Cross-Sector Coalitions Advancing LGBTQI+ Equality in East Asia

Join us for the second session of our series, where we delve into the art of coalition-building across sectors and borders. In this conversation, three pioneering leaders from East Asia will share the strategic insights and hard-won lessons behind their groundbreaking work advancing LGBTQI+ equality in complex social and political environments. 

Together, we will uncover the stories, intelligence, and innovation behind landmark process in the region — from transforming public perceptions and cultivating media partnerships in China, to the coalition strategy behind Tokyo Rainbow Parade that mobilized hundreds of corporations in support of LGBTQI+ rights in Japan, to the legal and policy advocacy that has propelled the marriage equality campaign in Korea. 

This session offers a rare opportunity to learn from the vision, persistence, and creativity that continue to reshape civic landscapes across East Asia.  

Panelists: 

Ting Wei: Co-founder of National Bisexual Network in China; Founder of Guangzhou Gender and Sexuality Education Center.  She was co-listed as the “10 of the Most Inspiring Feminists of 2015” by MS Magazine in the US. She is also a psychology counselor, writer, documentary producer, and director. The documentary film “We Are Here” she produced was screened in many countries. 

 Fumino Sugiyama: Author, founder and advisor of Tokyo Rainbow Pride. Fumino is a former member of Japan’s national women’s fencing team and a transgender man. He proactively involved in the establishment of Japan’s first same-sex partnership system in Shibuya Ward. In June 2021, Sugiyama became the first openly transgender board member of both the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) and the Japan Fencing Federation, where he has been actively promoting diversity and inclusion in Japanese society and fostering progress in the world of sports. 

Horim Yi: Co-Executive Director of Rainbow Action Korea. A grassroots activist for 14 years, she has been leading the marriage equality campaign in South Korea. She also served as one of the co-representatives of Korean CSOs during the impeachment of the former president. Rainbow Action Korea is a nationwide coalition of 49 LGBTQ human rights organizations. At the forefront of LGBTQ legal and political advocacy, it focuses on enacting a comprehensive anti-discrimination law, achieving marriage equality, and reforming the legal gender recognition system. 

Moderator:  

Ying Xin, Program Manager of Global LGBTQI+ Program at Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights, Harvard Kennedy School.