International and Domestic Responses to Violence Against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Persons

The Open Society Institute’s Sexual Health and Rights Project and U.S. Programs sponsored a discussion with Sunil Pant, Founder and Director of the Blue Diamond Society, Nepal, and Clarence Patton, Director of the New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project.

Sunil Pant spoke about his efforts to mobilize and educate men having sex with men (MSM) and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons about HIV and human rights issues. He described Blue Diamond Society’s efforts to advocate for change in Nepalese government through documentation of abuses, public hearings, and meetings with local police. Since 2001, the Blue Diamond Society has struggled to carry out this important work in an often resistant and hostile environment. The organization has served well over 15,000 people at its drop-in center, and raised consciousness about issues of sexual identity, human rights, and sexual health, among Nepali society and key partners.

Clarence Patton’s leadership and vision have greatly contributed to the development and expansion of New York City’s Anti-Violence Project over the past 11 years. His efforts have included creation of a Youth Anti-Violence Initiative and a Statewide LGBT Domestic Violence Network. Patton discussed the project's efforts to combat violence against LGBT persons through public education, advocacy, and policy reform.

Sue Simon, director of the Sexual Health and Rights Project, introduced the event.