“Social stigma and discriminatory policies continue to marginalize LGBTIQ+ individuals, denying them their rights and opportunities. Through collaborative programs and advocacy with local partners, we challenge harmful beliefs, behaviors, and legislation that perpetuate inequality, working tirelessly to create a world where everyone can live with dignity and pride.”

“When people get to know that I am a transgender, the first thing that they are interested in to know is about my sex life. Some people do not ask this directly. They would ask questions like how you could have children, are you happy the way you are. But there have been moments when people simply ask my face about my genitals, and how they are functioning, can we even satisfy our partners. These are very personal questions, and they make us very uncomfortable. I wish more people would recognize that transgender people, like everyone else, deserve dignity, respect, and the right to privacy. If you want to understand trans people, start by seeing us as people first.”

“I was in a relationship with a girl who lived in our neighbourhood. When our parents found out, they refused to let us see each other or even step outside the house. My parents hit me severely. My mother screamed that I was bringing shame to the family. My father took away my NIC to stop me from running away. We tried to escape, but before we could do that, we were caught by my mother and sister. They dragged us to the Police Station. Due to an argument that happened between me and my family, the officer in charge locked me in a remand cage. I argued with my family saying that it’s my life and I have the right to make decisions. As the Police could not detain me, they claimed I was acting violently to take me to a Hospital. After the admission. I spent the night at the hospital. The next morning, a doctor examined me and confirmed that I had no mental illness. Since the doctor was concerned about my safety at home, she was hesitant to release me. That’s when Équité stepped in. Équité visited me at the hospital. With their help, I filed a police entry stating my voluntary detachment from my family. Thanks to Équité, I was finally out of my house. They gave me the support I needed to start over and rebuild my future.”