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| ORGANISATION: | BLUE DIAMOND SOCIETY (BDS) |
| AREA: | 2 DISTRICTS OF NEPAL: KATHMANDU & RUPANDEHI |
| GRANT PERIOD: | 2005 - 2008 |
| BENEFICIARIES: | 1,300 MSM & TRANSGENDER PEOPLE |
Nepalese law remains silent on homosexuality but men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender (meti) communities face extreme stigma and frequent abuse from the police and general population. The shocking injuries pictured here are the result of an unprovoked attack by a group of men on a young meti in Kathmandu in 2004. Fortunately the meti survived this horrific attack and has given permission for these pictures to be used to illustrate the level of violence and danger faced by their community.
In such an environment it is easy to see how the MSM & meti communities were not being reached by mainstream awareness campaigns or HIV/AIDS services. Blue Diamond Society (BDS) saw this need and bravely took a stand initiating HIV/AIDS services designed for and by these communities and dedicated to meeting their needs. EJAF has helped BDS to establish these services and to become a leading light in this field, winning a number of international awards in recognition of its work.
We support BDS to provide HIV/AIDS information and education as well as condoms and lubricant, STI diagnosis and treatment, HIV counselling and testing, positive living and antiretroviral treatment support and a hospice for those who need it. The project's outreach activities are conducted by MSM & meti peer educators who risk their own safety to undertake this work.
BDS is working hard to try and change the prevailing attitude towards their communities in Nepal and has had some significant successes - including getting the first transgender person legally recognised in February 2007. However there is still much to do before this vulnerable community's rights are fully recognised and respected and they are able to access all HIV/AIDS services
without stigma or discrimination.