Miss Bhutan, open about her homosexuality, becomes a hope for young people

Last Updated on 08/22/2022 by てんしょく飯

Tashi Choden, 23, Bhutan’s first Miss Universe contestant, is the country’s only openly gay celebrity.

She represents about 800,000 citizens and the country’s LGBTQ (sexual minority) population.

Bhutan, a small Buddhist country in the Himalayas, is known for its “Gross National Happiness” philosophy, which prioritizes the well-being of its people over economic growth.

However, until last February, same-sex sexual activity was illegal under the Penal Code, as it was “against the natural order of things.

Therefore, Choden says it is a “big deal” that she was chosen as this year’s Miss Bhutan, representing the country’s 800,000 people and its LGBTQ population.

“On a big stage like Miss Universe, you are not only representing Bhutanese society, but also the minority community,” Choden said. You get to be their voice.”

Choden, whose parents had already died by the age of 14, came out during World Pride Month last June after “a lot of research and asking myself,” she said.

At first, she faced “tremendous opposition” from her conservative and religious relatives. However, gaining the approval of her relatives was an important step in coming out.

After a little while, they became very understanding,” she said. Many people don’t get acceptance from their families and relatives, and I am very grateful for that.”

Although she received some “negative reactions” on the Internet after being chosen as Miss Bhutan and competing in the Miss Universe pageant, Choden’s attitude seems to be gaining support both at home and abroad.

Prime Minister Lotay Tshering also extended his personal congratulations and wished Choden good luck.

■The Road to the Front Page

Bhutan has recently become more tolerant and accepting of sexual minorities, as same-sex sexual activity is no longer illegal.

The LGBTQ community is gradually becoming more visible, with transgender women changing their names and genders on their identification cards.

And now, Choden is representing Bhutan on the Miss Universe stage for the whole world to see. There is a glimmer of hope for the future of Bhutanese sexual minority youth.

Legita Gurung, a young bisexual woman, says, “Having a queer woman as Miss Bhutan has helped the queer community, especially queer youth, to have greater goals in life.

Having her as our representative paved the way for us to be more confident and out in the open.”