The Blue Diamond Society
Location: Nepal
Mission Statement
The Blue Diamond Society works to deliver immediate and lasting improvements to the lives of sexual and gender minorities in Nepal and beyond. Blue Diamond fights for sexual and gender minorities social justice and rights which envisions a society that respects and values each sexual and gender minority and where each sexual and gender minority can live with equal rights and dignity.
Background Information
The Blue Diamond Society(BDS) is an LGBT rights organization in Nepal. It was organized in 2001 to oppose some conservative Hindu-oriented laws against homosexuality in the now-former Kingdom.
Their first challenge was to register an NGO for sexual minorities where the constitution does not recognize sexual minorities so BDS registered as a sexual health program.
It is currently led by Sunil Babu Pant, the first gay legislator in Nepal's history.In 2007, the organization won the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission's (IGLHRC) Felipa de Souza Award
Activities of Organisation
At present, BDS conducts the only HIV/AIDS/STI prevention program in Nepal that targets the LGBT community. Through BDS outreach work, they reach up to 15,000 men who use the drop-in centre and outreach services which reach another 40-50 lesbians who also have access to these services.
In addition to a weekly clinic that offers free HIV/AIDS/STI check-ups and treatment, BDS provides a weekly social support group, a weekly training on safe-sex practices, a weekly queer or safe-sex film show, and a 24-hour drop-in center. BDS organizes and participates in many local community events to raise awareness and discussion of LGBTs, sexualities, gender and sexual health practices in Nepal.
Consensus Community Perspective
The Blue Diamond society addresses a group of people who are all too easily ignored, avoided and thus extra vulnerable in their marginalization. It is not only Nepal where there lies a strong taboo on sexual minorities. The Himalayan Consensus recognizes homosexuality as something historically part of ALL cultures.
We at the Himalayan Consensus emphasize ethnic identity and support those who seek practical community-based solutions drawn upon indigenous values and that is very much what The Blue Society does even if it is some of those same values they (still) have to fight against.
Contact Information
Address:
ShivabhaktiMarg no. 344Khursanitar, Lazimpat-2
Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone : 4443350/4000147
Fax : 4438600 GPO Box 8975 EPC 5119
http://www.bds.org.np/
Website: Visit this community's website