Queer Voices of Bhutan – Together Stronger

International Women’s Day (IWD) has long served as a platform for advocating gender equality and celebrating the achievements of women worldwide. Each year, the event takes on a specific theme to guide discussions and actions. In 2024, the theme “Inspire Inclusion” resonates deeply within the queer community, sparking conversations about the importance of embracing diversity and empowering all women, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The “Inspire Inclusion” theme of IWD 2024 aimed to highlight the struggles and triumphs of women from all walks of life while emphasising the need for inclusivity within feminist movements. For too long, the experiences of queer individuals have been overlooked or marginalised within mainstream feminism, leading to a lack of representation and support for LGBTQ+ rights. This theme provides an opportunity to address these issues and advocate for a more inclusive approach to gender equality.

One of the key aspects of the “Inspire Inclusion” theme is its emphasis on intersectionality. Queer women often face multiple forms of discrimination based on their gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disability, and other factors. By acknowledging and addressing these intersecting identities, the theme aimed to create a more holistic understanding of the challenges faced by queer individuals and the importance of addressing their unique needs within feminist movements.

Moreover, the “Inspire Inclusion” theme encourages solidarity and allyship among women of all backgrounds. It recognises that achieving gender equality requires collaboration and support from individuals across the spectrum of gender identities and sexual orientations. By standing together and amplifying each other’s voices, women can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

The theme also prompts discussions about the role of education and awareness in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion. Many organisations and activists could use IWD 2024 as an opportunity to educate the public about the experiences of queer women and the importance of creating safe and affirming spaces for them. Through workshops, panel discussions, and social media campaigns, awareness can be raised on issues such as discrimination, violence, and healthcare disparities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.

Additionally, the “Inspire Inclusion” theme encourages reflection within feminist circles about past exclusionary practices and the need for ongoing introspection and growth. It prompted individuals and organisations to examine their own biases and privilege and to take concrete steps towards creating more inclusive spaces for queer women. This self-reflection is essential for building intersectional feminist movements that uplift and empower all women.

Looking ahead, the “Inspire Inclusion” theme serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to achieve true gender equality and LGBTQ+ inclusion. It challenges us to continue advocating for policies and practices that recognise and affirm the rights of queer individuals and to ensure that feminist movements are genuinely inclusive of all women, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

In conclusion, the “Inspire Inclusion” theme of IWD 2023 provided a valuable opportunity to centre the experiences and voices of queer women within the broader conversation about gender equality. By emphasising intersectionality, solidarity, education, and self-reflection, the theme sparked important discussions and actions to create a more inclusive and equitable world for all. As we move forward, let us continue to inspire inclusion and strive towards a future where every woman, regardless of her identity, is valued, respected, and empowered.

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: The cover image shows a background in three different colours: blue, orange and white. The text in the centre reads, “International Women’s Day 2024, Countdown, 6 Days to go!” At the top right corner, the logos of Queer Voices of Bhutan and Canada are placed. The logos consist of a rainbow image and Canada’s national flag. The elements include a rainbow with three colours: pink, yellow, and turquoise, representing diversity in the Queer Spectrum, along with a semi-circle in pink and yellow placed on the top.