KATHMANDU, Nepal, January 21, 2005  –  Nepal’s first “alternative” newspaper was launched today by the Blue Diamond Society in the capitol of the Himalayan country.

Nil Hira Saptahik and its English language edition Blue Diamond Weekly will give a “voice” to minorities, including gays and lesbians, and will cover issues including HIV/AIDS.  The newspapers are published with the help of the British Embassy in Kathmandu.

“There is absolutely no reason why people with different sexual preferences and people with HIV/AIDS, should not be able to continue to lead fulfilled and productive lives with the same freedom and rights as all people,” Greg Gibson, the Third Secretary at the British Embassy said in officially launching the titles today.

“The British Embassy is very proud to support these new publications and hope that they will help to create and sustain awareness within all levels of society of the plight of HIV/AIDS sufferers and those with individual sexual preferences.

“We hope this new weekly journal will be an effective and fast way to disseminate information on HIV/AIDS and thereby minimise the social taboos that have been a hindrance to the lives of HIV/AIDS sufferers and the sexual minorities in Nepal,” he added.

Sunil Babu Pant, founder of Blue Diamond Society, commented:  “The 8 page weekly papers are Nepal's first alternative publications.  The aim is to bring the ‘voice’ of oppressed communities to public attention and to sensitise the public at large on the issues that have been marginalized in Nepali society.

“They are intended to focus equally on all marginalized groups and their issues, like human rights, women's issues, children's  issues, sexuality, gender diversity, HIV/AIDS, Dalits and Janajatis, sex workers, etc.”

Blue Diamond Society website

IGLA Nepal website This includes reports from last summer when members of the Blue Diamond Society were arrested.

21 January  2005