COUNT YOUR VOICE WITH US

YVC is the first regional network of LGBTQ+ young people positioning young leaders to advocate for ending discrimination, violence and stigma (including self-stigma) and ensuring that unique needs of young people and commitments made to them are acknowledged, implemented, and met. This is our collective voice.

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Last June 28, a forum organized by EcoWaste Coalition in collaboration with Youth Voices Count, Greenpeace Iloilo Volunteers, Green Eco Warriors, and

YVC recently had an insightful in-person meeting with diverse regional networks like APN+, YPEER, Youth LEAD, NAPUD, APCOM, UNDP, and UNAIDS .

Join Y-Talk: Turning your ‘Why?’ into Wisdom, One Conversation at a Time! This webinar series is more than just a conversation; it’s

All religions advocate for peace, and in particular, place a strong emphasis on compassion. However, the relationship between Buddhism and the LGBTIQ

The Bangkok Pride Festival 2024 marked a major milestone as Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize....

lululemon Southeast Asia was thrilled to announce the opening of its new store at ICONSIAM in Bangkok, marking the brand's second store in Thailand as....

Last May 27, AMSA Singapore met up at the Clinical Sciences Building of Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine. It was a day of meaningful dialogue about....

As the vibrant hues of the rainbow unfurl across the skies this June, we come together to celebrate Pride Month 2024. It's a time to....

We unite in the gentle glow of candlelight to remember those lost to HIV/AIDS and support those living with it. This solemn observance fosters community strength,...

Join us for a transformative discussion on inclusivity and love! Celebrate IDAHOBIT 2024 with us tomorrow at 1:00 PM (Bangkok Time)....

Ano nga ba ang SRHR at bakit kailangan ito ng lahat? Kasama ang Women's Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR)...

International Women's Day marks a pivotal moment in the global movement towards gender equality. This year, we celebrate the unstoppable force of...

International Women’s Day is a globally celebrated occasion that provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of women and....

To commemorate the 2024 International Women's Day (IWD), you are invited to join our Spill the T webinar scheduled....

outh Voices Count Inc., a trailblazing organization dedicated to advancing the rights and well-being of young people in the Asia-Pacific region, is delighted...

Exciting news! YVC is thrilled to announce that we are now opening our doors to organizations who want to count their voices with us!....

Youth Voices Count, Inc. in collaboration with FPOP - Iloilo Chapter, American International Health Alliance (AIHA), Iloilo Pride Team, Pink Mansion...

YVC is thrilled to share with you another milestone as we officially open our new office at the heart of Iloilo City during the recently held inauguration....

In Sri Lanka, as in many parts of the world, young LGBTQ individuals face a unique set of challenges when it comes to housing and shelter. This marginalized....

Pansexuality means attraction to people of all genders. This day recognizes the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community and brings visibility to pansexual people....

Since the 2016 Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS – UN Member States, civil society, and international organizations have committed to ending AIDS by 2030....

YVC joined the CSO and Youth Forum and the 7th Asian and Pacific Population Conference at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok, Thailand....

Youth Voices Count congratulates Rukshana Kapali for her remarkable feat of being in the BBC 100 Women 2023!...

YVC joined the 9th PHE National Conference, with the theme, “From Crisis to Opportunity: Re-Engineering the PHE Approach for Resilience and Economic Growth in the New Normal....

YVC joined the Multistakeholder meeting organized by ARROW with the support of Y-Peer Asia Pacific Center, and Youth LEAD ahead the 7th Asian and Pacific Population Conference....

Today, November 20th, is Universal Children's Day — a global celebration that promotes the rights and wellbeing of our little ones.....

Today, November 20th, is the Transgender Day of Remembrance. This annual observance honors those lost to anti-trans violence.....

Transgender Parent Day, observed each November on the first Sunday of the month, celebrates transgender parents and parents of transgender children....

The Interagency Task Team on Young Key Populations, including Youth LEAD, Youth Voices Count, UNAIDS RSTAP, UNESCO....

November marks Transgender Awareness Month, an annual observance started in 2017 to educate people about....

October 26 marks the anniversary of the first public protest by intersex activists in 1996, denouncing involuntary genital surgeries on intersex infants....

Ace Week puts asexuality in the spotlight, celebrating the progress the ace community has....

Being a young LGBTQ+ person in Sri Lanka was already fraught with challenges before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the pandemic, coupled with...

