World Health Organisation decided to declassify homosexuality as a disease on May 17th, 1990. The International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) an international celebration of sexual and gender diversity, is celebrated on this day ever since.
Established in 2006, Mitini Nepal, a women-led non-governmental organization (NGO) fights for the rights and dignity of lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LBT) people. Founder of the organization, Laxmi Ghalan says, “We not only envision a better world but also believe that everyone has the right to reach their full potential and live dignified lives”. She further stresses that no one should be judged based on their sexuality or gender identity.
LGBTQ+ people report an increased risk of domestic and family violence, increased social isolation and anxiety, and difficulties accessing critical sexual and reproductive health and right. “We all have the right to our own health, body, sexuality, and life decisions without fear, coercion, violence, or discrimination”, she adds.
On the occasion of IDAHOTB 2022, Mitini Nepal is organizing a grand celebration tomorrow at Silver Oak. With the theme ‘Our Bodies, Our Lives, Our Rights’, the event will also include seven stories of LGBTQ persons, including community celebrities. “Vice President, Nanda Kishor Pun will be the special guest for the event”, executive director of Mitini Nepal, Sarita KC.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization had not been unable to celebrate the day with gusto for the last three years. This year, community members from seven provinces, embassies, ministries, women commissions, inclusive commissions, information commissions, chairpersons, UN agencies, INGOs/NGOs, and media will be participating in the celebration.
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