Do you love turning your home into a festive wonderland during the holiday season? Twinkling lights and dazzling ornaments are holiday staples, and if you enjoy leveling up your decorations every year, chances are you can’t resist the charm of captivating fairy lights brightening up your space.

While decking the halls is all about fun and festivity, it’s just as important to prioritize safety. Improper use or installation of Christmas lights and other electrical decorations can lead to accidents, with fire hazards being a serious concern. Before you plug in those glowing masterpieces, remember that a little caution can make all the difference in keeping the festive season both bright and safe.

Let the tips below guide you!

• Choose Lights with Safety Certifications

If you’re buying new lights, purchase those certified by recognized safety authorities, such as the UL mark, which means that a product has met safety, quality, or security standards. In the Philippines, there’s also a Philippine Standard (PS) mark, a certification that means a product meets the Philippine National Standards (PNS) for quality and safety.

Avoid unverified or counterfeit products often sold online or in some markets.

• Inspect Lights for Damage

In case you’re reusing lights from last year, make sure you check all light strings for frayed wires, broken bulbs, or damaged insulation. Replace the defective parts before decorating to prevent electrical hazards or fires. If the damages can no longer be repaired, it’s best to buy new ones.

• Use Lights Appropriate for the Environment

Differentiate between indoor and outdoor lights. Indoor lights lack the durability to withstand rain or humidity, which is common in many parts of Asia, and may pose fire risks when used outdoors.

• Test Lights Before Installing Them

Plug in your lights before hanging them to ensure they work properly. Testing them first saves time and avoids having to take them down to replace faulty strings.

• Keep Cords Dry and Elevated

Avoid letting cords touch damp surfaces like puddles or wet soil. Use cord protectors or plan setups so that connections are suspended off the ground.

• Use Non-Metal Fasteners

Do not use staples, nails, or tacks to hang lights, as they can pierce wires and create fire risks. Opt for plastic hooks or clips designed for string lights.

• Avoid Overloading Outlets

Never plug too many light strands or devices into a single outlet. Overloading can cause overheating or fires. Instead, use surge-protected power strips or outlets with built-in circuit breakers.

• Unplug Lights When Not in Use

Always turn off or unplug Christmas lights before leaving the house or going to bed. This simple step can significantly reduce the chances of electrical fires.

• Avoid Pinching Wires in Doors or Windows

Do not run extension cords through tight spaces like door or window cracks, as this can damage the insulation and cause electrical shocks or fires.

• Secure Cords to Prevent Tripping

Use anchoring pins, ground staples, or light stakes to keep cords securely in place and reduce tripping hazards, especially in homes with children or elderly family members.

• Use Energy-Efficient LED Lights

Choose LED lights, that run cooler, use less energy, and last longer than incandescent bulbs, reducing the risk of overheating or electrical faults.

• Follow Manufacturer Guidelines

Always read and follow the instructions provided with your lights, including specifications for wattage, bulb replacements, and safe operation times.

• Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Outlets

When plugging lights outdoors, use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets. These outlets cut power immediately in case of electrical faults, reducing risks of electrocution or fire.

• Use Outdoor-Rated Extension Cords for Exterior Decorations

Only use extension cords labeled for outdoor use when decorating outside. These cords are designed to handle exposure to rain, humidity, and temperature changes common in many Asian regions.

• Secure Outdoor Lights Against Weather Conditions

If you’re decorating outdoors, ensure that all lights and cords are securely fastened to withstand strong winds or heavy rain. Use weatherproof clips and avoid loose ends that could flap around or snag, reducing the risk of damage or electrical hazards.

The holiday season is fast approaching, which means it’s time to plan those trips we’ve been saving up for since — probably the start of the year!

Looking for a thrilling family adventure? There’s no form of escapism quite like theme parks, and trust us, there’s always something for everyone there. Whether that’s carnival delights or rides that give you an adrenaline rush, going to a theme park is a fantastic family vacation package.

From making magical memories at Disneyland to seeing movies come alive at Universal Studios, we’ve listed the best theme parks in Asia where you can experience fun like no other!

