In Bangladesh, the lived experiences of lesbian women are shaped by a combination of cultural stigma, legal challenges, and widespread violence. Despite global advancements in LGBTQ+ rights, the situation in Bangladesh remains deeply troubling.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) documented five incidents of violence involving nine lesbian individuals in 2023, each instance highlighting the grave dangers they continue to face. The year before, 2022, saw an even more disturbing trend, with eight incidents of violence perpetrated against 18 lesbian women. These acts of violence range from physical assault to social and economic exclusion, often leaving victims with little recourse for justice.
“The growing violence against lesbian women in Bangladesh reflects the urgent need for legal reform and societal change. Criminalizing same-sex relationships fuels hatred and empowers those who seek to harm vulnerable communities. We must act, globally and locally, to ensure that every person can live free from fear, no matter who they love,” says Robert Simon, prominent French LGBTQI+ rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF.
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF, emphasizes, “The legal and social landscape in Bangladesh leaves lesbian women particularly vulnerable to violence and persecution. Without reform and protection, these women continue to face harassment, isolation, and fear. We at JMBF will not stop advocating for their rights until we see tangible change, and we call on all allies to stand with us in this fight.”
In most cases, these violent acts go unreported due to fear of reprisal, social isolation, or distrust in the legal system, which often fails to protect LGBTQ+ individuals. The legal framework in Bangladesh, notably Section 377 of the Penal Code, still criminalizes same-sex relationships, fostering a culture of discrimination and fear.
The violence and discrimination faced by lesbian women are not just attacks on individuals—they are attacks on human dignity, equality, and the fundamental rights that every person deserves, regardless of their sexual orientation.
On this International Lesbian Day, we call upon the government of Bangladesh, civil society, and international human rights organizations to take immediate action to address these injustices. This includes:
- Repealing discriminatory laws like Section 377 that criminalize same-sex relationships.
- Implementing policies that protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and ensure justice for victims of violence.
- Raising awareness through education to dismantle harmful stereotypes and social stigma surrounding lesbian women.
- Strengthening support systems, including legal aid, mental health services, and safe spaces for lesbian women and the LGBTQ+ community at large.
JMBF reaffirms its commitment to advocating for the rights and safety of lesbian individuals in Bangladesh. We will continue to amplify their voices and fight for a future where all lesbian women can live with dignity, free from fear, and with the full recognition of their rights as equal citizens.
Together, let us strive for a world where love, in all its forms, is celebrated, and justice prevails for every person, regardless of their identity.
Thank you.
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