Press Release - Utopia Award Recipients Announced
Saturday, October 30, 2004
Bangkok, October 30 2004: The recipients of the 5th annual Utopia Awards, Asia’s leading gay human rights celebration, have been announced and will receive their awards at 8pm on Friday, 19 November at a festive celebration at Bangkok’s Roxy Bar & Club.
The Utopia Awards are presented annually to individuals and organizations that have moved forward the cause of dignity and a better life for members of Asia’s gay, lesbian, bi and transgender communities.
Last year’s award recipients included Thai Senator Jon Ungpakorn, Taiwanese activist Wang Ping, Hong Kong activist Chung To, and former Thai kick-boxing champion Parinya Jaroenphon.
The emcee for this year's ceremony will be Natee Teerarojjanapongs, currently running for election as Thailand's first openly gay senator.
Five pioneers have been selected for recognition in 2004 and will be attending the ceremony to accept their awards:
- Blue Diamond Society for its work to protect the health and human rights of Nepal's sexual minorities.
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Billy Wong for his work helping to establish the world's largest network of gay Asian/non-Asian groups.
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Pakorn Pimton for his AIDS work and founding of the Bangkok Gay Festival and Thailand's first pride parade.
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Poonsak Sanchan for his community building and founding of the Phuket Gay Festival and Parade.
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Jim Lumsden for his charity efforts and founding of the Pattaya Gay Festival and Parade.
The 5th annual Utopia Awards are presented by Utopia, the first and largest gay Internet portal in Asia. Utopia will be celebrating its 10th Anniversary on the same evening. Time Out Guide Bangkok calls Utopia “the leading gateway to organizing a visit…” and TIME Magazine says Utopia is “a great resource for gay and lesbian travelers in Asia, dishing out the spice on even the most buttoned-up spots.”
The Awards celebration is open to the public. Roxy Bar & Club is located in Silom Soi 4 in Bangkok.
The ceremony is timed to kick off the festive Bangkok Pride weekend, when hundreds of thousands of gays, lesbians, friends and onlookers attend the annual parade and parties celebrating Thailand's diversity and tolerance.
Utopia's website is located at www.utopia-asia.com and more information about Utopia may be found at www.utopia-asia.com/utopiais.htm.
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