What has compassion got to do with advocacy?
As I checked into the hotel, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors and diverse expressions of identity for the ILGA Asia Conference 2025, I felt a wave of uncertainty. I wasn’t sure what to expect, who I would meet, or how I would connect with this vibrant gathering. Yet, knowing that Nepal—a country deeply rooted in Buddhism—was hosting this event gave me a sense of comfort and familiarity.
With over 500 activists from every corner of the world gathered in one space, I felt something profound—something beyond admiration. It was as if I could hear the steady heartbeat of resilience, the silent echoes of sacrifices made, the unbreakable spirit that had endured so much. These weren’t just individuals advocating for change; they were warriors of love, justice, and equality, carrying the weight of their communities on their shoulders. Behind every determined face was a story of struggle—of humiliation endured, of doors shut in their faces, of relentless battles against a world that often refuses to fund or recognize their fight. Yet, despite the pain, they stood tall, fueled by something greater than themselves: an unwavering belief in a better future.
And yet, how often are activists misunderstood? How often is their passion mistaken for mere rebellion, their struggle dismissed by those who refuse to see the depth of their devotion?
Too often, society paints them as angry, disruptive, or even extreme. But here’s the truth: activists are among the kindest, most compassionate, and selfless people I’ve ever met. They are driven not by anger, but by love—love for justice, for dignity, for human rights. And at the ILG Asia Conference in Kathmandu, I had the privilege of witnessing that love in action.
The Kindest Warriors
As I stepped into the Trans Pre-Conference the first day, a wave of emotion washed over me. This space holds a special place in my heart—trans people are undeniably present, yet so often met with fear and misunderstanding. But within moments, I was welcomed—both physically and emotionally—by a room full of extraordinary individuals. Despite carrying the weight of oppression, discrimination, and even violence in their home countries, they radiated warmth, resilience, and an unshakable commitment to shielding others from the same hardships. And let’s not forget—their fashion sense was absolutely impeccable.
Their laughter was infectious, their stories heartbreaking yet filled with hope, and their energy absolutely electric. These were not people who thrived on chaos or conflict. They thrived on connection, on kindness, on a fierce determination to create change.
Listening with an Open Heart: A Buddhist Perspective
As a Queer Buddhist, I came not just to observe, but to listen—to truly listen. The suffering of others should never be something we merely acknowledge in silence. Engaged Buddhism teaches us that awareness alone is not enough; we must act. To sit in meditation while turning a blind eye to injustice is to betray the very essence of our practice.
Kathmandu itself was the perfect backdrop for this realization. Nepal, a country steeped in Buddhist tradition, has shown remarkable openness toward LGBTQ+ rights. Unlike many places where being queer is met with hostility, here, there is a sense of safety and acceptance. And that, in itself, is a lesson—when a society is rooted in compassion, inclusion naturally follows.
If You’re Not Part of the Solution…
There’s a saying from Thich Nhat Han that struck me deeply as I reflected during this conference: If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. It’s easy to believe that injustice is someone else’s fight. But suffering—whether our own or that of another—affects us all.
Engaged Buddhism calls us to act in the face of suffering. Not just through meditation or prayer, but through direct, tangible support. Whether that means amplifying marginalized voices, standing beside those fighting for their rights, or simply listening without judgment, it all matters.
The Most Fun, Loving, and Inspiring People
Beyond the deep conversations and serious topics, one thing stood out to me: activists know how to live. They laugh loudly, they dance freely, they embrace each moment fully. There’s an unspoken understanding among them—life is too precious, too hard-fought, to be taken for granted.
Spending time with them was nothing short of life-changing. Their work is exhausting, often dangerous, and filled with setbacks. And yet, they refuse to give up. Their joy is an act of defiance, their love a form of resistance.
My Takeaway: What Buddhism Teaches Me About Action
Kathmandu, with its rich Buddhist heritage, was a reminder that Buddhism is not about passivity—it’s about presence. Compassion is not just about feeling for someone; it’s about showing up for them.
If we, as Buddhists, truly believe in alleviating suffering, then we cannot stay silent while others fight alone. The world doesn’t need more bystanders. It needs more allies, more listeners, more people willing to step into discomfort and say, “I see you, I hear you, and I stand with you.”
Attending this conference was more than just an experience—it was a call to action. To be more present. To be engaged. To not just sit in silence, but to stand with those who need us most. Because if Buddhism is about anything, it’s about compassion. And compassion, in its truest form, is never passive.
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