Last October 7, 2023, YVC joined the first two roundtable discussions (RTD) at the Butterboy Cafe in Quezon City, Philippines that tackled topics on....

Youth Voices Count joined the ASEAN Civil Society Conference 2023 in Jakarta, Indonesia from September 1-3, 2023. With over 800 participants from various civil society organizations....

Last September 21, 2023, Youth Voices Count participated in the “Three Miracle Laws” press conference at the Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC), Bangkok, Thailand.

For decades, despite revisions, the archaic law categorized consensual sexual intercourse between same-sex people as....

As per the data of 2022, there are 300,000 new HIV infections in the Asia and the Pacific region and among them 26% accounts to young people (ages 15 to 24)...

Championing the voices of the youth since 2010, YVC is committed to give all members of the youth sector a platform and opportunity to speak their minds and to inspire others always, in all ways....

Youth Voices Count's HIV and AIDS Officer Bloom Siriwattakanon attended the Young People Conference organized by Institute of HIV Research and Innovation.....

Championing the voices of the youth since 2010, YVC is committed to give all members of the youth sector a platform and opportunity to speak their minds....

Calling all LBQ Women advocates! Youth Voices Count is looking for staff members to fill in the available positions to take charge of the LBQ Women Project....

Mx. Toni graduated with a bachelor’s degree of secondary education majoring in English at the Capiz State University back in 2021. Aside from this,....

Thenu Ranketh is a passionate transgender activist who has been working towards advancing rights and empowerment for the transgender community in Sri Lanka for a long time....

Soth Peosamnang is a twenty five year old youth activist from Cambodia. They are a nonbinary person working in the Province of Pursat. Cambodia is a country with a population of a Buddhist majority....

Tan Fok Jun (Jeremy) is a young human rights activist from Malaysia. He currently works as the Youth Representative for Malaysia’s Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism and has previously....

On the surface Shruti Venkatesh is a 22-year-old youth advocate from India. Her preferred pronouns are she/her. Shruti has an academic background in psychology and is passionate about mental health....

Kumam Davidson is a 30-year-old indigenous activist, researcher, artist, and curator from Manipur, India. He studied literature from Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University, continuously using the skills....

Anfernee Nenol Kaminaga, best known as Nenol, from the Marshall Islands (indigenously known as Aelōñ Kein Ad, Jolet jen Anij, and Lolelaplap) is 25 years old and identifies as a pansexual, genderqueer male....

The world is now being swept by waves of fear and unrest as the global pandemic continues to take the world by storm. As countries try to articulate their life around the virus safely....

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every aspect of life around the world and the Kiribati Islands are no exception. In these trying and difficult circumstances many communities are struggling....

Purevdulam Baldandorj, more widely known as Duluunaa, is a 30 year old queer activist from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. She currently works for the Youth for Health Centre non-governmental....

The Covid 19 pandemic has impacted a lot of individuals, especially marginalised people in South Asian countries. However, technology and digital interventions have proven to be an alternative....

Patriarchy is extremely deep-rooted in societies all around the world. India is no exception to this rule. In a society built on patriarchy, the concerns regarding gender identity can be quite....

MX Alexander Bernal (Alex) is a 19-year-old genderqueer person from the Philippines. They are the founder and President of Youth for YOUth, a non-government organisation composed....

Linh Nguyen (also known as Mõc) is a straight, cisgender woman and an LGBTQ+ ally and activist from Viet Nam. Linh is the co-leader of UniGEN, an organisation that brings awareness.....

The connection between the Church and the wider community has been interlinked for a long time. It has given many people hope and the desire to become better and to help others as they....

Dharini Priscilla is an activist from Sri Lanka, also known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean. She is a 25 year old youth activist who works on issues around cyberbullying, digital violence, and creating....

Titaya is a third year medical student from Bangkok, Thailand, studying at Chulalongkorn University. She joined the International Federation of Mecdical Students Association(IFMSA) in the Standing....

Youth Voices Count is glad to welcome November with a fabulous update in our IGNITE! Empowerment Grants programme. The IGNITE! Empowerment Grants was founded and first launched....

One of the most integral parts of oneself is one’s identity. What’s more, what humans thrive on is the expression of that sense of self and individuality. Creatures such as humans with complex....

The Taliban takeover on the Afghan Capital Kabul last August 15th brings an alarming humanitarian situation for women, young people, children, LGBTQI community, and all vulnerable populations....

