𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐋𝐆𝐁𝐓𝐐+ 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲

By Lalit Gurung

Gender-based violence within Bhutan’s Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) community is a critical issue that has often been overlooked. According to Pride Bhutan, an LGBTQ+ organization, among the 353 registered members, 11 percent reported experiencing bullying, 38 percent faced stigma, 36 percent encountered discrimination, and 8 percent had been subjected to some form of violence.

LGBTQ+ rights in Bhutan have significantly evolved in recent years, marked by the decriminalization of homosexuality in 2021. This legislative milestone signalled a move toward greater acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. However, despite this progress, gender-based violence remains a pressing concern. Many LGBTQ+ individuals still face uncertainty regarding their safety, often becoming targets of violence, discrimination, and stigma.

Tenzin Gyeltshen, the executive director of Pride Bhutan, underscores that these statistics likely reflect only a fraction of the reality. “Many individuals, particularly those who have faced violence, hesitate to report their experiences due to fear of further victimization, lack of support from authorities, or mistrust in institutions,” he explained. This underreporting makes it difficult to gauge the true extent of gender-based violence within Bhutan’s LGBTQ+ community.

The emotional toll of gender-based violence becomes evident through personal narratives. A 28-year-old trans-woman shared her painful experience of abuse by her partner. She recounted a night when her boyfriend, intoxicated, verbally abused her for being a trans-woman and destroyed her belongings. “This year, 2024, will always stand out in my mind as a period filled with pain and resilience,” she reflected. Her story highlights how societal stigma often exacerbates violence within intimate relationships.

Another poignant account comes from a 25-year-old trans-woman who suffered violence at the hands of her brother. Working at a draying (entertainment establishment) while wearing a kira, she had kept her job hidden from her family, fearing their reaction. When her brother discovered her workplace, he stormed in, violently attacked her on stage, and dragged her home, where the abuse continued. She was confined at home for an extended period, unable to leave.

This incident underscores the trauma inflicted by close family members struggling to accept their LGBTQ+ relatives.
In response to these challenges, several initiatives have been launched to support victims and combat gender-based violence. One such initiative is the “Rainbow Help Desk,” established by Respect, Educate, Nurture, and Empower Women (RENEW) with support from the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) and Save the Children.

The Rainbow Help Desk serves as a platform to address gender-based violence within Bhutan’s LGBTQ+ community. By providing essential resources and support, the initiative advocates for the protection of LGBTQ+ rights. “We hope the LGBTQ+ community trusts the initiative and comes forth to share their experiences,” Tenzin said. “It is crucial that individuals feel safe and supported when they need help.”

Despite the progress made through support systems like the Rainbow Help Desk, much work remains. Tenzin emphasized the need for societal attitudes to shift. “To reduce gender-based violence in the LGBTQ+ community, societal attitudes need to change. But more importantly, there needs to be trust from the LGBTQ+ community in us,” he said. “Only then will their voices be heard and their experiences taken seriously.”

Addressing gender-based violence within Bhutan’s LGBTQ+ community requires a collective effort. As societal perceptions evolve and support systems strengthen, there is hope for a safer and more inclusive future. By amplifying the voices of victims and fostering trust, Bhutan can take meaningful steps toward breaking the silence and ensuring the dignity and safety of all its citizens.