With apologies for cross-posting: May 15, 2014, Kathmandu. The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia is a global day of celebration of freedom, diversity, and acceptance. It calls on everyone to uphold human rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression (SOGIE). This year, the celebration focuses on freedom of expression, on how restrictions on it affect the lives of everyone, including the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. On this occasion, AMARC joins forces with the International Freedom of Expression network, IFEX, to recall the importance of preserving the diversity of voices and opinions, ensure a fair representation of gender and minorities on the airwaves and enforce inclusion and acceptance for all. Highlighting the importance of sharing stories of violence and discrimination targeted at LGBT people across the world, Maica Lagman from the Rainbow Rights Project and President of AMARC Asia-Pacific mentioned that many countries lacked legislation to protect their rights and in some countries, existing laws and practices are used to harass, abuse, and detain them. “Instances of violence and discrimination often happen within the family and the community. This is where community radio can play an important role — by opening the airwaves to the LGBT community, it can facilitate informed discussions and promote understanding, which will hopefully break the harmful stereotypes and contribute to positive social change," she further said. In the Bangalore Declaration 2010, AMARC members reaffirmed its solidarity with the LGBT people and asserted their right "to live with dignity and without fear of persecution". Since then, it has integrated SOGIE issues in its workshops and trainings. AMARC’s members are encouraged to produce and broadcast in local languages depending on their requirements. Members are also requested to share their programs with AMARC for further distribution within the network. Please do the following to send your programs: Send your mp3 files to [log in to unmask] through https://www.wetransfer.com. WeTransfer is a platform for web-based transfer of heavier files directly through Internet by bypassing email and FTP systems. In case of any difficulty, please write to us. Thanking you in advance for your participation in this important campaign. For more information on IDAHOT, please visit www.dayagainsthomophobia.org. -END- Through service to its members, networking and project implementation, the World Association of Community Radios (AMARC) brings together more than 4 000 community radios, federations and community radio partners in more than 130 countries. The main impact of AMARC since its foundation in 1983 has been to accompany and support the establishment of a global community radio sector. AMARC does lobbying and advocacy for the right to communication internationally, nationally and at the local and neighborhood levels, and defends and promotes the interests of the community radio movement through solidarity, networking and cooperation. For more information, please contact Suman Basnet, Regional Coordinator for Asia-Pacific, [log in to unmask] or visit http://ap.amarc.org/.