Who We Are
Umisha Pandey
PRESIDENT
Umisha Pandey has been serving as the President of BDS since September 2024 and is one of its founding members. Prior to this role, she contributed to the organization as Vice-President, demonstrating consistent leadership and dedication. A proud Transgender Woman, Umisha has been an active advocate for the LGBTIQ+ rights movement in Nepal since 2000. Her commitment to the community began long before the formal registration of BDS, as she remained closely connected with and supportive of queer individuals and initiatives. In its early days, BDS started within her own home, which served as a safe and welcoming space for gatherings, meetings, and dance practices. At a time when public spaces were largely inaccessible and unsafe for the queer community, her home became a vital hub of connection and expression made possible by the acceptance and support of her family. Umisha Pandey’s journey is deeply connected with the history and growth of BDS, making her not only a leader but also a symbol of its foundation and spirit.
Manisha Dhakal
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Manisha Dhakal is the Executive Director and a founding member of BDS. Manisha was an active participant in the Supreme Court hearing in 2007, speaking openly about her experiences of violence, discrimination and stigmatization as a trans woman. She is one of the founding members of the Asia-Pacific Transgender Network, where she represents South Asia. She is one of the co-chairs of the ILGA Asia board, and a board member of IRGT, a global network for trans women and HIV. In 2010, she was awarded the Nai Ram Laxmi National Award for her contributions to the LGBT movement in Nepal, and she is also a Human Rights Campaign global innovator. Manisha holds a master’s degree in finance from Shanker Dev College, Kathmandu.
Pinky Gurung
ADVISOR
Pinky Gurung is the advisor of BDS and one of its founding members. She is a transgender woman and has been an active supporter of the LGBTIQ+ rights movement in Nepal since 2001. Gurung has served as the chairperson of the BDS board from 2009 till 2024
Testimonials
From Our Supporters
“I decided early on to do and say what I think is right for me. Many people from our community continue to live double lives. But I’ve never tried to hide my identity. This is me.”
Anjali Lama
Transgender Model
“I got to know more about myself through Blue Diamond Society … [they] gave me the encouragement I needed. I took part in many of their programs. And one of them was a skill development program where I learned about beauty, hair and makeup. That gave me the realisation to follow my dream and passion.”
Sophie Sunuwar
Makeup artist
“I never tried to keep myself away from the [LGBTIQ+ community]. Just because the society might think or say something, it does not mean you won’t talk, walk together or work with third gender people.”
Malvika Subba
Media personality
“Before I came into contact with the Blue Diamond Society, I did not understand my sexuality. No one had counselled me about being LGBTI. I lived in a village and I had never seen LGBTI people before. After I joined the Blue Diamond Society, I realised who I truly am and decided to embrace my gender identity.”
Meghna Lama
Restaurant Owner
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