Community voices address gaps
Proud to Be Us Laos president Anan Bouapha challenged stereotypes about sexual orientation and gender identity. Justice ministry official Khamphone Sipaseuth said constitutional equality required examining gaps in laws and guidance. Participants discussed discrimination in education, employment, housing and health care, and accountability for those responsible. [1]
A researcher describes exclusion
In a profile published on 22 June, transgender researcher Inleusa Basengkham described school bullying and more than a year without work after returning to Laos with postgraduate qualifications. She called for stronger legal protection: “They should have equal rights to be educated and free from discrimination.” [2]
Employers enter the discussion
The June dialogue followed a business forum on 24 February organised with the national chamber of commerce, Proud to Be Us Laos, UNDP and Canada’s embassy office. Businesses and civil society exchanged experiences of workplace barriers and recruitment. The meetings linked legal protection with changes in everyday hiring practices.