Youth Voices Count (YVC) is a regional network of young LGBTQ+ people in Asia and the Pacific. Our over 300 members are spread across 22 countries in the region....

Youth Voices Count (YVC) is a regional network of young LGBTQ+ people in Asia and the Pacific. Our over 300 members are spread across 22 countries in the region....

The experience of being queer and dealing with societal issues and norms is one that almost every queer person will have to go through in their lives. It shapes their way of thinking....

Youth Voices Count (YVC) is a regional network of young LGBTQ+ people in Asia and the Pacific. Our over 300 members are spread across 22 countries in the region....

Terms of Reference Project Officer 1. Background Youth Voices Count (YVC) is a regional network of young LGBTQ+ people in Asia and the

As an organization that envisions a world where young members of the LGBTQI community are mobilized and empowered through capacity building to further their causes in advocating....

Growing up in Aklan, Philippines, Gelo Zarsuelo continues to make waves in the Art Community with his emotion-driven and distinct art style that mainly plays on pastel colors in contrast....

Youth Voices Count (YVC) is a regional network of young people belonging to diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC)....

The deadline for applications is EXTENDED!

Every year in March, the world commemorates International Women’s Day and this year, the theme set by the United Nations (UN) is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”. ...

The Core Working Group (CWG) consists of seasoned gender advocates that represent the different sub-regions and identities in the Asia-Pacific area, and operates as an advisory body for YVC programmes, projects and initiatives. The CWG has actively campaigned, promoted, and supported the endeavors of not only YVC but also other activities in the name of service and volunteerism for their fellow advocates...

The Core Working Group (CWG) consists of gender advocates that represent the different sub-regions and identities in the Asia-Pacific area, and operates as an advisory body for YVC programmes, projects and initiatives. The aspirants will undergo a pre-screening and interview process before being inducted as fully pledged members of the CWG in June during the YVC General Assembly....

Youth Voices Count (YVC) is now accepting nominees/applications from aspiring young individuals across the Asia-Pacific region to be part of its Core Working Group for AY 2023 to 2025....

     John Michael is one of the current board members of Youth Voices Count and holds officership positions as President in ALIVE Support Group, member of Network Plus Pilipinas, and YPLHIV United Nation Youth Advisory Board Ph Sector Representative.

     As part of the organizations mentioned, JM advocates in providing safe spaces for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors and continuous education on HIV/AIDS awareness to eradicate the stigma and discrimination surrounding it.  

     Atty. Rea proudly introduces herself as a human rights lawyer. She completed her Juris Doctor (JD) degree (Law Degree) from Central Philippine University and recently passed the Philippine Bar Exam.

     At present, she is a part of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) – Panay Chapter where she serves as the Vice Chairperson. They are a group of lawyers who are committed to defend, protect, and promote human rights, especially of the poor and the oppressed. NUPL is an organization established to respond to any form of harassment, intimidation, and human rights violations in the Philippines.

      Dr. Emmanuel D. Dayalo holds a doctorate degree in Education major in Educational Management and is currently an Associate Professor of Capiz State University-Roxas City Main Campus, Roxas City, Capiz. He is the co-adviser of United Colors of CapSU Roxas City Main Campus (UCC) which its organization’s advocacy is for the empowerment and capacitating the LGBTQIA+ students’ right, health programs and other organized activities to have a voice in the University. Presently, he holds the position as the Coordinator of the Student Organization and Activities of the campus.

      He was recognized as the Outstanding Coach/Adviser of the Student Organization and received an award in Research and Extension of the University of Capiz State University, Roxas City Main Campus.

     Heart is currently taking up her undergraduate at West Visayas State University with a Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Social Studies. At her third year in the university, she co-founded the first and only student-led organization towards gender-sensitive, responsive, and progressive aims known as DUAG-WVSU. 

    She is the interim Secretary of Iloilo Pride Team and Chairperson of DUAG-WVSU which are both organizations in the city of Iloilo that have already established their significance in advocating for gender equality. Her contributions to her advocacies have led her to receive awards such as the 2017 Rotary Club of Iloilo City Boys’ and Girls’ Week Celebration (City Administrator) and the Gerry Roxas Leadership Awardee 2018.

