Revolutionizing LGBTQI+ Health in Malaysia through SOGIESC Concepts

Participation in the Asia-Pacific LGBTQI+ Health Conference
I had the honor of participating in the First Asia-Pacific and Third National (India) Conference on LGBTQI+ Health, where I presented at Session 13: Methodological and Implementation Challenges in Research and Programs for LGBTQI+ Communities in the Asia-Pacific Region. My presentation, titled "How SOGIESC Concepts Revolutionize LGBTQI+ Health in Malaysia", focused on the need for integrating SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics) in health programs to improve health outcomes for LGBTQI+ communities.

The Conference’s Strength in Addressing Diverse LGBTQI+ Health Issues
The strength of the conference lay in its diverse agenda, with sessions covering topics such as mental health, emerging HIV prevention strategies, and health needs of LGBTQI+ adolescents and youth as well as the legal reforms around LGBTIQ+ rights. This broad focus ensured that the various intersecting issues facing LGBTQI+ individuals were addressed, from stigma and discrimination to access to gender-affirming care. The platform allowed for meaningful discussions that not only highlighted challenges but also explored innovative solutions for LGBTQI+ health rights across the region.

Key Ideas from My Session on SOGIESC and Community-Led Approaches
In my session, I emphasized how SOGIESC concepts can fill research and implementation gaps by fostering a community-led approach. Specifically, I highlighted the importance of youth participation in designing programs that resonate with the lived experiences of LGBTQI+ youth. It is critical to involve communities at the grassroots level to ensure that health interventions are effective, culturally sensitive, and sustainable.

A key component of this approach is community involvement in both the data collection and design of health programs. LGBTQI+ communities, particularly youth, need to be engaged not only as participants but as active contributors and implementers of these programs. Their insights ensure that the data collected reflects real, on-the-ground experiences, and that the design of health services addresses specific challenges they face, such as stigma in healthcare settings or lack of access to gender-affirming services. This participatory model ensures that interventions are evidence-based and tailored to the real needs of the community, ultimately improving both engagement and health outcomes.

Moreover, when community members take on roles as implementers, it builds trust between healthcare providers and LGBTQI+ individuals. This peer-led model creates a more inclusive environment, where services are delivered by those who understand the lived realities of their peers. It also helps dismantle barriers to care by fostering stronger relationships between health systems and marginalized communities, ensuring that programs are not only accessible but also respected and trusted by those they are meant to serve.

Future Actions: Supporting LGBTQI+ Youth Health Across the Region
Looking forward, Youth LEAD and other regional organizations can play a pivotal role in supporting the health and well-being of LGBTQI+ youth. To better address their needs and aspirations, we aim to:

• Collaborate with stakeholders: Partner with government bodies, UN agencies, and community-led organizations to ensure that LGBTQI+ youth health programs are inclusive and well-supported at every level.
• Expand youth-friendly health services: Advocate for the development of clinics and health centers that cater specifically to LGBTQI+ youth, offering services such as HIV prevention, mental health support, and gender-affirming care.
• Foster peer-led initiatives: Empower young LGBTQI+ individuals to take leadership roles in designing and implementing health programs, ensuring that services are truly community-driven and meet their specific needs.
• Promote inclusive sexual and reproductive health education: Work with educational institutions and health providers to deliver comprehensive, SOGIESC-sensitive sexual health education that equips LGBTQI+ youth with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.
• Support mental health and well-being: Establish community-based mental health support systems that address the emotional and psychological challenges faced by LGBTQI+ youth, with a focus on resilience and social reintegration.

- Jeremy Tan Fok Jun, Program Officer, Youth LEAD, Thailand