Bhutan has made meaningful strides toward LGBTI+ inclusion in recent years. The introduction of the National Gender Equality Policy in 2020 laid down an important foundation by recognizing the need to “address gender issues” faced by women and gender-diverse communities. The decriminalization of homosexuality in 2021 further enabled LGBTI+ individuals in the country to build community and advocate for their rights. While legal protections remain limited, growing grassroots efforts and shifting public attitudes are steadily laying the foundation for a more inclusive future.
At the forefront of this progress stands Respect Educate Nurture and Empower Women (RENEW), Bhutan’s pioneering civil society organization committed to protecting the sexual and reproductive rights of women, girls and other vulnerable groups, with a focus on providing comprehensive support services to the survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Since its inception, RENEW, IPPF’s Associate Member in Bhutan, has played a pivotal role in advocating for legal reforms, comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), and inclusive health services in the country. In collaboration with Bhutan’s two LGBTI+ networks, national partners, and international allies, RENEW worked to advance the decriminalization of homosexuality in the country.
The Rainbow Help Desk: A Milestone for LGBTI+ Inclusion in Bhutan
While Bhutan’s legal reforms signal progress, the LGBTI+ community still lacks access to inclusive, stigma-free sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Members of the men who have sex with men (MSM) and the transgender communities find it hard to avail affordable hormonal therapy and gender-affirmative cosmetic services in the country. Most procure cheap medicines from across the borders without proper medical prescriptions. To address this lack of dedicated and tailored services to the LGBTI+ community, RENEW launched the Rainbow Help Desk in December 2024, in collaboration with Pride Bhutan and Queer Voices of Bhutan, at its head office in Thimphu. The Rainbow Help Desk is the first-of-its-kind help desk dedicated to providing stigma-free, comprehensive sexual and reproductive health support to the LGBTI+ community, including SGBV support services.
when
country
Bhutan
region
South Asia
Subject
LGBTI+
Related Member Association
Respect Educate Nurture Empower Women - Bhutan
As a trans woman, accessing healthcare services has always been a challenge. Most doctors don’t understand the unique needs of trans people, and I’ve often had to deal with judgment or being misgendered.
From its inception, the Help Desk has provided culturally sensitive and essential SRH services such as psychosocial counseling for LGBTI+ survivors of SGBV, facilitation of HIV and STI testing, and basic healthcare referrals. To address the lack of legal support, safe housing and livelihood support, especially for transgender individuals and LGBTI+ youth. In 2025, RENEW expanded the Rainbow Help Desk’s services to include structured referral systems, legal aid linkages, and exploration of economic empowerment and housing initiatives. The Rainbow Help Desk also aims to create peer-led spaces for empowerment and solidarity, and as such there is a dedicated area within the clinic where community members can share and express their identities freely.
Voices from the Community
Community members highlight the need for trusted, accessible, and inclusive support services in the country. “Accessing healthcare is one of the most challenging experiences for many in our community. The fear of being outed or judged keeps people from seeking even basic medical care. Confidentiality isn’t just a policy—it’s a lifeline”, says a 28-year-old member from the community. “As a trans woman, accessing healthcare services has always been a challenge. Most doctors don’t understand the unique needs of trans people, and I’ve often had to deal with judgment or being misgendered”, added a young trans woman.
To reinforce the importance of representation and community leadership, the Rainbow Help Desk is led by Coordinator, Tshering Tshokey. A pioneering trans woman and leader in the country, Tshokey volunteered with queer networks - supporting youth, people living with HIV, and sex workers. As the Coordinator, she has helped shape the Help Desk from a service point for the LGBTI+ community into a safe, welcoming space also accessed by sex workers.
RENEW Plus: Offering Comprehensive Services to Diverse and Marginalized Communities
The establishment of the Rainbow Help Desk is also central to the conception of RENEW Plus, an initiative by the organization to offer comprehensive and inclusive support services that cater not only to women and children, but also to other diverse and marginalized communities. This transformation aligns with Bhutan’s growing national commitment to equity and dignity for all. Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck stated during the 2025 International Women’s Day address, “This is a defining moment – one that calls for a reinforced commitment to inclusivity. We must ensure that no one is left behind in matters of life, safety, and dignity”. Inspired by this vision, RENEW Plus will now offer holistic and inclusive services to the LGBTI+ community—from mental health support and legal aid to gender-affirming care, peer education, community sensitization, and national advocacy. RENEW Plus aims to ensure that no individual is left without safe, inclusive, and stigma-free care.
This article is contributed by Abhishek Bageshwar, Business Analyst-MA Support and Development, at the IPPF South Asia Region
