Fridae

The 2nd annual Utopia Awards ceremony, which is held to coincide with the Bangkok Gay Festival, will honour Dr Dede Oetomo who has been advocating gay rights for two decades in Indonesia, a Thai performer who has brought gay issues to the forefront and Malaysia's pioneer HIV/AIDS organisation, the Pink Triangle Foundation, according to a press statement.

The awards recognises the individuals and groups for their pioneering contributions to the gay and lesbian community in Asia.

Dr Dede Oetomo is the founder and coordinator of Gaya Nusantara, based in Surabaya, Indonesia. The group provides physical, psychological and social healthcare for gay men, transgenders and male sex workers. Gaya Nusantara also publishes a monthly national magazine, runs a twice-weekly telephone helpline, provides peer counselling and carries out outreach work to the media, human rights organizations and political parties. He is also currently technical advisor in the male sexual health division of the ASA (Aksi Stop AIDS) program in Indonesia.

Wannasak Sirilar is a 32-year-old Thai stage performer who explores gay themes. Through his now famous one-man performances, he has introduced gay themes into Thai theatre and broadened public discussion of gay issues.

Malaysia's pioneer HIV/AIDS organisation, the Pink Triangle Foundation was the first NGO to work at the community level on HIV and sexuality issues since in 1987, shortly after the first cases of AIDS were diagnosed in Malaysia. Pink Triangle has since established its own HIV education and support programs. They also provide support programs for gays and lesbians although the mainstream society is still largely hostile.

Last year's awards went to: AIDS activist Natee Teerarojjanapongs, the film director Yongyoot Thongkongtoon, the lesbian activist Anjaree Group, and the gay publishing house Floating Lotus.

The second annual presentation of the will take place on Friday, November 2 at Pharaoh's Music Bar, Silom Soi 4 at 7:00 pm. Hosting the Awards will be Natayada na Songkhla and Dechawut 'Day' Chuntakaro.