Hong Kong Disneyland

When Walt Disney decided to create Disneyland, he said he wanted a place where children and adults can have fun together. So, it’s no surprise that it’s first on our list of theme parks you should consider visiting for your next family vacation.

Whether you’re a Disney fan or not, there’s something for everybody in Mickey’s domain. It’s not called “The Happiest Place on Earth” for nothing. In Asia’s first Disney theme park, for example, you can enjoy amazing thrill rides like Hyperspace Mountain or sail through the untamed Rivers of Adventure on the Jungle River Cruise. If you’re not one for rides, you can also enjoy attractions like street parades and musical castle shows, or stroll through the park’s themed lands while munching on some Mickey-shaped delights.

Oh, and speaking of themed lands, Hong Kong Disneyland has one of the newest ones in the Disney Park universe including the first-ever Avengers Campus where you can meet and greet your favorite Marvel superheroes and the World of Frozen where you can celebrate a happy Summer Snow Day with Queen Elsa, Anna, and all their friends from Arendelle.

Tickets can be purchased on their website. 1-day pass tickets are HK$639 (Adults), HK$ 475 (Child), and HK$100 (Senior). Meanwhile, you can also double the fun with 2-day passes for HK$1,132.

ICYDK, Hong Kong Disneyland also has three magical hotels which allow you to extend the magic long after you’ve stepped out of the park gates. You can read more about it here. And if you're worried about breaking the bank, here are some tips and tricks on how to enjoy this magical place on a budget!

Location: Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Sunny Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong

Open daily from 10 AM to 8:30 PM

Ocean Park Hong Kong

This unique park offers more than just fun rides, but also a chance to learn more about the amazing creatures of the animal kingdom. Some might think it’s a theme park that does a lot of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) but Ocean Park CEO Ivan Wong said that it’s the other way around and that they’re more of “a conservation education institution that did really well in the theme park business.”

Dive into local diversity and see amazing Asian animals such as their cute pandas and Meerkats or be captivated by majestic underwater creatures from sharks to sting rays at the Waterfront. There are also various opportunities for you to get up close and personal with some of the animals including a chance to feed Penguins and encounter dolphins and sea lions.

All-day tickets are HK$498 (Adults), HK$249 (Child), and HK$100 (Senior/JoyYou card holders). For more details on attractions and program schedules, click here.

BONUS: Ocean Park also boasts Asia’s first all-weather Waterfront water park which features five unique zones that make for a splashing good fun for the entire family. Admission tickets are at HK$280 (Adults), HK$168 (Child/Student), and HK$150 (Senior/JoyYou card holder).

Location: 180 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong

Open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM.

Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studios produced some of the world’s most beloved movies, so if you’re a big film geek, then you’re going to enjoy being inside this theme park filled with all sorts of movie sets and rides inspired by some of our favorite silver screen classics.

Universal Studios Singapore (USS) is located within Resorts World Sentosa, where you can experience a wide range of world-class attractions from waterparks to aquariums. USS has six themed zones, each having their own distinct rides, shows, and merchandise shops.

Fight alongside the Transformers robots or go on a heart-pumping space ride aboard the Battlestar Galactica in Sci-Fi City. Search the untamed jungles of The Lost World for dinosaurs and meet your favorite fairytale characters in Far Far Away; or join a street party with the Minions (ICYMI: Minion Land is opening in 2025!). Whatever genre you’re into, USS will surely have something to tickle your fancy.

One-day tickets are priced at S$83 (Adults) and S$62 (Child). To see their current ticket promotions, click here.

Location: 8 Sentosa Gateway Sentosa Island Singapore 098269

Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Closing times may change in later months. Check here for more details.

LEGOLAND Malaysia

This massive resort is playtime heaven for LEGO fans and the young at heart. The resort consists of a theme park, a water park, aquarium, and hotel. The highlight is the theme park, of course, which boasts over 40 rides and attractions across eight themed areas.

Fun fact: LEGOLAND Malaysia contains 15,000 LEGO models made from over 60 million LEGO bricks! If you think you can’t get enough of LEGO, well, you’re about to find out how true that is because there’s simply so much to see and do here.

