Make Your Voice Count

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.

New articles

Finding my people: Gelo Zarsuelo, Philippines
•
January 5, 2023

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

The Future is Rainbow with the newest We Are The Rainbow x IGNITE! Empowerment Grantees!
•
December 8, 2022

As an organization that envisions a world where young members of the LGBTQI community are mobilized and empowered through capacity ...

Call for applications: YVC is looking for a Project Officer
•
August 2, 2022

Youth Voices Count (YVC) is a regional network of young LGBTQ+ people in Asia and the Pacific...

Popular articles

QueerXBodies Interview Series

Integrating the duality of digitalization and community outreach to enhance the provision of HIV services: Tan Fok Jun, Malaysia
•
March 22, 2022

Tan Fok Jun (Jeremy) is a young human rights activist from Malaysia. He currently works as the Youth Representative for Malaysia’s ...

Finding a way to reach through to those in need while overcoming the hurdles of digital accessibility: Soth Peosamnang, Cambodia
•
February 28, 2022

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

Educating communities towards adopting to a developing future; Thenu Ranketh, Sri Lanka
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February 3, 2022

Thenu Ranketh is a passionate transgender activist who has been working towards advancing rights and empowerment ...

Protecting transgender and sex workers’ health through digital advocacy in Thailand; Titaya Punyaratabandhu, Thailand
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December 14, 2021

Titaya is a third year medical student from Bangkok, Thailand, studying at Chulalongkorn University. ...

Providing safe spaces for the community – online and offline: Dharini Priscilla, Sri Lanka
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December 7, 2021

Dharini Priscilla is an activist from Sri Lanka, also known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean ...

Living Out the Faith, Lending a Hand to the Wider Community: Jonie Ben Marasigan, Philippines
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December 7, 2021

The connection between the Church and the wider community has been interlinked for a long time ...

Allies of the LGBTQ+ movement. Here to support, not here for the spotlight. – Linh Nguyen from Viet Nam
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July 1, 2021

Linh Nguyen (also known as Mõc) is a straight, cisgender woman and an LGBTQ+ ally and activist from Viet Nam ...

Intersectionality, youth empowerment and leadership: MX Alexander Bernal, Philippines
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May 28, 2021

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

Breaking down the patriarchy: Creating safe spaces for transgender communities in India – Satvik Sharma, India
•
May 28, 2021

Patriarchy is extremely deep-rooted in societies all around the world. India is no exception to this rule...

Improving access to healthcare, rights and well-being through a collective force: Mahfuz Al Galib, Bangladesh
•
May 28, 2021

The Covid 19 pandemic has impacted a lot of individuals, especially marginalised people in South Asian countries...

Activism and social media during the pandemic through raising awareness: Purevdulam Baldandorj, Mongolia
•
May 27, 2021

Purevdulam Baldandorj, more widely known as Duluunaa, is a 30 year old queer activist from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia...

Building Strategic Partnerships between Civil Society and Key Stakeholders for an Effective COVID-19 response in Kiribati: Levita Levi, Kiribati
•
February 3, 2021

The world is now being swept by waves of fear and unrest as the global pandemic continues ...

Taking it forward – PLHIV and LGBTIQ communities lead the COVID-19 response in South Korea: Sung-Uk So (So-Ju), South Korea
•
December 17, 2020

The world is now being swept by waves of fear and unrest as the global pandemic continues ...

Bringing to the Forefront the Voices of Youth from the Marshall Islands: Anfernee Nenol Kaminaga, The Marshall Islands
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November 30, 2020

Anfernee Nenol Kaminaga, best known as Nenol, from the Marshall Islands (indigenously known ...

Spotlighting Queer Lives Through Storytelling and Art, ‘The Chinky Homo Project’: Kumam Davidson, India
•
November 16, 2020

Kumam Davidson is a 30-year-old indigenous activist, researcher, artist, and curator from Manipur, India ...

An Intersectional and Feminist Reponse to Sexual Health, Mental Health, and Community Building: Shruti Venkatesh, India
•
October 15, 2020

On the surface Shruti Venkatesh is a 22-year-old youth advocate from India.

All articles

Finding my people: Gelo Zarsuelo, Philippines
•
January 5, 2023

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

The Future is Rainbow with the newest We Are The Rainbow x IGNITE! Empowerment Grantees!
•
December 8, 2022

As an organization that envisions a world where young members of the LGBTQI community are mobilized and empowered through capacity ...