      Karon was one of the founding members of the national YKP network in Nepal. In 2016, one child care home (CLHIV and CABA) was supported solely by Karon through fundraising, collaborations with corporations and celebrities. In India, she actively advocated to CCM India, concerned stakeholders, to incorporate YKP and YPLHIV’s agenda during the C19RM country proposal submission process and High Level Meeting. She is a Youth Steering Member of #GenEndIt and the Focal Point for Youth LEAD. SRHR and HIV have been her primary focus areas since 2010, especially for young people on different platforms of Sub-national, National, Regional and Global.

     Aside from being YVC’s Advocacy and Network Engagement Officer, Karon is also currently working on her thesis to complete her Master in Arts of Sociology.

    As the longest serving member of YVC, Brian takes pride in championing for the rights and welfare of LGBTQIA+ youth in the Asia-Pacific region time and time again. Our resident scholar and academician has a master’s degree in Sociology and is a licensed professional teacher in the Philippines. He believes that education helps people to be enlightened about basic human rights that everyone must enjoy and thus explains his interests in working for the academe. He is also an active member of various organizations helping community members of LGBTQIA+ and people living with HIV in the Philippines including being the former OIC-Executive Director of Pinoy Plus Advocacy Pilipinas, Inc.

     Jan is passionate about seeing through the potential contributions of psychological sciences and human rights advocacy in LGBT people’s lives. He is currently Program Associate of ASEAN SOGIE Caucus and is a member of the LGBT Psychology Special Interest Group of the Psychological Association of the Philippines. He has written for various platforms and publications on a diverse range of topics from gender and sexuality to human rights experiences in different contexts. Jan’s desire is to engage in productive and meaningful work that bridges scholarship with practice rooted in people’s real experiences.

Rukshana is a transgender activist and blogger from Nepal who started sharing their personal experiences as a transgender person at the young age of 15. Currently taking up her bachelor of arts in Legislative Law at the Chakrabarti Habi Education Academy–College of Law, Rukshana shares an interest in intersections of language, SOGIESC and law wherein she works around policy changing through legal activism. As of present, she is the Executive Director of Queer Youth Group since October 2020 which is a youth-led network working for the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) rights in Nepal. A devoted advocate for SOGIESC, Rukshana holds officerships in multiple organizations such as Vice President at the Gender and Sexual Minorities Youth Network of National Youth Council, Organizing Committee at the Nepal Pride Parade, Chief Secretary at the LOOM Nepal, Individual Member at Amnesty International Nepal, Focal Person from Nepal at Youth LEAD,, and Board Member of the South Asia Hub, Innovation For Change. She is recognized as a speaker at the opening panel in Women’s Pre-Conference and contributor in the Women’s Manifesto during the ILGA Asia Conference in 2022.

Due to her outstanding contributions to her advocacies, she received the National Volunteering Award by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Government of Nepal in 2020, and Youth Change Maker Award by the United Nations Youth Student Association Nepal in 2018.

     Je-ann is the current Project Finance Officer under the Finance Department. She graduated from the University of San Agustin with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major
in Marketing Management.

       Her involvement in her University’s Little Theater organization led her to find an interest in theater, films and the arts. Aside from theater arts, she also partakes in the company’s production work including stage management and most notably, heading the organization’s marketing team.

     Bloom finished their Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies from the University of Auckland with Second Class/First Division Honors, and their Masters in Education in Adult Learning and Community Development at the University of Toronto. They successfully launched Asia’s first application for queer gig workers, successfully advocated for the inclusion of queer migrant workers for Vertie Southeast Asia’s study about the situation of migrant workers in Thailand during pandemics, and successfully helped Non-binary Thailand partner with queer CSOs overseas especially in the South East Asia region. Currently, they are the consultant of ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, and the Head of the IR Unit for Non-binary Thailand.
 
    They take pride in being a neurodiverse non-binary/trans activist based in Thailand who has been involved in activism and international development for almost five years.

   Adams Phan graduated from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Education majoring in Teaching English as a Foreign Language in 2017. During  his 4 years in the university as the Chairman of the Department’s Student Union, and the Vice President of the University’s Student Association, he took part in planning and implementing many social and cultural activities and events as well as having a former background in coordinating non-profit projects and organizing events. 