Discover some of the region’s famous landmarks made entirely of LEGO in MINILAND Asia; go on a thrilling ride with twists and turns aboard The Dragon; or create your very own robot at a creative workshop in LEGO Mindstorms. Fun and educational, it’s the perfect getaway destination for the whole family.

Tickets are sold in single, double and triple park passes starting from RM199 (Adults) and RM169 (Child/Senior). For more information on ticket inclusions and special offers, click here.

Location: No. 7, Jalan LEGOLAND, Bandar Medini Iskandar Malaysia, Kampong Bukit Puteri, Malaysia

Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM

Enchanted Kingdom

Known as the only world-class theme park in the Philippines, Enchanted Kingdom (EK) boasts a myriad of experiences within its multi-themed areas. Among its top attractions include the Space Shuttle roller coaster; the Rio Grande Rapids — an exhilarating ride where you get to traverse raging waters (warning, you will get wet!); and the Wheel of Fate Ferris Wheel which treats riders to stunning views as it lifts them 130 feet into the air!

A unique attraction you shouldn’t miss on your visit is AGILA the EKsperience, the Philippines’ first flying theatre and the largest of its kind in the world. It features a stunning nature film splashed across a massive screen, and accompanied by an orchestral soundtrack that will make riders feel as if they’re truly soaring through the natural wonders of the Philippines.

EK also has fun arcade games, street performances, character meet and greets, as well as many photo opportunities within its park premises.

Regular day passes are available for P1,200 (Adults) and P840 (Children with heights between 36 and 47 inches tall). Children below 36 inches can enter for free. On the other hand, EKspress One Day Passes are also available at P2,200 which allows you to skip long queues through the EKspress Ride Access lane. For other magical offers and packages, visit their website.

Location: San Lorenzo South, City of Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Philippines 4026

*Park operation days and hours may vary. Visit this page for more details.

Siam Amazing Park

Also known as Siam Park City, Siam Amazing Park was designed to be a “paradise of joy” and a place for people to experience the atmosphere, shopping, and entertainment of Thailand. Comprised of six zones, the massive park guarantees never-ending fun for every visitor.

Take a dip in the largest wave pool on the planet in Water World or dare to ride the Vortex, the leg-hanging spiral roller coaster, and the Giant Drop, the highest free-fall ride in Southeast Asia, in Extreme World.

There’s also the Adventure, Small, and Family Worlds which hosts a variety of fun experiences and kid-friendly rides. But one of our favorite areas has to be Bangkok World which is like the city’s best compressed in one area. Learn traditional Thai cooking techniques, get a taste of delicious local dishes, and buy yourselves a souvenir or two. It’s a tourism experience within a theme park like no other in the world.

Standard day passes are at THB1,000 (Adults) and THB850 (Child). You can also check here for their latest promotions and special packages.

Location: 203 Suansiam Road, Khannayao District, Bangkok 10230

Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM

Ghibli Park

Prepare to be spirited away to the world of Studio Ghibli! This serene park on the outskirts of Nagoya, Japan is designed after some of Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpieces such as “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Howl’s Moving Castle,” and “Princess Mononoke.”

Ghibli Park opened in 2022 and features five areas spread out across the massive grounds of Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (a.k.a. Moricoro Park). Visit Satsuki and Mei's house in the Dondoko Forest; explore the mountain landscapes at Mononoke Village; or stroll through the European-style townscape in the Valley of Witches where you just might spot Howl’s enchanted castle.

There are a few rides, restaurants and shops (which sell park-exclusive merch!) to explore, but what makes this attraction stand out is that it’s not your typical amusement park. For one, only a limited number of people are granted tickets to guarantee that each visitor can truly enjoy strolling through its themed areas, admiring the simple beauty of its attractions while reminiscing their favorite Ghibli moments. Now that we think about it, being in the park is very much like being inside a Studio Ghibli film: nostalgic and romantic.

