Strength in Solidarity: Brilliant Night as the 8th HERO Awards Honours 20 Individuals and Organisations from Across Asia and the Pacific

The event was opened by H.E. Mr. Patrick Bourne, the Ambassador to Thailand. He shared,

"LGBTQI+ communities across the Asia-Pacific region continue to be subject to oppression and discrimination. HIV and AIDS remain a huge threat.The HERO Awards recognize the important work being done by brave advocates and activists, to raise their struggle and be part of the struggle to make change happen. They're an opportunity for us to come together, to learn from each other, and to find strength in solidarity."

The theme was "Strength in Solidarity," highlighting that our community is strongest when we stand together and support one another's causes. This electric night was full of celebration and joy as our guests, representing over twenty countries worldwide, gathered to honor community activists, recharge at the HERO PARTY BKK, and network with various stakeholders, including diplomatic missions, government, community organizations, private sector, academics, media, and allies.

Individuals and organizations from across Asia and the Pacific were honoured at the HERO Awards ceremony, witnessed by Ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions from ten countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Ireland, Germany, Mexico, Sweden, Timor-Leste, UK, and community representatives from 50 organizations and 12 countries across the region who attended the APCOM Community Summit 2024. Award Recipients across categories were from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Nepal, The Philippines, and Thailand. Annually, three awards are proudly selected by community partners: Community Hero by ILGA Asia; Transgender Hero by APTN; and HIV Hero by APN+.

The HERO Awards Recipients 2024 are as follow:

1. Henry Tse, Hong Kong, Transgender Hero

2. Tashi Tsheten, Bhutan, Community Hero

3. Seum Sophal, Cambodia, HIV Hero

4. Kwee Vien Tanjung, LBQ Award

5. Alisha Fernando, Hong Kong, Business Ally

6. Cattreeya Thithiwongsawet, Thailand, Business Ally

7. Noboprobhaat Foundation, Bangladesh, Community Organisation

8. Akshay Tyagi, India, Community Ally

9. Aaditya Rai, Nepal, Social Justice

10.Tseveenravdan Tsogbat, Mongolia, Young Achiever

11. Dr. Ronivin Garcia Pagtakhan, The Philippines, Health and Wellbeing

12. Kamolset Kanggarruar, Thailand, Shivananda Khan Award

The vibrant evening featured dazzling drag performers, talented violinists, and the renowned University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce's Thai Music and Dance Club, representing the rich diversity and exceptional talent of the LGBTQI community.