19/08/2023
https://www.facebook.com/100063951669441/posts/716195793855470/?mibextid=5eVWNK
PRESS RELEASE
A Community Peer-Led Intervention (CPLI) program was launched today by Sikkim State Aids Control Society (SSACS) for the LGBTQIA+ community in Sikkim. The office which is called “SAMPARK” will be operated by the members of Rainbow Hills Welfare Association which is a community-based NGO. The primary objective of this office is to create awareness and advocate for the rights of the LGBTQIA community. It shall also be the contact point to spread information regarding AIDS prevention and other STI prevention among the high-risk group such as the Men Seeking Men (MSM) and Transgenders (TG) population.
Ms. Viveka Gurung – General Secretary RHWA and Asst. Professor at NBBGC, Tadong – after facilitating the dignitaries addressed the audience expressing her gratitude to SSACS and the state machinery for their support in the inauguration of the office. Furthermore, she emphasized the role of the community for peer-counseling outreach and HIV testing given the alarming increase in STIs, especially with regard to the “largely invisible” MSM and TG groups and urged a change in narrative in light of a changing India.
Dr. Deeki Ongmu Phempu— Projector Director SSACS, noted that the endeavor was initiated firstly, out of human empathy, data driven mindset, and the aim of preventing PLHIV person from progression to AIDS. Finally, she ensured full support from her team for the cause.
Dr. Doma T. Bhutia— Additional Advocate General, congratulated the association and assured support on part to accommodate the needs and due rights of persons of the community. Moreover, she highlighted the role of society to tackle stigma to achieve greater inclusivity. She concluded by emphasizing the urgent need for designated public toilets for TG persons.
Subsequently, Ms. Sherap Tamang (Jwala Di), Transwoman who is currently being looked after by RHWA shared her lived experience with the audience. She narrated her story about the circumstance and attitude of her family that led up to her living homeless. She expressed her sincerest gratitude to RHWA for their constant presence and support throughout her journey of recovery and acceptance of herself. In the future she dreams of being able to start her own dance class and live a life of dignity.
The Hon’ble Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly-cum-MLA Arithang— Shri. Arun Kumar Upreti, the chief guest of the program posited the necessity of sustained effort at an individual and filial level to inculcate an awareness and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community in their immediate society. Furthermore, he expressed his gratitude for being invited and attributed the event to have been greatly educative leaving him better equipped to deal with the issues of the LGBTQIA+ community. The Speaker also made assurances to champion the urgent issues of the community— prominently the need for public toilets for transgender persons and a Shelter Home (Garima Griha) exclusively for unhoused persons of the community otherwise shunned by their families and society.
Ms Navita Pradhan – Deputy Secretary, Women and Child Development Department ensured further support on behalf of the entire department and extended sincere congratulations. Ms Dil Kumari Gurung, member of the association also put forth the need for the formation of a Transgender Welfare Board in the state. The Program was attended by Mr. Niraj Khatiwada, SHO Sadar Police Station, Mr. Arun Chettri, Welfare Officer, Social Welfare Department and the Councillors of Arithang ward 9, Mr. Karma Tempo Rapgyal and ward 10 – Mr. Passang Tamang followed by officials from SSACS and the members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Finally, the program was successfully concluded with a ‘Vote of Thanks’ delivered by the Publicity Secretary RHWA—Mr. Bishal Rai.