Admission is limited to reservations with tickets sold two months in advance of your preferred date. It’s important to take note of this as tickets are not sold in the park itself. The Ghibli Park O-Sanpo Day Pass allows guests to have access to all five areas, restaurants, shops, and rides. Weekday prices are at JPY3,500 (Adults) and JPY 1,750 (Child), while weekend prices are priced at JPY4,000 (Adults) and JPY 2,000 (Child). Children aged three and below are free to enter.

However, this pass doesn’t give you access to the World Emporium (Hill of Youth), Satsuki and Mei's House (Dondoko Forest), The Okino Residence, Howl's Castle, and The House of Witches (Valley of Witches). If you’d like to have full access to all the park’s attractions, you will need to get the Ghibli Park O-Sanpo Day Pass Premium, which is priced at JPY7,300 and JPY 3,650 (Child) on weekdays; and JPY7,800 (Adults) and JPY 3,900 (Child) on weekends.

For more details on schedules and ticket inclusions, visit their website.

Location: Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park 1533-1 Ibaragabasama, Nagakute, Aichi

Open 10 AM to 5 PM (weekdays) and from 9 AM to 5 PM (weekends and holidays)

Asians love white rice. And how can they be blamed? Fragrant, soft, and fluffy, this carbohydrate staple has carried many through some amazing meals. Yet, it’s important to note: white rice is also among the least nutritious options for the health-conscious. Due to the processes it has to undergo – which removes the bran and germ from the grain – white rice loses plenty of its natural nutrients, with some considering it an “empty carb”.

Fortunately, people now have plenty of alternatives. If you’re looking for something a little more beneficial, we suggest the following:

Brown, Red, or Black Rice

If you love rice, then we have good news: there are plenty of different kinds out there that are much more nutritious! For example, the ever-popular brown rice. Compared to white rice, brown rice contains higher amounts of nutrients including fiber, vitamin B, magnesium, potassium, and iron. Brown rice also has a lower glycemic index than white rice and is therefore a much better alternative for diabetics.

Red rice, on the other hand, is rich in antioxidants. Black rice is too, and may even have the highest among all the varieties, including red rice. However, red rice trumps black rice when it comes to levels of iron and zinc. Ultimately, choosing the right type of grain for you can come down to your dietary needs – as well as simple preference. But when choosing between brown, red, or black, there’s no way to choose incorrectly as each type has plenty of benefits, already surpassing that of its white counterpart.

Adlai

One thing people love about white rice is its texture; if you’re looking for something similar, then turn to adlai. When soaked overnight before cooking, adlai becomes soft and fluffy, a great companion to many kinds of viands.

Nutritionally speaking, adlai is rich in calcium, phosphorus, and dietary fiber. Due to its low glycemic index, it is also diabetic-friendly. Keep in mind, however, that adlai is high in calories, with a 100-gram serving totaling over 300 calories.

Couscous

Often seen in North African or Middle Eastern dishes, Couscous looks like a grain but is in fact made with semolina flour, which classifies it as a pasta. Though it comes in different sizes, what’s often seen in supermarkets is Moroccan-style couscous, which are the smallest variety.

It is a rich source of selenium, which supports the immune system and aids thyroid health. It is also high in plant-based protein, offering 6 grams per cup to diners. A drawback to couscous, however, would be its high levels of gluten and carbohydrates, which could make it an impossible alternative for those with allergies or other health conditions.

Quinoa

A gluten-free whole grain, quinoa is often paired in salads alongside greens, nuts, cheese and fruit. It is particularly refreshing with cucumbers, tomatoes, and arugula. Nevertheless, it can also serve as an alternative to rice, one that provides its diners with high levels of plant-based protein. One cup – around 180 grams – already provides 8 grams of protein for the day!

It also provides adequate amounts of manganese, which protects cells and helps regulate both hormones and blood sugar. Replacing white rice with quinoa is also a fantastic way to meet the body’s daily magnesium, folate, and iron requirements.

Cauliflower Rice

Mom’s reminder to always eat your vegetables is as good today as it was back then. Cauliflower rice – traditionally made with pulsed cauliflower – is a fantastic alternative to white rice. As a vegetable, it is low in calories and high in fiber and Vitamin C. Cauliflower is also rich in choline, a lesser known nutrient that is incredibly beneficial for the nervous system, decreasing risk for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's.