    He was granted the “Bridging the Gaps Learning Institute” Scholarship by Aids Fonds in 2017, received a Certificate of Completion of the “MSMIT Regional Training of Trainers” Workshop, and was also awarded a Certificate for Outstanding Achievements in Social Activities by the Vietnamese National Students’ Association. Although graduating from HCMC University of Education, he shares that he has had an abiding passion for social activities and advocacy since his early twenties. 

   He always longs to contribute his youth to help enhance and improve the rights and healthcare services for LGBTIQ+ communities nationally, regionally, and worldwide.

   Fila Magnus graduated as cum laude at Upper Iowa University majoring Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Communications. She served as the Director of Communications for the International Youth Alliance for Family Planning (IYAFP) for over 6 years and is currently working at Mental Fitness Hub. 

   Fila is a member of the For Youth Initiative Kuala Lumpur (FYIKL) and shares that she is committed to ensuring that youth from all walks of life are granted access to knowledge and resources that they require in order to be able to make informed decisions and choices in regards to their autonomy and sexuality. If she’s not advocating for SRHR, refugees, or politics in general, you’ll find her in some part of the globe in search of the faith in humanity that she’s lost along her way.

   Rizky “Ekky” Ashar Murdiono is a graduate student of Computer Science and Information Technology with extensive knowledge in social issues, media, and content development. Back in 2016, he studied a non-degree in Advancing Human Rights at Kennesaw State University.

   He is a Co-Founder of the 2030 Youth Force Network and has practical experience in the United Nations in digital communication. He was also a U-Report Learning Consultant for UNICEF Indonesia from 2021 to 2022, and has been featured on TIME Magazine in their article entitled “Eight Young Leaders on How They Want to Shape the Decade Ahead”. He was also awarded the N-Peace Award in 2016.

Marion graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting Technology which has made her suitable for being the Accounting Associate of Youth Voices Count. She lists watching movies as one of her hobbies that helps her wind down during her leisure time.

      Tashi is the South Asian representative in the Core Working Group. He is affiliated with the Queer Voices of Bhutan.

     She is a graduate of AB Political Science from West Visayas State University (WVSU), in Iloilo City. In her days in college, she was the founding Prime Minister of WVSU Debate Circle, the ROTC Corps Commander and later a Volunteer Instructor in the Air Force Reserve Command. When she ran for the first time in their University Student Council, she was elected number one councilor. Her interest in leadership grew when she joined the 10th National Youth Parliament, organized by the National Youth Commission in 2014, where she later on became the Regional Convener for Western Visayas.

       She then pursued her studies to take up law in San Beda University in Mendiola, Manila. As a law student, she was still active in student organizations: She joined moot court competitions, she served as layout artist in 2 of San Beda Law’s Official Publications: The Barrister and San Beda Law Journal. In her last year in law school, she was the President of San Beda Law Human Rights Advocate (HRA), where she was later conferred Leadership Award by the Association of Law Students of the Philippines (ALSP) and her organization, HRA was awarded top advocacy organization.

      She passed the 2019 Bar Examinations and became a full-fledged lawyer by 2020.

        She worked as Associate of Javier Santiago Torres & Panghulan Law Offices. She now runs her own RLB Law Office as a solo practitioner and serves as Notary Public for and in Quezon City. She serves as legal consultant to MSMEs and Non-profit organizations. At present, she is the Vice President for Communications of the National Society of Parliamentarians, Inc., the Chief Legislative Staff of Councilor Quin Cruz of Pasig City Council and part-time law instructor in Malayan Colleges Laguna – a Mapua School. Interestingly, she is the creator and blogger of The Young Lawyer PH. Recently, she served as Resident Parliamentarian during the Bangsamoro Youth Parliament held last Nov. 7-11, 2022 at Cotabato City.

A lawyer by profession and an artist by heart.

     An advocate at heart, Louela is a part of several youth-led organizations in the Philippines with various advocacies ranging from climate justice, environmental protection, gender equality, human rights, SRHR, mental health prioritization, youth empowerment and HIV/AIDS awareness. She is currently the Interim Chairperson of Iloilo Pride Team after serving the organization for 4 years as the Admin Officer, Executive Secretary at Proyekto Philippines, Member of Team Dugong Bughaw, and more.

     She graduated as Summa Cum Laude at West Visayas State University majoring in English Language Studies and is currently taking up her Masters in English Language Studies at the same institution. During her stay at the university, she served as the Vice Chairperson at the University Student Council and Federated Student Council where she organized programs and initiatives that advocated for student involvement in societal causes and being the voice of the students that lobbies their concerns to the administration.

