The Metis
The Metis call themselves people of the third nature, a term found in ancient religious texts (the first two natures being male and female). Metis (also known by other names in other parts of Nepal) are generally effeminate men, but they object to the term ‘transgender’ which they don’t feel adequately describes who they are. Going back perhaps 2000 years, Metis have had a role in traditional Nepalese society. They were required to perform dances at religious ceremonies, to entertain at court, to bless newborn babies and to bless newlywed couples. They received food and housing from the state or the community. Only with modern life in the past 60-70 years has their function been waning and their protection and social support disappearing. Now they are largely marginalized, often poorly treated, subject to violence and abuse. In the cities they cannot find work and have difficulty finding housing. One reason is the obligation to carry an identity card which states sex: male or female. Because many refuse to identify themselves as one or the other, they are denied identity cards and cannot go to school or be legally employed. There are an estimated 5,000 Metis in Kathmandu. Many are illiterate and are forced to become sex workers or face starvation. They become more vulnerable to mistreatment.
Blue Diamond Society
The Blue Diamond Society was founded by Sunil Pant in 2001 to provide sexual health information and assistance, advocacy and human rights services for sexual minorities in Nepal. They have worked to provide training and educational opportunities for Metis, to lobby for their rights with politicians, police and others, and generally to raise awareness of their situation, improve their standing and consequently raise their self-esteem.
A group of ten Metis from Nepal received support from the Prince Claus Fund to travel to Mexico to perform at the 17th International AIDS Conference in Mexico City that took place from 3-8 August 2008. Around 25,000 people from all over the world and from all walks of life attended the conference. The Metis’ repertoire included ancient traditional dances, more modern themed dances that tell their own histories, and short theatre plays that present the reality of their lives, including the discrimination and violence. The performances brought traditional and modern Nepalese and Metis culture to a world stage, which contributed to raise awareness about their particular situation. The experience also expanded the Metis’ horizon and allowed them to participate in the other workshops and learning opportunities of the Conference.
The group of Metis from the Blue Diamond Society before their performance in Mexico
Blue Diamond Society's Metis performing at the Aids Conference
Sunil Pant , Founder and Director of Blue Diamond Society, the International gay and lesbian human rights commission in Nepal.
Site of the Blue Diamond Society:
http://www.bds.org.np/
Read about the diffulties the Metis have to face in Nepal ttp://www.icw.org/node/91
Article in the New York Times on the work by Sunil Pant in parliament
Article from a Human Rights Watch Website 'Nepal: Police Attack Transgender People'
Online article on the work of Sunil Pant and the Blue Diamond Society at www.positivenation.co.uk
Read the report
The Metis sent this report on their experience in Mexico to the Prince Claus Fund
