Nepal’s gay activists aren’t pussy-footing around government repression.
Blue Diamond Society demanded the government curb its anti-queer crusade or face public protest:
At a press conference in the capital of Katmandu the Blue Diamond Society made four demands of the government: stop the state sanctioned violence against sexual minorities, give gays and the transgendered representation in the Constituent Assembly, guarantee sexual minorities the vote, and provide transsexuals with proper identification certificates.
Unless the demands are met, Blue Diamond said, it will “feel compelled to take to the streets.”
Things have been getting progressively worse for the South Asian nation’s bent boys and girls, including persecution against a women with small breasts (a key characteristic for lesbians, apparently) and the massive anti-trans arrests last July.
Rt. Rev. Dr. RES
I cannot imagine how difficult it is for Nepalese gays and lesbians to stand against the repressive theological and political and cultural majority.
I do know, however, that only in-your-face activism ever produces the outcomes required. Yes, there is always blood spilled when this happens. Whether you are discussing trade unions, black civil rights, or even women’s suffrage, or yes, ACT UP, to get the rights you need.
One day, American gays and lesbians will receive federal civil marriage rights from which all other rights emanate. It will take investment in activism rather than circuit parties. It will take going to the streets and demanding human rights…and having friends and allies join in the effort.
Maybe Canada and the Nederland make sense to you as first nations to give full rights….but Belgium, Spain and the Union of South Africa with full rights and the USA with none…..????????????