Those who aim to lose weight may also find that replacing certain foods with cauliflower – such as pizza crust or hummus – can help with weight loss due to its low amount of carbohydrates.

Let's be real — adulting is hard. Between juggling work, relationships, and never-ending to-do lists, it's easy to forget to take care of the most important person in your life: you! But with all the chaos, who has time to book a spa day or keep up with a complicated wellness routine?

Luckily, self-care can now be just a tap away! Whether you're looking to meditate, get better sleep, or just find a moment of peace in your busy day, there’s a plethora of apps to help you maintain a calm attitude despite the hustle and bustle of life. These apps cover all aspects of self-care, making it easier than ever to incorporate some much-needed “me time” into your daily routine.

Finch

Finch allows you to take care of yourself while taking care of your own virtual pet bird. There are various tasks available, from making your bed and drinking more water to yelling your frustrations and voicing out things you’re thankful for. Accomplishing these self-care tasks will help you gain energy points, which will be used by your pet to grow from toddler to adult! You can also earn rainbow stones, which you can use to buy clothes, accessories, and furniture for your pet and its home.

You’re not the only one taking care of your pet, though, because in turn, your pet will also take care of you! This is by checking in on you throughout the day and reminding you of goals you’ve set on the app through notifications.

While it is a free app, there is also a paid version, Finch Plus, where you can unlock more tasks and exercises, and get more customization features.

Get it via App Store or Google Play.

Calm

One of the most recommended apps for those who are having trouble with sleep is Calm. With guided meditations, breathing exercises, sleep stories, relaxing music, calming sounds, and more, Calm is great for lowering anxiety levels and calming your mind to help you sleep better.

It also features a vast library of guides and exercises, led by specialists and famous personalities. You can likewise learn about handling your emotions better by taking their mindfulness programs, which range from topics like managing stress, breaking bad habits, building your self-esteem, and many more.

You can try Calm for free or subscribe for as low as P2,590 to get exclusive content and masterclasses. Get it via App Store and Google Play.

Moodnotes

It’s okay to feel hurt or sad. But sometimes, they can get in the way of how we perceive things, or how we make decisions in life. Enter Moodnotes, an app that will help you know more about yourself and improve the way you think by tracking your mood.

The app lets you document how you’re feeling every day and keep a journal of your daily life. With these documentations, you can see which mood you are having more often. The app then suggests what your “thinking traps” are, or the reason why you’re feeling your negative moods, so you can help avoid them. You can also learn a lot of things about yourself by reading self-awareness articles written by mental health experts posted on the app, among other amazing features.

Moodnotes is available on App Store and Google Play.

MyFitnessPal

Need motivation to start your diet? MyFitnessPal has got your back! This app allows you to track your nutritional intake, along with many other features. It is a food tracker, calorie counter, macro tracker, and fitness tracker, all in one place, as if you have a pocket-sized health coach!

Aside from monitoring, you can also access here recipes that have been approved by experts and nutritionists, or set your diet and fitness goals. You can also sync it with your other health apps, so you can see all your progress across these apps.

You can download MyFitnessPal via App Store or Google Play.

Headspace

If you need an expert guide for your meditations, Headspace is a great app to try! The app features guided meditations to help you better manage your stress levels, give yourself a calm mind, and help you focus on things that matter. You can choose from beginner to advanced and short meditation sessions, too!

To top it off, you can schedule one-on-one mental health support with their professional coaches. There is also a Sleep feature, which will help you sleep better with sleepcasts, white noise, sleep music, and more.

Get Headspace via App Store or Google Play.

Tangerine

One great method of self-care is journaling. By being able to write down your feelings, you acknowledge them and think of better ways to deal with them. Tangerine, although quite a new kid on the block, is another great app for this.

In it, you can set your daily goals, may it be for work, exercise, or meditation. You can also document your day-to-day emotions and track your progress toward the goals you’ve set. The best thing about it? It’s free to use!

Get it via App Store.

