Kathmandu /Pahichan – Blue Diamond Society is Nepal’s leading community based organization representing sexual and gender minorities and was established in 2001.It is a largest sexual and gender minorities human rights organization of Nepal as well as in the world.

Who are sexual and gender minorities

People who are oppressed/discriminated against due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity: Homosexual, Bisexuals, Lesbian, Gays, Metis, Tas, Dohoris, kothis,Transsexuals,Transvestites, Marunis, Singarus, Lingies/Samalingies and many others… They are as diverse as in their Heterosexuals in their class, caste, gender, religion, culture, ethnicity, language, profession and physical appearance.

Sex: A person’s sex refers to biological or anatomical identity as male, female, third gender or inter-sex. Although often used interchangeably, gender and sex do not have the same meaning.

Gender: Refer to social construction of femininity or masculinity that varies in time and place and is constructed through learned, rather than innate, behavior. Gender and sex do not have the same meaning.

Gender identity: A person’s internal sense or feeling of being male or female. Gender expression relates to how a person presents his or her sense of gender to the large society. Gender identity and gender expression are often closely linked with the term transgender. “Many transgender people seek support and acceptance from the gay and lesbian community, where gender norms are often more inclusive”.

Gender expression: Refer to the expression through clothing and behavior, or the inner sense of identification and self-awareness, that manifests a person’s fundamental sense of themselves as masculine or feminine, and male or female. This can include dress, posture, hairstyle, jewelry, vocal inflection, speech patterns, and social interaction.

Metis: Metis are biologically males who see themselves as feminine. They generally identify themselves as distinct from the gay/bisexual community in Nepal. They are generally marginalized because of their socio-economic status as well as their gender identity. While some Metis marry women, they often have sexual relationship outside of marriage with men and identify as transgender with a feminine orientation.

Metis are called Kothis or Maugias in Terai and Singarus or Strain in some part of Hill regions, Phulumulu in Mountain regions.

Maruni: Biologically males who performs dance in female attire. Females who see themselves or perceived as masculine.

Blue diamond Society is working in various sector with LGBTI community but as a District project officer in Prevention package for Gay community, I want to discuss more about HIV and other STI services which BDS has providing. HIV/AIDS and STI prevention program and the prevention Program for MSM/MSW and TG was launched in July 2011 in partnership with Nepal Government (NCASC) has been providing services to MSW/MSW and TG in 10 different cities/districts. The Global fund program (Round 7 and 10) has been providing services MSW/MSW(Gay) and TG in 14 districts. The epidemic sees MSM as being more vulnerable than most due to their many sexual behaviors like anal sex, having multiple sex partners and also stigma and discrimination. MSM are not open about their sexual behaviors/orientations with friends and family and consequently often suffer from low self-esteem, which results practicing high-risk behaviors. Cumulative data published by National Center for HIV/AIDS and STD Control also show increasing number of STI and HIV infection case among MSM/ MSW. The most commonly reported cases of STI infection among MSM/MSW are gonorrhea, syphilis, genital warts and Chlamydia etc.

The goal of the Program is –

To scale down the Prevalence rate of HIV

To reduce HIV transmission and enhance the quality of life of people living with HIV

AIDS and to contribute to the achievement of Millennium Development Goals 4, 5 and 6 .So,LGBTQ identified youth shouldn’t have to educate everyone in their life (parents, family, friends, teachers, etc.) about being LGBTQ. You can gain a world of information by reading books, attending trainings, and having open discussions. It is also easy to get resources through organizations, such as the Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network, which exist to support the LGBTQ community.  And in my opinion, Comprehensive sexuality education is so important for all young people. Information about their bodies, pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted infection prevention, consent and healthy relationships are key components of healthy development. Too often I hear from LGBTQ youth that they feel ignored when it comes to these topics. Ironically LGBTQ youth are often left out of discussions about sexual violence even though sexual violence disproportionately impacts the LGBTQ community. Make sure that what is being taught addresses the needs of your students regardless of their orientation or gender identity.

 Bishwaraj Adhikari(Mister Gay handsome 2013 of Nepal)

Project Officer
Blue Diamond Society

An HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Package for MSM/MSW
Chandol,Kathmandu
Ph(+977) 1 4434438
email : [email protected]