Actress Sets Up Myanmar’s First LGBT+ Café

Actress Khine Hnin Wai and her partner Junior Dennis have set up an LGBT+ café in the heart of Yangon, Myanmar – despite homosexuality still being illegal in the country.

“I want them [LGBTI] to feel warm, relax, and equality when they come to My Place.” said Junior Dennis.“[Customers] are all equal to any other human beings and have all the rights of human society.”

The pair have decorated the café with pictures of Sam Smith, Kristen Stewart, Ellen DeGeneres, and other LGBT+ celebrities. They serve local Thai food, with half the profits going to a charity founded by Khine Hnin Wai. They also sell LGBT-themed accessories and offer advice and leaflets on LGBT+ issues.

While homosexuality is still considered illegal under Article 377 of the Penal Code – a hangover from British colonialism – the law is rarely enforced. LGBT+ people do, however, face widespread discrimination and stigma.

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