Dédé Oetomo is a Founder and Trustee of GAYa NUSANTARA in Surabaya - a community-based organisation active in research and education in the areas of human rights and politics, as well as sexual health and well-being services for sexuality and gender diversity. Dédé is an internationally recognised scholar, educator, and activist in areas of HIV and AIDS, research, training and advocacy. He is currently a member of the Board of the Indonesia AIDS Coalition. Leveraging his extensive expertise, Dédé also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Surabaya, University of Airlangga, and Widya Mandala Catholic University in Surabaya, Indonesia. In recognition of his pioneering contributions, he was honored with the Felipa de Sousa Award from the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission in 1998, and he earned the esteemed Utopia Award for his trailblazing work in advancing LGBTQ+ rights in Asia in 2001.