The final week of Yangon Pride 2020 and &PROUD festival was celebrated at the Institut Français de Birmanie on 31 January-2 February with drag queens performances, live concerts, LGBT Choir, theatre and LGBT themed films.
The first evening was the occasion to present the special Hero Award to Miss Universe Myanmar, Swe Zin Htet, for her courage on coming out as lesbian during the Miss Universe Pageant.
Gae Gae, Swe Zin Htet’s girlfriend sang LGBT anthems, including her hit song “If you were here” while holding hands with her girlfriend. The smile on their faces sparked joy amongst the crowd we shared their happiness.
Other artists included AR-T, who performed “Lwin Pyin”, his tribute song to the LGBT community, and other hits along with LGBT dancers on stage. “I get to perform for pride only once a year. I will give my best,” he said. The stunningly choreographed numbers took the dance floor to the next level as the audience danced and sang along and cheered aloud.
Numerous LGBTIQ movies from Myanmar and the whole region were screened to the public while workshops on how to campaign for legal reform were held to strengthen and unify the growing movement of LGBTIQ and allies ahead of the national elections this year.