The “Pride’s Pride – Beyond Your Perception” project stands as a beacon of hope and change, meticulously crafted by the Gehendra Dhimal Foundation in partnership with Location Nepal. At first glance, the words “Pride’s Pride” may appear simple, but their resonance runs deep, carrying profound meaning for those whose lives and experiences this project illuminates. This ambitious initiative embodies the core of LGBTQIA+ identity and the pride individuals take in their unique professions.
Unpacking the Pride’s Pride
“Pride’s Pride” is not just a project; it’s a movement—a movement that challenges the status quo, breaks down stereotypes, and invites everyone to see the LGBTQIA+ community in Nepal in a new light. The word “PRIDE” carries cultural significance within this community, symbolizing unity, identity, and the resilient fight against discrimination. In its essence, it embodies a profound sense of self-worth and self-respect. “Pride’s Pride” seeks to symbolize both the uniqueness of individuals and the pride they feel for their chosen professions.
Navigating the Social landscape
In Nepal, conversations about the LGBTQIA+ community often steer toward narratives of suffering, pain, rejection, and isolation. Members of this community are subjected to discrimination and are frequently denied equal opportunities. Deep-seated societal stigma casts long shadows, forcing many LGBTQIA+ individuals into hiding.
Nepal, despite its progressive stance in recognizing LGBTQIA+ rights within Asia, still grapples with ingrained prejudices. The country’s legal system acknowledges and protects LGBTQIA+ rights, but the battle for societal acceptance rages on. It is essential, now more than ever, for government bodies, NGOs, and private-sector organizations to throw their support behind initiatives that seek to uplift the LGBTQIA+ community.
Changing the Narrative
The “Pride’s Pride” project endeavors to reshape the narrative surrounding the LGBTQIA+ community in Nepal. It aspires to shift the focus from adversity to achievement, from stereotypes to stories of success. Through the lenses of photography and film, the Gehendra Dhimal Foundation and Location Nepal seek to instigate a profound transformation—a shift toward positivity.
Project objectives
- Positive Messaging: Spread a positive message encouraging society to embrace and appreciate LGBTQIA+ individuals for who they are, focusing on the inherent goodness within each person.
- Eliminating Negative Perceptions: Challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions by showcasing the remarkable achievements of LGBTQIA+ individuals and emphasizing their contributions to society.
- Inspiring Confidence: Empower LGBTQIA+ individuals to be confident in their identities by featuring role models and success stories, encouraging others to explore their untapped potential.
- Combatting Loneliness: Address the loneliness and depression often experienced by LGBTQIA+ individuals who hide their true selves due to societal stigma. The project aims to inspire by highlighting the triumphs of community members.
- Unity and Visibility: Provide a platform to unite the diverse spectrum of LGBTQIA+ identities and increase their visibility in society, emphasizing their presence and contributions.
The Three Pillars: Book, Film, and Exhibition
The “Pride’s Pride” project comprises three main components: a book, a documentary film, and an exhibition.
1. The Book: Capturing Triumphs and Journeys
The heart of the “Pride’s Pride” project is undoubtedly the book. This carefully curated publication weaves an eloquent tapestry of achievements, dreams, and journeys undertaken by LGBTQIA+ individuals in Nepal. Featuring 20–25 remarkable individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, the book invites readers on a visual and emotional journey.
Within its pages, readers will find compelling photographs that capture the essence of each featured individual. These photographs are more than just images; they are windows into the lives of LGBTQIA+ community members, reflecting their authenticity, resilience, and pride. The book goes beyond the surface, providing not just visual inspiration but also intimate biographies and personal stories.
From artists to activists, entrepreneurs to educators, the book illustrates the emotional landscapes and professional accomplishments of LGBTQIA+ community members. It takes readers on a journey through various phases of their lives, offering a glimpse into their personal and working environments.
The book’s significance extends beyond its visual and narrative content. It is a statement of inclusion, a declaration that LGBTQIA+ individuals in Nepal have stories worth telling and celebrating. It is a tangible embodiment of pride, showcasing that identity and accomplishments can coexist harmoniously.
Both hardcover and paperback versions of the book will be available, ensuring accessibility to a wide audience. It will be distributed not only in bookstores but also in educational institutions, offices, and online platforms. This extensive distribution network aims to reach as many people as possible, inviting them to engage with the stories and experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
2. The Film: Real Stories, Real Impact
While the book provides a glimpse into the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals through still photographs and narratives, the documentary film takes it a step further. Film has the unique power to immerse viewers in real-time stories, allowing them to witness the experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in Nepal.
The purpose of the film is multifaceted. It serves as an educational tool, shedding light on the issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. It informs viewers about the struggles and triumphs of individuals featured in the project and communicates these messages in a visually compelling manner.
Shot at authentic locations with real people, the film takes a documentary approach. It seeks to capture the reality of LGBTQIA+ lives in Nepal, dispelling myths and misconceptions. By showcasing the daily lives, professional pursuits, and personal relationships of LGBTQIA+ individuals, the film offers an intimate and honest portrayal.
The documentary film, with a runtime of 90 to 120 minutes, aims to appeal to a wide audience. It is a platform for raising awareness, challenging stereotypes, and promoting empathy. It invites viewers to walk in the shoes of LGBTQIA+ individuals, experiencing their world through their own eyes.
3. The Exhibition: An Interactive Dialogue
An exhibition might seem like the culmination of a project, but for “Pride’s Pride,” it’s a dynamic platform for dialogue and interaction. While the book and film provide a one-way communication channel, the exhibition bridges the gap between creators and audiences.
Imagine walking into a space adorned with art, photographs, and various artifacts related to the project. It’s not just a visual experience but an opportunity to engage with the people behind the scenes—the LGBTQIA+ individuals who have shared their stories, and the creators who brought this project to life.
The exhibition is more than a showcase; it’s an interactive space where attendees can ask questions, share their thoughts, and connect with like-minded individuals who believe in the project’s message of positivity and acceptance.
For the first three days, the exhibition is reserved for invitees from the LGBTQIA+ community and various diplomatic missions in Nepal, highlighting the project’s significance on a global scale. Subsequently, it opens its doors to the general public for seven days, creating a diverse and inclusive space for dialogue.
During the exhibition, the book will be on display, allowing attendees to peruse its pages and engage with its content. Additionally, there might be screenings of the documentary film, providing a multi-sensory experience.
However, the true essence of the exhibition lies in its ability to foster connections, inspire conversations, and encourage visitors to explore the untold stories and achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s a reminder that change happens not just through documentation but through human interaction and shared experiences.
The three pillars of the “Pride’s Pride” project work in harmony to achieve its ultimate goal: to reshape perceptions, celebrate diversity, and inspire positive change. Through the book, film, and exhibition, it calls upon society to recognize, embrace, and appreciate the LGBTQIA+ community for who they are and what they’ve accomplished.
The “Pride’s Pride – Beyond Your Perception” project holds a mirror to society, challenging us to see beyond stereotypes and preconceived notions. It aims to eliminate negative perceptions, provide role models, and offer support to the LGBTQIA+ community. This project is not just an artistic endeavor; it’s a call to action to create a more inclusive and understanding world—for all.
