Many members of the LGBT+ community have long struggled to seek support because of fear, stigma, and social isolation. As a result, many experience mental distress and, in some cases, face violence and abuse. Today, with RENEW’s Rainbow Help Desk, members of the community can easily access counselling, guidance, and a confidential space for support.
34-year-old Tshering Denkar is a transman from Chhukha. Although he has not publicly come out as a man, Tshering says he has identified as male for as long as he can remember.
Growing up, he never felt comfortable wearing a kira or dressing the way girls were expected to.
Tshering Denkar said, “I’ve been confused since I was in Class PP. Back then, I used to wear a gho in Class PP and Class 1, and I felt like kira was never meant for me. As I grew older, the school said it wasn’t practical because boys had to wear a gho while girls wore a kira. So, I learned to wear kira, and it was a real struggle for me.”
As he grew older, Tshering faced fear of harassment, isolation, stigma, bullying, and discrimination from friends and society. These experiences took a toll on his mental health. At different points in his life, he struggled with stress and depression.
The lack of safe counselling services, peer support groups, and inclusive healthcare made the situation even more difficult. For years, Tshering kept much of his pain to himself.
Things began to change when he attended a meeting organised by RENEW’s Rainbow Help Desk.
“I carried feelings of depression and trauma since childhood, but I never knew how to express them. It was only after attending RENEW’s informal meetings three or four times that I finally felt safe enough to open up. I was able to release all the emotions I had been holding in, even breaking down in tears. Now, I have gained the confidence to be myself openly, both in front of people and on social media,” said Tshering.
Today, Tshering appears confident and says he no longer seeks society’s approval to affirm his identity. He also finds strength in the support of his mother and his sister.
But many are not as self-accepting as Tshering. They end up being victim to substance abuse, continued exposure to violence or abusive relationships and self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
“There are still many LGBT individuals who hesitate to open up. But there are people and places that support us, like the Rainbow Help Desk and RENEW, which are doing their best to support the community. So even if you don’t know where to start or how to deal with it, there are people who can help you through it,” said Mathang Pinky, a transwoman.
RENEW has expanded its work under RENEW+ to widen its support network and reach groups often left on the margins, including the LGBT+ community.
The Rainbow Help Desk has a trans woman handling the desk.
The desk has supported nearly 40 people since its establishment in 2024.
Many LGBT+ individuals seek assistance after experiencing gender-based violence, family rejection, discrimination, or emotional distress. Legal consultations and psychosocial support are among the most commonly requested services.
Rainbow Help Desk Officer Tshering Tshokey said, “After that, many young LGBT individuals come to us for mental health support, especially when they experience gender dysphoria. This is often a period when they are still trying to understand who they are and are going through a phase of questioning and self-discovery.”
Further, the help desk works closely with healthcare providers, legal professionals, civil society organisations, and relevant institutions to ensure individuals get comprehensive support.
Tshering Tshokey said, “We have our service unit, which serves as the first point of contact for LGBT individuals seeking support. Depending on the case and the type of assistance needed, we refer them to the RBP, The PEMA Secretariat, or other relevant organisations.”
Meanwhile, Rainbow Help Desk is accessible not only at the RENEW head office in Thimphu but also through RENEW Community Service Centres across 18 districts, ensuring wider reach and support for LGBT+ individuals across Bhutan.
Kinzang Lhadon
Edited by Sangay Chezom
