On June 26, 1994, the Philippines made history as the first country in Asia to hold a Pride march. Dubbed “Stonewall Manila,” the event honored the historic Stonewall Uprising—an iconic moment that ignited the global fight for LGBT rights.
More than three decades later, Pride is now celebrated across much of Asia. Nations have passed new laws and policies, bringing greater visibility and protections to the LGBTQIA+ community. But while progress has been made, the fight is far from over. Discrimination, legal hurdles, and cultural stigma still persist in many corners of the region.
Yet, in the face of these challenges, a brave generation of LGBTQIA+ trailblazers is making waves in their communities and beyond—igniting hope, change, and pride.
Anjana Suvarnananda, she/her (Thailand)
Photo by Emi Donald
Anjana Suvarnananda is considered the matriarch of the LGBT movement in Thailand. She is the co-founder of the Anjaree Foundation, Thailand’s first LGBT organization. Thanks to the group’s effort, the Commission on Justice and Human Rights of the Thai Parliament and the Thai Ministry of Health publicly declared that homosexuality is not a mental illness in 2002, a significant step in reducing institutional stigma against queer individuals in the country.
Aside from being a prominent LGBTQIA+ rights activist, Anjana is also one of the founders of the Asian Lesbian Network that formed in 1986. Her work as a freelance researcher also contributed massively to the field of women’s rights, reproductive and sexual health, and gender and sexuality issues. She was also instrumental in shifting public discourse around lesbian visibility, gender identity, and legal recognition for members of the community during the 90s and 2000s. She also played a significant role in advocating the legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand.
As of January 23, 2025, same-sex marriage is now legal in Thailand, making it the first Southeast Asian nation and the second in Asia after Taiwan that legally recognizes same-sex unions.
Prumsodun Ok, he/him (Cambodia)
Photo by Pichayada Promchertchoo
At the forefront of local cultural preservation is Prumsodun Ok, founder of Prumsodun Ok & NATYARASA—Cambodia’s first gay dance company.
What began in Ok’s living room grew into a groundbreaking effort to revive a nearly lost art form while creating space for young gay men to engage in a tradition historically reserved for women. The group restages traditional Khmer routines while creating original works that integrate LGBTQIA+ perspectives and contemporary themes. The company has performed at local festivals, international venues, and even within Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture, earning both popular and critical acclaim. They have also caught the attention of the BBC, NBC News, and TED, where Ok gave his own TED Talk.
Prumsodun Ok and his dance company are bringing ancient tradition back to life in a new light—reviving the magic of Khmer classical dance for a new generation while reimagining gender in ways that liberate both spirit and society.
Marina Summers, she/her (Philippines)
Photo courtesy of Alan Segui
Marina Summers is the epitome of Filipino queer excellence. She rose to prominence after placing 1st runner-up on the first season of Drag Race Philippines in 2022. After capturing the hearts of Filipinos, Marina made her global debut in the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs. the World as the only Asian contestant. She only placed third, but her talent, charisma, and proud showcase of Filipino culture made her a drag powerhouse and earned her international acclaim.
Marina is more than a Drag Race icon—she’s an influential figure for the LGBTQIA+ community. Her contributions to queer visibility and representation in the Philippines go beyond her drag persona. She actively supports the SOGIE Equality Bill and maintains a strong presence across television, film, and social media. Through her work and visibility, Marina has helped normalize LGBTQIA+ identities and stories, especially within mainstream media. She also was honored with the Beacon of Representation Award in 2024 and became a Spotify Glow Ambassador for the Philippines and all of Southeast Asia. Marina further cemented her name as an LGBT icon when she became the first Filipino drag queen to attend the 2025 Cannes Film Festival red carpet.
Marina Summers at Pride PH Festival 2025 | Photo courtesy to Pride PH
Catch Marina Summers at the Pride PH Festival 2025 on June 28 at UP Diliman.
Nisha Ayub, she/her (Malaysia)
Photo courtesy of Ahmad Zamzahuri
At the forefront of empowering the local transgender community of Malaysia is Nisha Ayub, a proud Muslim trans woman. After surviving a traumatic imprisonment for cross-dressing at the age of 21, Nisha made it her personal mission to make sure no one experiences the suffering she went through. She went on to become a renowned social justice advocate and trans rights activist.
Nisha co-founded the SEED Foundation, Malaysia’s first community-led organization supporting the transgender community. The foundation provides HIV prevention and testing services, STI screenings, outreach programs, peer counseling, and support groups. It also operates T-Home, a shelter offering safe housing for transgender individuals of all ages—especially those facing homelessness, domestic violence, or discrimination.
Nisha has been recognized by regional and international bodies for her contributions in protecting the transgender community. To name a few, she received the Asia LGBT Milestone Award in 2015 and the prestigious Alison Des Forges Award for Exceptional Activism from Human Rights Watch in 2015. Marie Claire also named her one of the 25 Most Influential Women. In the same year, she also became the only Malaysian to be included in the BBC’s 100 Women of 2019 list of the most influential women in the world.
Sam Lo, they/them (Singapore)
Sam Lo | Photo courtesy of notsafefortv.com
Sam Lo is a Singaporean non-binary and transgender artist who also goes by SKL0. Lo uses their greatest talent as an instrument to challenge authority, gender norms, and social conformity. Their work often explores themes of identity, gender, and social commentary, with a focus on creating space for queer representation and visibility. Lo’s advocacy also extends their support to the LGBTQIA+ community through the non-profit movement Pink Dot. Sam Lo is also known as the Sticker Lady after earning the moniker through their street art activism that started in 2012.
Lo used stickers and spray paint to bring satirical and humorous slogans to the streets of Singapore. This action led to their arrest in June 2012 but earned them public attention, boosting their popularity in Singapore and providing a broader platform for Lo’s advocacies for the LGBTQIA+ community. Lo’s artworks and murals around Singapore serve as visible symbols of queer pride and public reminders of the barriers LGBTQ+ individuals navigate.
Photo courtesy of Living Archive of Contemporary Asian Art (LACAA)
A notable mural of Sam Lo located at Aliwal Arts Centre depicts a pair of lovebirds huddling together as arrows strike them.
Remember their names. These remarkable individuals are breaking barriers and redefining narratives across Southeast Asia through their cultural, political, and creative impact. Their stories remind us that visibility and courage truly matter. While progress has been made, the fight for equality is far from over.
We are all capable of being trailblazers—because even the smallest ember can spark lasting change. Together, let’s build a world that’s a safe and inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow.
Happy Pride Month! 🏳️🌈