Pride Bhutan, a growing local non-profit organization, stands as a beacon for LGBTQ+ rights in Bhutan. Founded in 2014 by a group of young Bhutanese LGBTQ+ activists, it has been committed to creating a safe and inclusive society for all members of the community. The organization, with its 375 registered members, strives to create a nurturing space where LGBTQ+ people can freely express themselves and advocate for their rights.
Through its visionary approach, Pride Bhutan not only celebrates diversity but also endeavours to empower LGBTQ+ individuals to lead lives of dignity, equity, and freedom. It seeks to address issues and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ in Bhutan by advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, raising awareness about issues related to sexual and gender diversity, and creating a supportive community for members of the LGBTQ+ community in Bhutan.
In a remarkable achievement, Pride Bhutan played a pivotal role in decriminalizing homosexuality in Bhutan in 2021. Additionally, the organization successfully integrated LGBTQ+ issues into the National Gender Equality Policy, marking a significant step toward ensuring the inclusion and recognition of the LGBTQ+ community within the national framework.
Guided by a dedicated board of LGBTQ+ leaders, Pride Bhutan ensures comprehensive decision-making and inclusivity. Under the guidance of an executive director, strategic planning and program implementation are diligently carried out, while day-to-day operations are managed by a committed team of staff and volunteers. The organization thrives due to its network of members and supporters who both benefit from and contribute to its noble cause.
In 2015, Lhak-Sam, one of the sub-recipients of the Multi-country South Asia Global Fund Program on HIV, prompted the formation of an informal network of LGBT+ community in Bhutan. Through collective efforts and remarkable achievements, Pride Bhutan continues to work towards a fairer and more affirming society for LGBTQ+ individuals in Bhutan.
Vision
At Pride Bhutan, we envision a future where we are ‘Celebrating Diversity’ in all its forms. Pride Bhutan is deeply committed to promoting diversity in every facet of our mission and objectives. We define diversity as the inclusion and representation of all relevant demographic categories in our policy, governance, management, and operations. These categories include, but are not limited to, gender, age, ethnicity, race, nationality, sexual orientation, and physical abilities.
Our goal is to serve as a role model for diversity by striving to reflect the demographics of our national community in our leadership, members, committees, and volunteers. We believe that by embracing diversity, we can truly celebrate it and make Pride Bhutan a more inclusive and welcoming space for all.
Purpose
The core purpose of Pride Bhutan is to strive towards the creation of an inclusive and equitable environment that empowers LGBTQ+ individuals in Bhutan to realize their full potential. We believe that every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves to live in a society that acknowledges their rights, respects their identity, and allows them to flourish.
Our mission is not just about promoting acceptance and equality for the LGBTQ+ community, but it’s also about fostering a culture of respect and understanding within the broader society. We aim to break down the barriers that prevent LGBTQ+ individuals from fully participating in all aspects of societal life, be it social, economic, cultural, or political.
Through our various initiatives and programs, we work tirelessly to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, provide support and resources for the LGBTQ+ community, and educate the public about the issues faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every LGBTQ+ individual in Bhutan can live openly without fear, and can achieve their full potential in a society that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
Objectives
The objectives of Pride Bhutan are to:
- build a unified network of people that stimulates minds and empowers the community;
- create a supportive environment where individuals with diverse gender and sexuality are acknowledged by families, friends and communities;
- advocate information and learning on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE);
- enhance inclusive access to health care services and education, irrespective of sexual orientation, gender identity & expression.
