21 November, Bangkok.
APCOM Foundation, on the evening of 7 November 2025, gathered community advocates, human rights leaders, artists, allies, and friends from across Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok for the
9th HERO Awards, a night dedicated to honoring the courage, creativity, and resilience of those who shape and strengthen our movement for equality.
This year’s HEROes reflect the diversity and strength of our region. this group represents many pathways to equality
- Community organizers nurturing safe, inclusive spaces
- health and HIV advocates expanding access to care and treatment
- business leaders and policy makers advancing equality in workplace and in laws,
- cultural advocate and storyteller amplifying LGBTQI+ visibility through creative expression
- trans and youth leaders challenging the boundaries of representation
- human rights defenders who have shaped LGBTQI+ organizing in our region for decades.
Together, they remind us that equality is built through compassion, persistence, and the unwavering belief that dignity belongs to everyone.
APCOM 9th HERO Awards 2025: Winner Quotes Summary
- Miranda Poolpakdee (Business Ally Hero): Believes her company’s values of respect and individuality allow her to be authentic, which is the foundation for achieving excellence and potential.
- Beverley Rose Dimacuha (Community Ally Hero): Stresses that communication leads to understanding and acceptance, citing a successful local PRIDE march as proof of progress.
- Sahil Choudhary (Community Hero): Acknowledges the long fight ahead for equality but is inspired by past human rights defenders and credits the Naz Foundation for his work.
- AKTA Tokyo (Community Organisation Hero): Sees the award as a call to action for stronger community leadership in the HIV crisis, dedicating it to their volunteers and staff.
- Dr. Jason Mitchell (Health & Wellbeing Hero): Believes healing starts with belonging and carries his Pacific identity into his work, hoping to inspire young leaders.
- Andrew Tan (HIV Hero): Offers a message of hope to those newly diagnosed, assuring them that help is available and survival is possible, based on his own 30-year journey.
- Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat (Social Justice Hero): Proud of advancing Thailand’s Marriage Equality Bill, viewing it as a social awakening. He dedicates it to those living authentically.
- Divina Loloma (Transgender Hero): Proud of being the first trans woman to run in Fiji’s elections, using the platform to be a voice for vulnerable and minority communities.
- Kai Mata (Young Achiever Hero): Dedicates the award to her community, her elders, and her younger self, accepting it to prove everyone is worthy of living and being loved.
How would you like to support the event?
With the current pushback against our work, your every contribution really matters.
Furthermore, the contributions will provide immediate responses needed by the grassroots LGBTQI communities and others in need across Asia Pacific under the campaign #APCOMpassion Emergency Fund.
Finally, the supporters will advocate to form new real HEROes for our LGBTQI+ and HIV communities now and in the future. All of these means that you are also our HERO who never leaves us behind.
Donations and sponsorship inquiries can be directed to [email protected] I +66 (0) 2399 1145
Read more about APCOMPassion Emergency Fund:
Link
Media Contact
Suriya Phongphunngam, Communications Officer,
[email protected]
(+66) 095 249 1950
