Contents Acknowledgements iv Foreword v List of abbreviations vi Glossary vii Introduction for users 1 Part I Experiences of being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex in the Asia Pacific 7 Chapter 1: Understanding sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics 8 1.1. Introduction 8 1.2. Concepts and terminology 9 1.3. Definitions 11 1.4. Regional-specific terms 15 1.5. Umbrella terms used in this manual 20 1.6. Defining diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics as illnesses 21 1.7. Disclosure about sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status 23 Chapter 2: Being lesbian, gay and bisexual in the Asia Pacific 27 2.1. Introduction 27 2.2. Dignity and criminalisation 31 2.3. Safety and violence 35 2.4. Equality and discrimination 39 2.5. Expression, assembly and association 42 Chapter 3: Being transgender in Asia and the Pacific 45 3.1. Introduction 45 3.2. Violence 46 3.3. Discrimination 48 3.4. Criminalisation 53 3.5. Gender recognition 55 3.6. Access to gender-affirming health services 61 i