Tenzin Gyeltshen
Executive Director
Sonam Choden
Finance & Admin Head
Ugyen Wangchuk
Outreach worker
Tsagay Dorji
Outreach worker
Tshering Tshokey
Outreach worker
I have been working with key populations, especially MSM, TGW, TGM, HRW and FSW, since 2015, when I joined Lhak-Sam Office (BNP+) as an Outreach Coordinator. In this role, I was responsible for identifying, mapping and coordinating outreach advocacy activities, disseminating messages on issues and social causes such as LGBT+, safe sex and discrimination, managing and communicating with outreach workers and regional coordinators, collecting, analyzing and managing PLHIV and LGBT+ data, and providing peer counseling. In 2016, I became the Project Manager of Lhak-Sam Office (BNP+), where I initiated and managed programs related to HIV and sexual health, such as HIV treatment literacy, peer education, and condom distribution. I also planned and executed advocacy programs on causes such as H.I.V literacy, stigma and discrimination, and human rights. I also handled the budget and funding for the programs, and conducted risk analysis and communication management. In 2017, I joined Rainbow Bhutan (Celebrating Diversity) as a Compliance Officer, where I ensured the proper conduct of the network, risk management and maintenance of the network’s image, and compliance with external codes imposed and the internal systems. In 2018, I founded Pride Bhutan, a local organization that works for the rights and well-being of the LGBT+ community in Bhutan. I started as a Program Officer Cum Office Manager, where I wrote proposals, planned and organized events, developed and implemented programs, coordinated and collaborated with teams and partners, and managed the day-to-day operation of the office. In 2020, I became the Executive Director of Pride Bhutan, where I lead the strategic planning and implementation of the organization’s programs and activities, manage the financial and human resources of the organization, coordinate and collaborate with the board of directors, the staff, the partners, the donors, and the beneficiaries, report and present the organization’s results and achievements, and advocate and promote the organization and its programs to the public and the media.
Sonam Choden, a Bhutanese Lesbian Woman and co-founder of Pride Bhutan and Red Purse Network, is a passionate advocate for the LGBT+ community and Female Sex Workers.
As the Finance and Administration head in Pride Bhutan, she is dedicated to creating sustainable financial structures and fostering transparency and accountability.
She actively promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace and champions the causes of those facing social exclusion. Sonam believes in the power of legal knowledge to navigate complex issues and advocate for the LGBT+ community and Female Sex Workers in Bhutan.
The individual has been working as a Peer Outreach Worker for Pride Bhutan since May 1, 2022, focusing on community mobilization among transgender men and data collection and management. They also volunteer in outreach activities involving food preparation, processing, safety, and customer care. Their education includes completing Class X at Gedu Higher Secondary School with a 50.5% score. They have various certifications, including Mental Health and Psychological First Aid, Legal Literacy Training for Key Population, Certified Peer Outreach Worker, Policy Advocacy, Self-leadership, Tally ERP.9, Inventory Management, Comprehensive Sexuality Education, Gender Based Violence Case Management, HIV Treatment Literacy Training, and Conducting Research on Intersections of Sex and Gender Dimensions with other Social Stratifies in Accessing Dengue & Tuberculosis Health Services. These certifications cover a range of skills and knowledge relevant to their field of work.
Tshering Tshokey, is a passionate, determined, and broad-minded transwoman from Langchupakha, Thimphu, Bhutan. Born on May 27, 1998, she is committed to advocating for equal opportunities for the transgender community in Bhutan. With a flexible and time-valuing approach, she actively seeks growth opportunities to contribute to a better world. Tshering holds a diploma from Motithang HSS and has embarked on various professional journeys, including her current role as an outreach worker at Pride Bhutan, where she bridges connections between the organization and the LGBT+ community. She also freelances as a makeup artist, showcasing her skills in both the film industry and social events. Previously, she served as a fashion assistant at Blossom, working with international designers. Tshering’s diverse skill set encompasses communication, leadership, and peer-based emotional support, complemented by fluency in Dzongkha, English, Sharchop, and Nepali. Her commitment to personal and professional development is evident through her participation in numerous workshops and trainings focused on mental health, project management, advocacy, and HIV/AIDS awareness. Additionally, she has undertaken research in areas such as gender studies and HIV self-testing. Tshering’s dedication to advocacy, coupled with her versatile skill set, positions her as a valuable asset in her quest for equality and empowerment within her community.
Having served as a Peer Outreach Worker at Pride Bhutan since May 2022, Ugyen Wangchuk has focused on community mobilization among MSM (Men who have Sex with Men) encompassing gay and bisexual individuals, along with managing data collection and data management tasks. Prior to this role, he gained experience in food preparation, processing, safety, and customer care during their tenure at CFF from 2016 to 2019. His educational background includes completing Class XII with a focus on Commerce from Richen Higher Secondary School, and Class X with General from Dramitse Middle Secondary School. Additionally, he have acquired several certifications, including Mental Health and Psychological First Aid from the Faculty of Nursing and Public Health in 2024, and Legal Literacy Training for Key Populations from Save the Children in 2023, among others, showcasing a commitment to personal and professional development in various domains.
