We are the sexual and gender minority people of this world. We are human beings like anybody else. We are fearless in the fights of our fundamental rights to life, identity, dignity, and equality. Manisha, Nepal XVII International AIDS Conference 2008, Mexico City

Discrimination, Violence and Exclusion Family Discrimination Denial of our right to love and form a family; domestic violence; psychological pressure and physical intimidation to change ourselves the way they want us to be; we receive no respect and trace of love from our biological family, rather we face exclusion because they fear that we no body will marry to our GOOD brothers and Sisters if we remain at home, if we remain at society we born!!! XVII International AIDS Conference 2008, Mexico City

Discrimination, Violence and Exclusion Discrimination from State No reorganization of our true identity by the state – thus many of us remain without any legal ID; We have no rights at all; No constitutional and/or legal provision that protects us from discrimination and violence We love every one and we respect the whole world, don’t we deserve a trace of love and respect from you back?

The violence against MSMs 6 th December 2003, two Metis (Jayabahadur and Nepti) were raped and beaten by Armed Police in Nepal

In 6 th August 2004, attempted murder of a Meti after rape: Jaya

Policemen attacked a group of Metis on the Nepali New Year’s Eve 2062

Outreach educators and peer educators are attacked

Arbitrary detention On August , 39 members of Blue Diamond Society were arrested arbitrarily and kept in prison for 13 days without any charge. Later on they were released on bail for the charge of public nuisance

Discrimination, Violence and Exclusion Societal Discrimination Exclusion and rejection from society, state mechanism; in the street we are constantly subjected to teasing, abuse, ridicule; No access to public places- if we enter female toilet the officers complains and if we enter the male toilet again the same officer complains saying only man are allowed; we have no space in the school; forced to live alone; no one will give us any proper job

Policy, Program and Funding Denial for TG No HIV programs for TGs HIV/AIDS policy, programs address only men and women but we are not man and/or women! No trained and sensitized service providers No TG focused information or services exist at health care centers Society is ashamed to discuss issues of TGs and our problems We can’t register organization as TG Not even regular and enough supplies of condoms and lubrication for TGs We will not stop until our sexual health rights are recognized. We will not cease in our efforts until these rights are embodied in the laws, policies, actions and attitudes of government, institutions and society that affect our lives. We must raise our issues strongly and continue in our efforts and struggles to improve our lives. XVII International AIDS Conference 2008, Mexico City

We will not allow our rights to be denied Being TG we are stigmatized; if also HIV positive then doubly stigmatized. If HIV positive TGs die, no one come from our family to attend the funeral. Difficult to find space for us to run care, support and treatment program Discrimination in the work place Discrimination in education Victims of violence: murder, beatings, rape Discriminatory laws and policies that continuously marginalizes us and makes us more and more vulnerable We condemn and challenge the stigma and discrimination that excludes us. We condemn physical, mental and sexual violence against us. We have to break our silence. Where there is stigma and discrimination against us we have to challenge it by standing formed, debating hard and opposing such challenges persistently, Never give up. XVII International AIDS Conference 2008, Mexico City

We will not be Stopped Unity is the power Lets build our stronger networks Ownership helps to grow and build our own programs Building capacity and Empowerment can lead us to our independency Advocacy and constant struggle will lead us to gain our rights Lest take our own lead towards our bigger goal: dignity and right to life We will not be stopped, ever, Never. Our principles are unshakeable. Our solidarity is unbreakable. XVII International AIDS Conference 2008, Mexico City

We commit ourselves to: Respect each other and join hands together as a community speaking with a single voice to lead a campaign for our political, economic, social and spiritual well-being. Mobilize our grassroots communities, our donors, our stake holders, our service providers to ensure our inclusion, representation and full participation in the decision making process to have equal access and rights to health care, job and education. Here is our MANTRA to success: Unity, Empowerment and Advocacy XVII International AIDS Conference 2008, Mexico City

We demand that our Governments: Acknowledge our existence Acknowledge the gravity of exclusion, violence and discrimination against sexual and gender minorities by state and society and take full responsibilities. Create favorable environment for healthy living, decent job and freedom of movement XVII International AIDS Conference 2008, Mexico City

We demand that our policy Makers: Make positive law and policies that protects us from discrimination and violence Enact and Enforce law to punish those perpetrators who violates our human rights Constitutional guarantee to our equal rights and opportunities Make Inter/National HIV/AIDS plan that inclusive of TG Do not runaway from your responsibilities, let us be responsible citizens

We demand that our donors: Allocate enough funds for prevention, care and treatment programs specifically for TG community too. Our Human Rights programs must be funded. Put condition of “TG inclusive policy and program” when you give funding to our governments. Involve us when you design our program. Thank you very much…. XVII International AIDS Conference 2008, Mexico City