       In July 2022, she was awarded by JCI Regatta as one of the Top Outstanding Students in Iloilo and a Top Circle Awardee which is the most prestigious recognition given by the award-giving body.

     Ronan passed the Philippines nursing licensure exam in 2022 immediately after graduating his Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of San Agustin. While juggling his academics, he was elected governor of his college’s student council (Nursing Student Council) in 2021 and board member in 2019 where he was awarded the leadership award and Agustino para sa Tao award due to his excellence in service. He is also a certified Safety Officer (SO1) after completing his training.

         He is currently a dialysis nurse in training. He handles the Intersex projects of YVC.

      Having done some activism for the Marshall Islands both locally and regionally with climate change, youth empowerment, LGBTQI rights, and nuclear injustice, Nenol takes pride in being an advocate for the causes he is passionate in, being a part of Youth Voices Count and taking a step in amplifying young LGBTQI+ voices. This also inspired him to co-found the first Marshallese LGBTQI Youth Support called Brighten the Rainbow. He is featured in “We Have a Dream” which is a collection of stories from young leaders around the world.

     Tharindi is currently a feminist activist and researcher based in Sri Lanka, and has worked with the Youth Advocacy Network Sri Lanka (YANSL). They are a trainer on advocating for comprehensive sexuality education and providing knowledge on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) where they actively advocate for safe abortion and bodily autonomy for women.

     One of Tharindi’s brainchild initiatives is an Instagram page which mainly focuses on the process of reaching out to queer women in Sri Lanka, a platform that helps in providing them visibility and strategy direction on programming through social media and other means.

    They have completed their Bachelors (BA Honors) in English and Linguistics at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.

      Johnmel M. Estimar is the founder and senior adviser of La Villa Pride, a grassroots-level organization for LGBTQI in Villa, Iloilo. They are also a member of the Iloilo Pride team, a Community Based Screening motivator for HIV and an LGBTQI Rights Activist. Miles, as they like to be called, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo, Inc. They also hold an Associate Degree in Cruise Ship Management in the same University.

     They have ample experience in clerk and accounting work for nine years from their previous employer, they are currently employed with Youth Voices Count as Finance Manager since 2019.

      Mx. Toni graduated with a bachelor’s degree of secondary education majoring in English at the Capiz State University back in 2021. Aside from this, they sought out other educational opportunities such as Advocacy and Project Management at the Women Deliver Digital University (2015), International Women’s Health and Human Rights at Stanford University (2014), and Global Health and Humanitarianism at the University of Manchester (2013).

   An advocate of many causes, they are members of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, and Y-PEER Pilipinas, founder of the Y-Cap for SRHR, founder of United Colours of CapSU, and Alumnus of Women Deliver Young Leaders Program. Back in 2018, they were awarded as the SDG 5 Youth Champion due to the amiable service they have rendered for gender equality.

     A learner for life and a seeker of knowledge, Justin graduated his Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Political Science at West Visayas State University, Philippines and took on a Master’s of Arts in Human Rights and Democratisation (International Program) at the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies at Mahidol University, Thailand under the APMA / European Union Scholarship. At present, Justin is pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD) degree (Law Degree) from the College of Law, University of San Agustin, Philippines.

    Justin entered Youth Voices Count, Inc. in 2018 while studying in Thailand. He later took on the role of Executive Director beginning 2019 and successfully set up the legal registration of the organization in the Philippines under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Since then, he has been leading the organization in various programs and projects centered around LGBTIQ children, adolescents, and youth. Outside Youth Voices Count, Inc., Justin is active in other initiatives in the field of research and law. He was a law student fellow of the Legal Education Advancement Program (LEAP) of the Legal Education Board and the UP Law Center in 2022.

    As an aspiring lawyer, he hopes to one day be instrumental in providing legal support for marginalized populations. Justin has also published reports, journal articles, commentaries, and book articles in the fields of law, HIV/AIDS, LGBTIQ, and Human Rights.

        In 2018, he was awarded the Young Achiever HERO Award by APCOM Foundation during the HERO Awards reception at the Royal British Embassy in Thailand for his outstanding work on equality and human rights. He is one of the Youth Council members of the Global Fund, an international financing and partnership organization that aims to “attract, leverage and invest additional resources to end the epidemics of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria”, and a Board Member of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia Committee.