Yangyel Lhaden

For the first time in the country, the LGBTIQ+ community has a dedicated place to seek help for gender-based violence (GBV)—a critical gap in support that has long existed.

Until now, those who sought assistance often found existing services inadequate, with no reintegration programmes or proper referral mechanisms in place. As a result, many members of the community could not access necessary support to rebuild their lives.

Established by Respect, Educate, Nurture, and Empower Women (RENEW) recently, the help desk will provide much-needed assistance and ensure that no one, regardless of identity, is left behind.

Inspired by the rainbow—an emblem of diversity, inclusion, and pride—the help desk takes an inclusive approach, ensuring marginalised voices are heard.

Studies show that GBV disproportionately impacts the LGBTIQ+ community, often in ways that go unnoticed or unaddressed.

There is an alarming prevalence of physical, sexual, emotional, and economic violence faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, according to RENEW.

A needs assessment report indicates they are four times more likely to experience violence compared to others. Additionally, they often grapple with challenges such as stigmatisation, discrimination, and a fear of being misunderstood, leaving many to suffer in silence.

“This initiative is to provide psychosocial support and promote inclusive support services for key populations to address GBV,” a RENEW official said. “ We aim to focus on GBV services which include reintegration programmes and a proper referral mechanism which we lack at the moment.”

Tshering Tshokey, a 26-year-old trans woman, has joined the Rainbow Help Desk as its first Rainbow Desk Officer. She has worked with several key populations—persons living with HIV, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTIQ+ community—in multiple roles as a social worker, case manager, community advocate, and ally within the LGBTIQ+ network.

“Despite the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 2020, LGBTIQ+ individuals continue to face discrimination and violence, with little support from existing services, even though the constitution treats everyone equally,” she said. “When we report violence, the response is often indifferent, and there is no proper referral system in place.”

She said that LGBTIQ+ and Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) concepts were still new in Bhutan, even though the movement started around 2014.

She said that the Rainbow Help Desk would provide essential services, including mental health support, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and GBV assistance. “It will create a safe space where marginalised individuals can seek help without fear of judgment”.

This desk is supported by International Planned Parenthood Federation and Save the Children.

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