With life’s daily hustle, it’s important to not only keep track of our career and personal wins, but to also make sure our bodies are getting the love and care they deserve. Staying healthy and being fit doesn’t have to be synonymous with grueling workout routines or restrictive diets that cut down on your favorite things to eat. Balance is key to healthy living, and with International Self-Care Day just around the corner, it’s important to take a moment to reevaluate your health condition, sound your body out, and provide what it needs at the moment.

Whether you’re looking to get in shape or simply working towards a healthier, more active lifestyle, here are some YouTube fitness channels to check out to help you reach your health and body goals!

Emi Wong

Emi Wong is a Hong Kong YouTuber known for her fitness and lifestyle videos. Her channel took form in 2017, as a result of her mission to take better care of herself after suffering from health problems and eating disorders. In just over a year, she amassed over half a million subscribers, which encouraged her to work on her channel full-time.

Emi advocates for a healthy lifestyle that can be both accessible and attainable through her equipment-free workout sessions, fashion, and beauty tips, as well as travel videos. If you’re looking for ways to customize your workout routines, shed some weight, and build more muscle, head on over to her channel and get started!

Must try: Emi Wong’s Workout Programs curates some of her best YT workout vids, grouping them into daily, weekly, and monthly routines that you can use to properly set and achieve your fitness goals! Our personal favorite is the 30-minute Full Body Fat Burn HIIT which combines cardio and strength training within 6 sets of 5 exercises focusing on a specific body part from arms to abs and legs.

BEBE

“Bebe” Thanchanok Ritnaka is an ACE Certified personal trainer skilled in Pilates, Aerial, and Boxing. On top of that she is also a well-known Thai actress, model, and singer with over 2.5M followers on Instagram where she shares her fitness journey; inspiring many to achieve a toner, sexier, and healthier version of themselves.

Her YouTube channel is filled with workout routines that make exercising more accessible and help you burn body fat in a matter of weeks without needing to step out of the house!

Must try: Her Small Wins series is perfect for beginners as it fits workout routines into 10-minute intervals. The best part is that you can mix and match these routines or work on them throughout the day. It’s a terrific way to build discipline and accomplish your everyday movement goals.

K-Kardio Dance

Want to make your Cardio workouts more fun? Say goodbye to endless runs on the treadmill and get moving to some of your favorite K-pop tunes!

Founded in Singapore by Jessica Lim, this workout program combines K-pop MTV moves with cardio and fitness elements such as Aerobics, Pilates, and Kickboxing. It’s easy, fun, and intense! These programs are choreographed to make you sweat while still looking swag and sexy like a K-Pop idol.

K-Kardio also hosts in-person classes in Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei. For more details on locations, click here.

Must-try: From BTS to Blackpink workout tracks, head on over to their channel and dance those calories away!

Rebel PH

Founded by multimedia personalities and brothers-in-law, Nico Bolzico and Erwan Heussaff, Rebel is the Philippines’ leading fitness app. Subscribing allows you to gain access to a diverse selection of workout programs, the best fitness trainers, and the largest fitness community in the country.

Although the app is a great way to really commit to your fitness goals, Rebel also offers a ton of free fitness content on their YT channel, featuring various programs from high- and low-impact workout routines and Yoga sessions to mental health and nutrition tips.

Must try: Staying fit is about more than just making your body move, but also about feeding it well. Rebel’s Nutrition 101 covers some of the basics of mindful eating, provides fat-loss tips, and explains different types of diets to complement your workouts.

Move with Nicole

A certified Pilates and Yoga instructor, Nicole is an Australian former Latin dancer and gymnast with a passion for movement. After retiring from competitive dancing in 2017, she began teaching Barre and Pilates in studios and gyms in Sydney.

But when dance and Pilates studios closed down during the COVID-19 pandemic, she ended up making videos on YouTube where she inspires others to move and feel good through Yoga, Pilates, and Cardio workouts. She currently resides in Phuket, Thailand, and has garnered over 3.07M subscribers.

Must try: Nicole demonstrates fusion routines on her channel such as Yoga Pilates and Barre Cardio that are fun and effective! Her monthly Workout Plans are also a good place to start and feature a variety of routines you can easily follow. ICYDN: Week 1 for July is already up so, consider this your push to get started today!

