KATHMANDU, August 16  – Nepal’s Blue Diamond Society, a gay human rights organisation that also address HIV/AIDS, has launched a support group for lesbians in the country’s capital, Kathmandu.

Even in the 21st century, the feeling of attraction between women considered as an unnatural act – and shameful – in Nepal, says the group which looks to .empower deprived and excluded women, and to support and protect those women who are at high risk.

“Most lesbian women are facing trauma and adversity in Nepal,” said a spokesperson of Blue Diamond Society.  “They are confused, when they have to hide their sexuality, because of fear from their family and society’s traditional beliefs.

“A section of society believes that homosexuals, including attraction between women, is unnatural and is a kind of disease.  Thus Nepalese lesbians are forced to engage in traditional relationship and hide their feelings/affection forever.”

Nepal boasts a number of human rights organisations and pro-women organisations.  But none of them are able to address issues of minority women.

“In fact, no one is able to understand the grief and agony of lesbian women who, for a variety of reasons, marry heterosexual partners,” the spokesperson pointed out.

“No human rights activists have shown a ray of hope for the advocacy of sexual minorities. Consequently, society’s perception towards lesbians is further declining.  Homosexuals have become the subject of fun and jokes for others.

“We are part of society.  Why doesn’t society understand our feelings, our emotions?  We also want to live and work like heterosexuals.  Then, why are we always discriminated against?  Aren't we human beings? Don't we have rights to live?

“Now, Blue Diamond Mitini Support Group is open to address our denied rights.  We need the support of both society and other organisations/institutions.  We anticipate your kind help and suggestions.

“We also welcome questions and queries from our lesbian sisters. We encourage them to share their feelings and ideas.

“In recent times, we have learnt that some of our lesbian sisters have been discriminated against at work. We request all organisations/institutions not to humiliate and fire lesbian women from their jobs on the grounds of their sexuality.

“Expelling people from job due to their sexual orientation means violation of human rights and can be regarded as a serious hate crime,” the spokesperson concluded.

The Mitini Support Group is calling on everybody in Nepal to respect the rights of sexual minorities and stop all activities which would affect their personal life and reputation.

The Blue Diamond Mitini Support Group can be contacted by email at bluediamondmitini(at)yahoo.com.

LINK

Blue Diamond Society website