have a lower prevalence of STIs compared to the general population. The fight, however, is still alive for migrant sex workers. Rena Janamnuaysook (IHRI, Thailand) highlighted the integrated peer-led mental health screening and linkage-to-care intervention among trans women. Mental health implementation needs to be adapted to the local context, with peer-led interventions included. Well-designed engagement and referral are crucial in a high-burden healthcare system. Among 20 clients offered referral options, all decided to return, revealing peer trust and feasibility. Nadiia Semchuk (ICF, Ukraine) presented evidence from REAct, a community-based monitoring system that allows documentation, data use, and analysis. With rising global conflict, understanding the types of human rights violations is key. Ironically, REAct showed how state health workers and police are the highest perpetrators of violence against key population women (cis/trans), with violations ranging from rejection to abuse.

It is proven that community-led initiatives work for the community served. Community leaders are encouraged to share their critical input and ensure relevancy to the local context. “Ownership of the issue” calls on sustainable funding for people living at the intersection of marginalization, especially in healthcare, law, and human rights. Scaling up needs to happen with programs and research to create practical change. The panel also highlighted the importance of trusting the community and compensating for their efforts. If not yesterday, the best time to invest in people is today.