The groups claims that Nepal Police seem to have nothing better to do except
chasing after the most poor and marginalized sections of society like Metis
(transgender) and sex workers, raiding night clubs, hotels and streets around
Thamel, Kathmandu, and arresting and taking advantage of transgender and sex
workers.
Last night three Metis, and few days ago about a dozen sex workers from the
highways, were reportedly arrested by the Nepal Police.
Looting, kidnapping, murder cases are said to be rampant. Common Nepalis are
feeling insecure as the police are not doing much to make the security
situation better.
A Blue Diamond Society spokesman said: ?Many of us, including homosexuals and
transgender, who came out on the streets to protest against autocracy and
fought for democracy, are now asking ourselves: is this the mandate we gave to
our leaders to manage democracy??
Sexual identity is complex in Nepal. There are Metis, men who see themselves as
feminine, Mardanas, women who see themselves as masculine, as well as gay men
and lesbians and Tesrolingis (transsexuals).
The group is demanding recognition of same-sex partnerships and property rights
for transsexuals.
They also want changes to identity cards so that transgender people can be
identified as a separate category.
The King has promised to hold free elections next year, and the Nepalese will
be given a chance to choose between a monarchy or democracy. Gay rights groups
intend to stand in those elections.
joined the opposition to the king, after he sacked the government last year,
thus plunging the South Asian country into turmoil.
Protesters, including homosexuals and transgenders, put on black arm bands to
campaign for the monarch to relinquish his power.
The group?s president, Sunil Babu Panta announced they had donated Nepali Rs
10,000 ($138) to support injured protesters and were happy to join the
?historic democratic movement" for ousting the "autocratic" government of
Gyanendra
NGOs such as the Blue Diamond Groups have previously had restricted funding and
freedom from the government.
King Gyanendra dismissed the Nepalese government in February 2005 claiming they
were not doing enough to end Maoist communist rebellions.
It is as yet unclear if any of the demands of the Nepalese gay, lesbian and
transgender people will be granted in the new constitution.