Call for applications: YVC is looking for a Project Officer
•
August 2, 2022

Youth Voices Count (YVC) is a regional network of young LGBTQ+ people in Asia and the Pacific...

Integrating the duality of digitalization and community outreach to enhance the provision of HIV services: Tan Fok Jun, Malaysia
•
March 22, 2022

Tan Fok Jun (Jeremy) is a young human rights activist from Malaysia. He currently works as the Youth Representative for Malaysia’s ...

Finding a way to reach through to those in need while overcoming the hurdles of digital accessibility: Soth Peosamnang, Cambodia
•
February 28, 2022

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

Educating communities towards adopting to a developing future; Thenu Ranketh, Sri Lanka
•
February 3, 2022

Thenu Ranketh is a passionate transgender activist who has been working towards advancing rights and empowerment ...

Job Opportunity: YVC is looking for a Consultant on Formal Writing
•
January 22, 2022

Youth Voices Count (YVC) is a regional network of young LGBTQ+ people in Asia and the Pacific...

Protecting transgender and sex workers’ health through digital advocacy in Thailand; Titaya Punyaratabandhu, Thailand
•
December 14, 2021

Titaya is a third year medical student from Bangkok, Thailand, studying at Chulalongkorn University. ...

Providing safe spaces for the community – online and offline: Dharini Priscilla, Sri Lanka
•
December 7, 2021

Dharini Priscilla is an activist from Sri Lanka, also known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean ...

Living Out the Faith, Lending a Hand to the Wider Community: Jonie Ben Marasigan, Philippines
•
December 7, 2021

The connection between the Church and the wider community has been interlinked for a long time ...

Being Queer and Asian
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December 7, 2021

The experience of being queer and dealing with societal issues and norms is one that almost every queer ...

Job Opportunity: YVC is looking for a Social Media Officer
•
October 26, 2021

Youth Voices Count (YVC) is a regional network of young LGBTQ+ people in Asia and the Pacific...

Call for applications: Consultancy for the development of learning materials
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September 10, 2021

Currently, our team is seeking applications for a project-based consultancy for the development of learning materials in the form of handouts and animated videos.

Statement by Youth Voices Count on the Humanitarian Situation in Afghanistan
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August 27, 2021

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

Self identity, gender identity, and expression
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August 11, 2021

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...

Allies of the LGBTQ+ movement. Here to support, not here for the spotlight. – Linh Nguyen from Viet Nam
•
July 1, 2021

Linh Nguyen (also known as Mõc) is a straight, cisgender woman and an LGBTQ+ ally and activist from Viet Nam ...

Intersectionality, youth empowerment and leadership: MX Alexander Bernal, Philippines
•
May 28, 2021

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

Breaking down the patriarchy: Creating safe spaces for transgender communities in India – Satvik Sharma, India
•
May 28, 2021

Patriarchy is extremely deep-rooted in societies all around the world. India is no exception to this rule...

Improving access to healthcare, rights and well-being through a collective force: Mahfuz Al Galib, Bangladesh
•
May 28, 2021

The Covid 19 pandemic has impacted a lot of individuals, especially marginalised people in South Asian countries...

Activism and social media during the pandemic through raising awareness: Purevdulam Baldandorj, Mongolia
•
May 27, 2021

Purevdulam Baldandorj, more widely known as Duluunaa, is a 30 year old queer activist from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia...

Building Strategic Partnerships between Civil Society and Key Stakeholders for an Effective COVID-19 response in Kiribati: Levita Levi, Kiribati
•
February 3, 2021

The world is now being swept by waves of fear and unrest as the global pandemic continues ...

Taking it forward – PLHIV and LGBTIQ communities lead the COVID-19 response in South Korea: Sung-Uk So (So-Ju), South Korea
•
December 17, 2020

The world is now being swept by waves of fear and unrest as the global pandemic continues ...

Bringing to the Forefront the Voices of Youth from the Marshall Islands: Anfernee Nenol Kaminaga, The Marshall Islands
•
November 30, 2020

Anfernee Nenol Kaminaga, best known as Nenol, from the Marshall Islands (indigenously known ...

Spotlighting Queer Lives Through Storytelling and Art, ‘The Chinky Homo Project’: Kumam Davidson, India
•
November 16, 2020

Kumam Davidson is a 30-year-old indigenous activist, researcher, artist, and curator from Manipur, India ...

