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On 25th April of 2016, religious extremists brutally assassinated Xulhaz Mannan, a young, enthusiastic, and high-profile LGBTIQ+ activist from Bangladesh, and fellow activist Mahbub Rabby Tonoy. The shockwaves, fury, and sadness that rippled across the Bangladeshi community and beyond prompted many local LGBTIQ+ activists and groups to withdraw from public life. Six years later, in 2021, the situation gradually changes, with LGBT solidarity and activity resurfacing across the country. To celebrate Xulhaz's legacy and to perpetuate his passion and vision, Inclusive Bangladesh with the members of the Bangladesh Queer Partnership Platform (EQUAL) established the Xulhaz Mannan Memorial Award of Diversity in 2021. The award value is 10000 BDT and a souvenir. The award recognizes his legacy and inspires other community activists to pursue equality and respect in the future.
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2021 Awardee:
The inaugural 2021 award was presented to M M N, a young Bangladeshi transgender activist, for her commitment and contribution to the transgender community. M identifies as a trans woman and prefers the pronouns she/her. M is a youth trainer, human rights, and transgender rights campaigner from Bangladesh's southern region (25 years). She has been advocating for the rights of SOGIESC/queer/trans/LGBTIQ+ individuals for for seven years. She has served as the transgender community's spokesperson in rural parts of Bangladesh, including the Chattogram hill tracts. M has worked cooperatively and independently with a variety of groups to advance transgender people's rights and has immense potential to develop into a formidable leader in the future. |
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