Proud to be Us Laos (PTBUL) was founded in 2012, to advocate for the greater well-being of LGBTIQ in Lao PDR. Its initial work was to raise awareness of sexual reproductive health issues and in particular the prevention of HIV and other STIs, as well as ensuring that those people living with HIV receive appropriate treatment and services. This work is still a prominent feature of their work today, but their aims and activities now take a broader approach to helping to ensure that LGBITQ people are included in all aspects of society and can make positive contributions to their communities free from stigma, discrimination and violence. This positive and affirmative approach is reflected in its name, as PTBUL, believes everyone should be proud of who they are and what they do, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, ability, body shape or any other characteristic. PTBUL recognises that creating an inclusive society, means people living and working together in harmony to achieve development goals. This can only be achieved if people are not subjected to stigma and discrimination. In the past PTBUL has had notable successes in raising the profile of the LGBTIQ community in an affirmative way. It has had particular success in raising the VOICE of the community at key events such as IDAHOTB Day. The first of these events was held in 2012 and they have mostly continued since then. The events have garnered considerable support from the Lao and international community, including the European Union, United States, Australia, Canada and United Kingdom. The success of these events is built upon representative and diverse community voices, a deep respect for Lao culture and context, an understanding that advocacy needs to be consistent with the goals of the Government of Lao PDR. The events are also a success through superb networking skills and excellent relations with Lao national media.

The goal of Champions of Inclusion and Diversity is to ensure that LGBTIQ people are able to fully participate in all aspects of Lao society and make positive contributions to their communities. Specifically, it will seek to reduce stigma and discrimination against LGBTIQ people especially in the areas of family relations and access to health services, education and employment. It will build upon and utilise the work developed in the VOICE funded Learning about Innovative and Communication (LICM) project. It will aim to ensure that Lao society is more aware of the contribution that LGBTIQ people make to their communities and increase understanding about the barriers they face and how these can be overcome. In the process of achieving this objective, it will build the capacity of Proud to be us Laos (PTBUL) to become a formal registered entity so that is able to sustainably contribute to the well-being of LGBTIQ people in the Lao PDR. The main outcomes will be that the voices of LGBTIQ people in Lao PDR will have more visibility and influence, and that PTBUL shall able to continue its invaluable work in representing