YVC Announces the 2nd Round IGNITE! Empowerment Grants recipients
•
November 8, 2020

Youth Voices Count is glad to welcome November with a fabulous update in our IGNITE! ...

An Intersectional and Feminist Reponse to Sexual Health, Mental Health, and Community Building: Shruti Venkatesh, India
•
October 15, 2020

On the surface Shruti Venkatesh is a 22-year-old youth advocate from India.

Young Queer Theologians and Activists talk about the Importance of Safe Spaces in Faith Settings
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September 2, 2020

Queer Theologian in Praxis (QTIPS) and Youth Voices Count officially launched ...

Queer Theologians in Praxis (Q-TIPs) and Youth Voices Count launches a new course on Queer Theology for Young People
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August 4, 2020

As part of our continued interfaith advocacy for LGBTIQ adolescents ...

Perseverance amidst COVID-19: IGNITE! Grantees Supporting Local LGBTIQ Communities
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July 23, 2020

Despite COVID-19 and the lockdown measures, the first round grantees ...

Job Opportunity: YVC is looking for a Project Officer
•
June 12, 2020

Youth Voices Count (YVC) is a regional network of young LGBTQ+ people in ...

National Charter of Demands on Legal Recognition of Gender Identity
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May 19, 2020

This year on May 17 – International Day Against Queerphobia ...

#HealingAndEquality Mandala Campaign for IDAHOT 2020
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May 15, 2020

This International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia ...

#CopingWithCOVID: Resource List of LGBTIQ Organizations and Helplines
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May 8, 2020

On May 6th, 2020, Youth Voices Count in partnership ...

Meet the IGNITE Empowerment Grantees
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April 10, 2020

From December to mid-February, Youth Voices Count opened ...

Minimizing Covid-19 Impact: Bangladeshi Marginalized People’s Effort in Frontline
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April 8, 2020

When people of China, Singapore and Thailand were busy ...

What people living with HIV need to know about HIV and COVID-19
•
March 26, 2020

These are difficult times for all of us. ...

SPARK! Change: On the journey in Kiribati
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March 6, 2020

In 2019, Youth Voices Count in consortium with the ...

On the nexus of HIV and AIDS and faith-based advocacy
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February 10, 2020

Recently, Youth Voices Count participated in the “Asian Interfaith ...

A genesis, in photos
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January 15, 2020

A month ago, I was still in Japan. It all seems like a dream. ...

The intricacy of legal gender recognition in Nepal
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January 15, 2020

From national to global headlines and leads, Nepal is often ...

JAN GABRIEL CASTAÑEDA

Philippines
He/Him
Board Member

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.

PATRICK JUANICO

Philippines
He/Them
Graphic Designer

Currently, Nico is a college student studying in the Philippines and is simultaneously working for Youth Voices Count as one of the graphic designers for the organization. He lists producing the brand logo and look of HRPlus Asia as one of his significant achievements. His interests in literature and creating films have also honed and continued to improve his skills in graphic designing.

JAN ELLA BRILLANTES

Philippines
She/They
Social Media Officer

Jan Ella is currently taking up her undergraduate studies at the University of the Philippines Visayas and has been a consistent academic awardee since 2019. She is involved in various organizations such as the Catalyst UPV as the Volunteer Director in 2021, former Publications Committee Head for UP Lipad and former member of Iloilo Pride Team.

JE-ANN PALMAIRA

Philippines
She/Her
Project Finance Officer

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.

MARION REA CAMEROS

Philippines
She/Her
Accounting Associate

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.

ATTY. RONIFELLE L. BARRIOS

Philippines
She/Her
Legal Counsel

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.

LOUELA MARIE PRADO

Philippines
He/She/They
Admin Officer

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 JAMES B. PENUELA, RN

Philippines
He/Him
Project Officer

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.

ANFERNEE NENOL KAMINAGA

Marshall Islands
He/Him, They/Them
Project Officer for IGNITE! Empowerment Grants Program

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 DEVASURENDRA

Sri Lanka
They/Them
Project Manager

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 ESTIMAR

Philippines
They/Them
Finance Manager

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.

ANTHONY DE VICENTE LOPEZ

Philippines
He/Him, They/Them
Deputy Executive Director

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.

JUSTIN FRANCIS BIONAT, MA HRD

Philippines
He/His/Him
Executive Director

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.