Date:
The five letters below from transgender, bisexual, and lesbian community members in Nepal to their younger selves are collated from the study “EVIDENCE TO ACTION Addressing Violence Against LGBTIQ+ People in Nepal 2023”. The letters share moments of reflection, exploring their social and personal experiences, including their relationship with family and friends, the types of violence they faced and its consequences. These moments of reflection aim to provide hope and comfort to the self, who at times feels alone and afraid. It follows the journey of the LGBTIQ+ person from childhood to adolescence, where they experienced feelings of isolation, to adulthood, where there is a sense of hope, acceptance and community.
Trigger warning: The following includes descriptions of gender-based violence.
LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF:
School is tough right now. I know you feel alone when your “friends” do not include you in playing on their sports teams. I know you feel harassed when they throw your bag away or when they hit you on the head. I know you feel uncomfortable when you go to sit down after standing up to answer a question in class, only to find they quickly placed a pen on your seat ... more
LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF:
REFLECTIONS OF A BISEXUAL DALIT WOMAN
You belong to the Dalit community and will experience different levels of disparity from childhood to adulthood. People will start treating us differently when they realize our caste. As a female, you will face disparities in school and in the village. As a bisexual, you will also face many difficulties. All these multiple identities, and the experiences that come with them, will lead to a lot of mental health difficulties ... more
LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF:
I know it’s taking some time to figure out who you really are, but you will. And soon, you’ll be able to share that you are a lesbian with your friends. Painfully, the story with your family will be a little different. Right now, they seem more concerned about what other people in the local community will say. They listen when neighbours accuse you of having “unnatural relationships” ... more
LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF:
You may not know it yet, but you are not alone, and it is okay to feel a little lost when discovering yourself. As you get older, you will find your people, your community. They will understand your experiences and your journey. These people will form organizations to guide, support and advocate for LGBTIQ+ communities ... more
LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF:
While you are discovering yourself, things with your family will become difficult. You will feel like you don’t belong within your family. You will think your parents care more about your siblings than you. Your father won’t speak kindly to you, and sometimes your family will say things no one should have to hear. Your family will also force you to behave like a daughter. Believe me: I know what it is like ... more