During IDAHOT week, Bandhu Social Welfare Society (BSWS) and the Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts in Dhaka invited broader communities  to come to the exhibition of ‘Innate Identities’ - a series of photographs by Gazi Nafis Ahmed. They also organised film screenings and events to sensitise civil society actors in SOGI related issues. And Boys of Bangladesh (BoB) hosted a reading session on May 18.

Held from May 10 to 17, the exhibition portrays the diversity of Bangladeshi LGBTI communities. The inauguration session was marked by US Ambassador to Bangladesh Mr. Dan Mozena, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Dhaka Mr. Gerben Sjoerd de Jong, Ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka Ms. Merete Lundemo and UNAIDS Country Coordinator of Bangladesh Mr. Leo Kenny.

BSWS also arranged a countrywide event with the involvement of nine Community Based Organizations from Chittagong, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal and Comilla, and with the support of Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD). BSWS screened a documentary titled “Will this Change?” an advocacy as well as sensitization tool produced by BSWS aimed at stakeholders as well as people from outside the community, who might commonly act as violators of rights.

The film also encourages LGBTI communities to break the silence surrounding LGBTI rights in Bangladeshi society. BSWS believes that communities themselves can sensitise other members of society, and can uphold their own rights if they become more aware of their own rights.

“HIM” is another initiative of BSWS dedicated to young MSM and trans communities in Bangladesh. BSWS also organized an event with “HIM” members with the support of GHRD, where the film “Prayers for Bobby” was screened. Besides this, a discussion on LGBTI rights issues for IDAHOT was also organized.

GHRD also supported BSWS to arrange an awareness-raising event for members of Human Rights Alliance Bangladesh, in collaboration of Boys of Bangladesh (BoB). Human Rights Alliance Bangladesh is a collation of civil society organizations working in the area of rights violation of marginalized communities in Bangladesh, which includes LGBTI communities, religious minorities and indigenous peoples.

For the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia 2014, Boys of Bangladesh (BoB) also held a reading session including reading, monologues, song and theatre with its members, as well as friends and supporters, on issues for gender and sexual minorities.

As part of their mobilisation, BoB stated before May 17 that:

International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia urges you to stand up and speak out against any violence, discrimination and hatred towards LGBT people. Bangladesh is one of the 77 countries that still has an archaic law to criminalize same-sex relationships. While brutal homophobia may not be as widespread because the LGBT community is still very underground, there are reports of rampant attacks on LGBT individuals who dare to be out and open about who they are. The time has come for us to fight this together, if we believe in love and human rights. At the same time we should also fight the homophobia that is within us. Greater social acceptance will only come after we accept ourselves and are proud to be who we are.

Bangladesh’s leading national TV channel, Bangla Vision, hosts talk show for IDAHO

As a part of their media campaign the Bandhu Social Welfare Society (BSWS) organized a talk show with Bangla Vision – one of the pioneering and leading TV Channel of the country. Organisers advised that this “shows great commitment toward the people specially the SOGI Population with huge circulation. The campaign launched to coincide with IDAHO on aired in two episodes consequently on 16 and 17 May, 2013. Chairman of Bangladesh Law Commission Mr. Shah Alam, Additional Sectary of Ministry of Health and family Welfare of Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Mr. AN Bodruddoja, Professor of Clinical Psychology of University of Dhaka Dr. Mahtab Khanam and Executive Director of BSWS Mr. Shale Ahmed explicitly speak on Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity, Stigma, Discrimination, HIV/AIDS and present country context.”

‘Awareness through Entertainment’ Concert for May 17

A musical concert jointly organized by BSWS and Boys of Bangladesh (BoB) also marked the Day’s commemorations.

Event flyer from BoB on facebook; Source.

Activists from BoB advised, in events listings on facebook “For the 6th year in a row, BoB will be celebrating International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO-T) on May 17. This time we have paired up with artist Nirjher Chowdhury and Seth Pandu Blumberg for an evening of music, fun and solidarity.  IDAHO-T aims to raise awareness of LGBT rights violations and stimulate interest in LGBT rights work…Nirjher Chowdhury has already gained a reputation for his signature rendition of Rabindra Sangeet and fusion work in the Bangla music scenario. With a number of albums (solo and mixed) released, he is one of the few young artists who have also directed music for a number of theatre plays, telefilms and dramas. Lately he has been applauded for his extraordinary work with Shadhona’s mega production Mayar Khela.

Seth Pandu Blumberg is an american blues musician, theorist and an amazing storyteller who narrates the tales with passion. He takes the audience on a journey with him where he recounts the tales of the Blues. Having performed with popular artists such as Ike Turner, Ravi Shankar,BB King, Solomon Burke, Anushka Shankar and so on, Pandu is an amazing personality to meet up close for both musicians and enthusiasts alike. So come join us for not only a musical treat but also for endorsing people’s Right to Love!”

Held at Kozmo Lounge, Banani, leading artists of the country not only performed but also endorsed the cause in the process. About 150 participants attended the ‘Awareness through Entertainment’ themed concert.

Nirjher Chowdhury and his fusion band Dharok performing in May 17 concert; Source.

Anusheh and Pandu performing in May 17 concert; Source.

Shale Ahmed of BSWS making a speech at IDAHO 2013 event at Kozmo; Source.

Photos from Boys of Bangladesh poster campaign, May 17 2013, Dhaka

  Participants at BoB event in Dhaka, Bangladesh; Source.

Photos from Bandhu Social Welfare Society event

BSWS Event for May 17 – from album “IDAHO 2013 Celebrations”; Source.