Speaker: Mohammad Rofiqul
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Over de spreker
Since 1996, Royal Islam has been working with community-based organizations as a co-founder and second-line leader, focusing on the development and empowerment of marginalized communities, including all genders. He has over 30 years of experience in counseling, training, art therapy, and creative advocacy, leading initiatives at the national, regional, and international levels. He currently leads his own project, “Artivism and Sexuality,” and has designed logos and concepts for significant events, including the first-ever Hijra Pride in Bangladesh (2014) and the South Asian Regional Art Festival. He has delivered over 30 presentations, performances, and photographic exhibitions on art, culture, and queer issues across more than 16 countries in Europe and Asia. Royal has collaborated with the National HIV Program and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), amplifying human rights, HIV awareness, and community visibility. Royal is a fellow of the Salzburg Global LGBT Forum, MINT Forum, IASSCS, SAHRA, IAS, GIN SOGIE, and was recognized as an HRC Innovator in 2020. He holds a Master’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology from the Asian University of Bangladesh. In 2018, he founded Jibangothon Unnyan Shongstha (JUS), serving as vice president to promote and sustain the rights of gender-diverse communities in Bangladesh. He is also the first ally in Bangladesh to work with Intersex Bangladesh.