This is an initiative led by Native Alliance Bangladesh to address the double marginalization of Indigenous LGBTQ+ communities who are silenced both for their ethnic identity and their sexual/gender identity. These communities are often tokenized within the mainstream LGBTQ+ movement while facing systemic oppression, militarization, local armed conflicts, and settler-driven violence that have destroyed homes and eroded their safety. Deeply impacted by imposed binary systems and long-standing exclusion, Indigenous LGBTQ+ individuals remain vulnerable yet resilient. This project seeks to amplify their voices through storytelling, campaigns, and advocacy, creating a platform where they can reclaim dignity, celebrate diversity, and demand equality. By raising visibility and building solidarity, the initiative aims to strengthen a sustainable movement for justice and inclusion in Bangladesh.
This project seeks to establish a dedicated counselling helpline to address the pressing mental health needs of grassroots Indigenous LGBTQ+ people in Bangladesh. Due to long-standing oppression, social stigma, discrimination, and compounded marginalization, many individuals in these communities face serious psychological distress without access to proper support. The helpline will connect vulnerable individuals with certified counsellors, ensuring accessible, confidential, and culturally sensitive mental health care. Beyond immediate support, this initiative also aims to generate valuable insights into the overall mental well-being of Indigenous LGBTQ+ people, particularly in the context of post-pandemic challenges. By providing direct assistance and documenting lived realities, the project aspires to strengthen resilience, dignity, and hope within the community.
This is an initiative of Bandhu Social Welfare Society (BSWS) in Bangladesh, and Native Alliance Bangladesh is the implementing partner to this project.. It primarily focuses on promoting equity, dignity, and social justice for marginalized communities, especially gender-diverse populations such as transgender, hijra, MSM, and other sexual minorities. Through the Samata Project, Native Alliance Bangladesh works to: 11. Improve access to healthcare services, particularly HIV prevention, treatment, and care. 2. Strengthen mental health and psychosocial support for vulnerable groups. 3. Enhance community mobilization and leadership so that gender-diverse and LGBTQ+ communities can claim their rights. 4. Advocate for policy reforms that protect and empower marginalized identities in Bangladesh. 5.Build partnerships to reduce stigma, discrimination, and violence faced by these groups.
Somar-Somaji is an initiative dedicated to empowering rural and hilly indigenous communities through capacity building and grassroots movement strengthening. The project focuses on creating inclusive spaces where marginalized voices, particularly women, youth, and LGBTQ people, can participate and lead. By promoting knowledge-sharing, leadership training, and awareness programs, Somar-Somaji strengthens community resilience and collective action. A key component of this initiative is advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), ensuring access to vital information and services for those often excluded. Through this effort, we aim to build a just and equal society where no one is left behind.