[Trigger warning: mentions of sexual assault, su*c*de, mental illness]

Dipa Mahbuba Yasmin wears many hats; among them are curator and multi-disciplinary artist. She is the founder of Epiphania Visuals, an arts and queer community that also advocates for Pride.

“Pride is human rights,” Dipa stated matter-of-factly. “Globally, Pride events are more than just celebrations; they represent acts of defiance against oppression, asserting the right to live authentically and without shame.”

While the growing awareness of LGBTQ+ struggles is a victory for its members, its success seems inequitable. Stories of lesbians, gays, and bisexuals are often given more representation in media, while those who identify otherwise feel a lack of representation. One great example is the asexual spectrum. Known as the A-spec, this umbrella term encompasses those who experience little to no romantic or sexual attraction.

“Despite increasing attention to LGBTQ+ rights, the issues of asexuality and acephobia are often overlooked,” shared Dipa. “The lack of representation and resources perpetuates their marginalization within the broader LGBTQ+ movement.”

In Dhaka, Bangladesh, where Dipa is based, asexual individuals often face unique and archaic punishments. “Section 377 of the Penal Code, a remnant of colonial-era legislation, stands as a formidable barrier to LGBTQIA+ rights, criminalizing what it terms as ‘unnatural offenses’,” Dipa explained. “This perpetuates an atmosphere of fear and discrimination.”

In fact, forced marriages and marital rape are common – and even considered legal under Sharia law. “Women can only appeal for divorce in specific circumstances, none of which include marital rape, leading to profoundly distressing married lives for asexual women,” Dipa added. Exacerbating the problem comes the fact that sanctuaries, such as shelters and safe homes, are rare for victims.

In many conservative countries, asexuality is often seen as a disorder or sexual dysfunction and is “treated” with therapies such as forced medication or confinement. Trauma, expectedly, follows.

Some even undergo conversion therapy, which involves the forced use of medications such as Viagra; these increase libido in an asexual person despite their lack of sexual attraction towards others.

“Many asexual individuals find themselves isolated as they are often misdiagnosed with conditions like Gamophobia, Frigidity, Psychosexual Disorder, and OCD,” said Dipa.

She recounted the experience of a 28-year-old “Ayan,” a pseudonym. Ayan had sought help from a sexologist who lacked understanding about asexuality and had prescribed Ayan with Viagra. After two months, Ayan experienced an increase in libido, which exacerbated ongoing mental health issues. This disrupted both his personal and professional life.

“Ayan has already attempted suicide twice, underscoring the pressing need to abolish conversion therapy and instead offer compassionate, evidence-based support for individuals navigating their sexual identity,” said Dipa.

Though asexuals in Bangladesh seem to undergo more intense challenges than individuals in liberal countries, the phenomenon of sex-shaming is seemingly prevalent worldwide. It must be remembered that asexuality is just as valid of an identity as heterosexuality or homosexuality. Yet, the need for equality is an ongoing battle.

In response to this, and to the constrictive laws in her own country, Dipa now hosts closed-door exhibitions at her gallery. At Epiphania Visuals, select allies are invited to take part in the 100-day Bangladesh Indoor Pride Art Festival. With secret locations and a strict invite-only guestlist, the event provides a safe environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals amidst the heightened risks faced by the community. While it’s heartbreaking to hear about the kinds of precautions locals have to take in order to express themselves authentically, Dipa knows it’s well worth the risk.

“Bangladesh held its first Pride rallies in 2014 and 2015,” recounted Dipa. “Sadly, this newfound visibility met with brutal violence. In 2016, the government banned the Pride rally, and on April 25 of that year, Xulhaz Mannan and Mahbub Rabbi Tonoy, two key organizers of these events, were brutally murdered by Islamic extremists.”

“The murders of Xulhaz and Tonoy were a devastating blow, not just to the LGBTQIA+ community, but to the broader cause of human rights. In the face of such adversity, it would have been easy to give up. Yet, the indomitable spirit of pride knows no bounds. In the aftermath of these tragedies, we came together, and reshaped our strategies to continue our fight for equality.”