Update: TEP Website and Donation Portal!

From here on, all TEP updates will be moving to our new website! Visit us at tibetanequalityproject.org to stay updated. You can also order our merch and make a tax-deductable donation on our beautiful new website.

Make a tax-deductible donation today at tibetanequalityproject.org/donate

Your donation will help Tibetan Equality Project accomplish the aspirations of LGBTQIA+ Tibetans and build an inclusive Tibetan future. We have a long list of short and long-term projects we’d love your support on!

Note: When using the ActBlue form, 10% of your tax-deductible donation goes to our fiscal sponsor. If you aren’t interested in receiving a tax deduction, 100% of your donation can reach us through PayPal or Venmo @tibetanequalityproject. Thank you!

Gender Inclusive Tibetan Terms for Family and Friends

We present these Tibetan terms for family and friends, along with gender-neutral ones, as a potential resource for the community. Using gender-neutral (also called gender-inclusive) terms and pronouns when referring to someone you don’t know well removes gendered assumptions from words. It is also a way of recognizing and respecting the diversity of relationships, gender identities, and expressions beyond restrictive societal assumptions.

It is important that straight allies and queer cisgender Tibetans fully embrace inclusive language and practices in everyday interactions and actively work to reduce gender stereotyping and bias. That will go a long way in ensuring a safe and supportive environment within our communities for people of all (a)gender and (a)sexuality. Every person should have the time and space to define their own identity and live authentically without fear of discrimination and persecution.

Coming Out: Dealing with Homophobia as a Gay Tibetan in the Army

The following submission was made by a gay Tibetan who is currently in the army. Specific details were taken out to protect their identity, as there is still rampant ignorance and hostility around LGBTQ issues in the army. I applaud their determination in holding onto their truth, even in the face of frequent animosity. It’s definitely not an easy task, so thank you so much for sharing your story.

I joined the army after completing high school due to a financial crisis. I left my priorities behind cause I had to look after my parents. That was in 2008. During those years, people were not so aware of LGBTQ issues. I realized I was gay at an early age, and it felt so scary joining the army at that time cause I knew about the hatred and discrimination I would face in this job.

[Q&A] Thoughts from the Closet: On Being Bisexual, Coming Out to Tibetan Family Members and Reasons for Hope

A few days ago, I received the following heartfelt email. Although unexpected, it was truly encouraging hearing from a fellow LGBTQ Tibetan back in India. I’d like to thank Tae Yen (a pseudonym), who wishes to remain anonymous, for the message and the illuminating conversation.

From India, 20 years old, apprentice at a tattoo studio and learning tattooing. I knew that I had things for the same gender since pre school, I was keen on being paired with girls more than guys for school projects. I asked my mother if it’s ok to find girls beautiful? She had an idea as to what I was indicating and she told me that it’s ok. She acknowledged me with terms, lesbian and gay. I searched, and I grew up. I had celebrity crushes, basically girls. I like a girl for now but I can not let my family know. I lost my mother when I was in my teens, if she was here it would’ve been easier.

Well, I’m not ashamed of my sexuality. While being queer is hard for many in India, it is especially so in a Tibetan family where understanding “love regardless of gender” is tough. But I’m proud of my tomboy self. I respect my androgynous side and with great acceptance, I accept myself as bisexual. My friends are aware of my sexuality and they’re supportive. Hope I’ll be out of the closet soon, properly.

Reaching Out to LGBTQ Tibetans

LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual) Tibetans have always existed throughout our history. It just seems that our community hasn’t fully come around to see the vastness of LGBTQIA+ Tibetan identities and the obvious lack of representation and awareness discourages many from being open about their lived experience. That is not to say a lot of Tibetans in exile have not rapidly come around to let people exist without judgment. However, there is still a lot of prejudice that give rise to discrimination and the marginalization of LGBTQIA+ Tibetans.