AJWS Blog

The AJWS community has a lot to say about what's happening in the world. Read our insights about the struggle for justice and human rights around the globe — and meet the activists on the frontlines of the fight to build a better world.

group of young people around a table

Stories of Hope: June 2025

Around the world, AJWS partners and grantees are celebrating Pride this month — and we’re dedicating this edition of Stories of Hope to these amazing, brave activists. It should come as no surprise that Pride in 2025 feels especially powerful, and even bittersweet. Here in the United States and in many countries where AJWS works, …

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“Love yourself as much as you can”: The journey of a Thai LGBTQI+ rights defender

Methawee Pannon (Sai) grew up in Khon Kaen, Thailand, understanding exactly what was expected of her. Outside of Thailand’s metropolitan, progressive capital of Bangkok, traditional, conservative gender values can be completely destabilizing for queer people, especially in rural regions like northeastern Isaan. “Women are meant to be the pride and joy of our parents and …

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An Oasis for Queer Joy in the Dominican Republic

Esther grew up in Bonao, a conservative city in the Dominican Republic where discrimination against queer people is extremely common. While in university in Santo Domingo, the country’s capital city, she saw that resources for queer people were more abundant than at home. It was there that she realized that gathering spaces for queer activists …

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