KATHMANDU: The Family Planning Association of Nepal (FPAN) has formed a think tank for advocating for the sexual and reproductive rights of the LGBTQIA community.

The think tank comprises 17 persons including experts and people from various organizations working for the rights of the sexual and gender minority community. It will identify the special issues of this community and continuously advocate for their rights.

In the first meeting of the think tank held today, FPAN manager Dr Naresh Pratap KC said efforts have been made to operate a ‘hormonal clinic’ service for the benefit of the LGBTQIA. It is believed that the service will help especially those opting for undergoing hormone change procedures.

This service is not available in Nepal so far. Dr KC said FPAN has been advocating for the sexual and reproductive health rights of the sexual and gender minorities for since long.

The think tank was formed to advocate for the sexual and reproductive rights especially of the LGBTIQ community in this connection. The Association had continuously advocated formulating policy, act, and regulation for safe abortion service.

It would prepare a strategy to identify problems and issues of the LGBTIQ community by organizing a national workshop soon and advocating for it.

Senior Advocate Officer of the Association, Jamuna Sitaula, said that participants in today’s meeting had specially raised the issues of same-sex marriage, its recognition by the state and citizenship certificate.