Candidate plugs!

(filed by Ng Yi-Sheng)

Each candidate had two minutes to promote himself/herself. Here's more or less what they said.

Yogita emphasized her work with Sangini, providing legal aid, family protection and training to LGBTs.

Stefan spoke about the “passion, strength and love” at this conference and asked us to echo his belief in the strength of Asia.

Poedji explained she was running again for the sake of continuity: “we should finish what we start.” When the board was elected in 2008 they didn’t know what they were doing: now they know how the ILGA system works and they think they’re on their way to having a permanent office.

Sophanut apologized for her bad English and reiterated the commonality of Cambodia’s problems with the region’s.

Sron talked about his work as a co-founder of Rainbow Community Kampuchea, the newness of LGBT rights when they began to celebrate IDAHO. He also honoured the “two old lesbians” who’ve joined the mostly young activists in the cause.

King again talked about the need for continuity. Also, “I’m an introvert. I’m not good at speeches. But teams need introverts.”

Dana described her work at the Chinese Lala Alliance. She admitted she’s not the greatest activist from China, but she will be able to facilitate exchange between ILGA and Chinese-speaking activists back home.

Ashley again talked about continuity, his work at Hotline, and his belief that “we can do something more together instead of just talking conference.”

Otgo noted his work founding the first LGBT Centre in Mongolia, his UN experience, and how supportive his government has become of LGBT rights.

Xiaogang told us of his work as an organizer in Beijing, and promised that he’s a good listener.

Agniva joked, “I was wondering why we are as usual the last four persons. But I am happy to be last four queens in the pageant.” She remembered how the Trans Representative had disappeared at the Surabaya conference, and how she’s glad it’s back. She hoped there’ll be a Trans Secretariat for Asia.

Joane identified herself as a transgender lesbian Christian. “Being a transgender is a gift from god. We can break the barriers between all genders.”

Gina from Trans China promised to keep on sticking up for subgroups and minorities.

Toto/KS spoke up on the issue that “transgenders are not only transwomen.” She expressed her desire to share the voices of both transwomen and transmen with ILGA, and hoped to set up an ILGA Secretariat here in Thailand.