28 > Next Generation Myanmar C A S E S T U DY: L G B T Much has changed for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth in Myanmar. While change is incremental and happens only thanks to dedicated work undertaken by a network of youth activists, Myanmar has taken notable steps towards a more inclusive and progressive posture towards tolerating and, to some degree, accepting sexualities that aren’t heterosexual. In interviews and focus discussions, youth explained that they are more accepting of peers with different sexualities than are their parents. Networks of organisations dedicated to LGBT visibility stretch across the country, with Yangon and Mandalay serving as community hubs. These organisations regularly organise meetings, events and even concerts to promote their cause. In January 2018, these organisations reached an unexpected milestone when authorities gave them permission for an annual pride festival, titled &PROUD. With more than 10,000 attendants, the festival celebrated the LGBT community media are […] showing that some of these people are getting married. But afterwards, the comments on social media are often denigrating the news and making fun of the situation. It is not a sign of acceptance; it is treated as a joke.’ through films, performances, debates, music and dance. These developments have left many optimistic, though significant barriers to LGBT equality remain. Colonial-era anti-homosexuality laws are still in place, despite Aung San Suu Kyi’s calls for decriminalisation. LGBT youth are often subject to stereotyping, discrimination and even ridicule. For instance, many LGBT activists have spoken out against the clown-like portrayal of LGBT characters in Myanmar films. Many youth interviewed in this study explained that the problem went much further than film. One respondent explained that ridicule is common on social media: Such a bias against LBGT youth was evident among survey respondents (see Figure 7). Nearly three out of five (58.2 per cent) youth said they would prefer not to befriend an LGBT person. Only drug users were seen as less preferable friends among youth surveyed. Respondents from rural areas were even less likely to prefer an LBGT friend. Only 21.5 per cent of respondents disagreed that it is ‘shameful’ to be LGBT. ‘From [when] they are small, children are brainwashed [to think] that […] guys need to be masculine. If a man is a gay, they will criticise more often. Guys are insulted and discriminated against in Myanmar. “Unusual engagement” is prohibited and punished by law. The Many youth, however, responded that they simply did not know when asked questions about LGBT youth. This suggests that awareness campaigns may be able to educate the public on LBGT life, countering the stigma that many LBGT youth face. Figure 7: LGBT acceptance I have friends that identify as LGBT People in my community accept people who are LGBT If I were LGBT, I would hide it I think it is shameful to be LGBT I don't mind people being LGBT 0 20 40 60 Neither agree nor disagree Do not know Agree Strongly disagree Strongly agree Disagree 80 Prefer not to say 100