Admittedly, these positive legal reforms and social inclusion are in their nascent stages. While they present opportunities for broader social changes, challenges persist, particularly, with the lack of comprehensive protection of LGBTIQ and gender-diverse people from discrimination and violence.

However, human rights defenders observe that the state of democracy and broader human rights is still on the decline. In conflict-stricken regions such as Myanmar, decriminalisation and inclusion of LGBTQ people have been stagnant in the context of backsliding democracy and growing authoritarianism.

Meanwhile, in other countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, the repression of LGBTIQ rights is very extreme. There has been increased criminalisation targeting all aspects of the lives of LGBTIQ and gender-diverse people, including their freedom of expression and visibility.