Last week, Norway increased its support to Nepal’s Blue Diamond Society (BDS) with NOK 6 million Alf Arne Ramslien, Norway’s Ambassador to Nepal, signed the three-year contract with BDS for the period 2011 to 2014.
BDS is a non-governmental organisation that has fought for the rights of lesbians, homosexuals, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Nepal for ten years. “This support is highly valuable to us. Not only financially, but also because this represents an important recognition of our work,” says Sunil Babu Pant, Director of BDS and also Member of Parliament.
Further to the financial contribution, the Norwegian Embassy in Kathmandu will also work at policy level, strategically and politically, with the Nepali government to improve the human rights situation for sexual and gender minorities.
“Norway shares the values that BDS is advocating for, and we aim to be a bold and reliable partner,” said Ramslien at the occasion of the signing. “The Norwegian support will be used particularly to improve the rights of sexual minorities and to gain public awareness through public outreach and media,” he added.
One of BDS’ greatest triumphs was in 2007 when Nepal decriminalized homosexuality. However, there are still major challenges for lesbians, gays and transgender people in Nepal, linked to violence, harassment and discrimination. The problems are greatest in the south, in the Terai region, bordering India.
BDS offers refuge and help to people who have been victims of abuse. Twenty-seven years old Bhakti Shah was helped by BDS after experiencing discrimination in the armed forces. Shah was raised and treated as a girl growing up, but defines himself today as the third gender.
- I was born a girl but have always felt like a man. Now I am very proud to label myself the third gender, says Shah, who now works for BDS in Kathmandu.