Queer Voices of Bhutan – Together Stronger

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2024 with the theme of “Inspire Inclusion,” it’s important to highlight the achievements of queer women in history. By recognizing their contributions, we honor the diversity of womanhood and show that everyone’s story matters. These women have made a big impact, and their courage and determination help us all move forward towards a more equal and inclusive world for women everywhere. Today, we are highlighting some Queer women who made history with their unwavering contribution and talent.

Sally Ride

Astronaut Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, broke barriers in science and LGBTQ+ visibility. Her pioneering journey aboard the space shuttle in 1983 inspires generations. Beyond NASA, Ride’s legacy resonates through her relationship with Tam O’Shaughnessy, revealed after her passing. Their story embodies resilience and authenticity, highlighting the importance of diversity in shaping history. Ride’s impact extends beyond the cosmos, championing inclusivity and representation in both science and society.

Marsha p. Johnson

Marsha Johnson was central to the Stonewall Uprisings, igniting the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Her activism continued post-uprising, advocating for marginalized LGBTQ+ individuals, especially poor transgender women of color. With Sylvia Rivera, she co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), offering shelter to houseless LGBTQ+ youth. Johnson’s legacy endures, influencing LGBTQ+ organizations and activism today, particularly in the ongoing fight against violence towards Black transgender women.

Nurse Florence Nightingale

Florence Nightingale, lauded as history’s foremost nurse, revolutionized healthcare during the Crimean War. Leading a team to Crimea, she improved soldiers’ dire conditions. Honored by Queen Victoria, she founded St. Thomas’ Hospital and the Nightingale Training School. Nightingale never married but she had reportedly been in relationship with other women. Recognized for her passion, Nightingale’s queerness adds depth to her legacy in nursing and beyond.

Politician Barbara Jordan

Barbara Jordan’s pioneering political career was marked by groundbreaking achievements and unwavering advocacy for equality, alongside her history as a lesbian. As the first African-American elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas and the inaugural African-American woman to serve as Governor for the Day in any state, she shattered barriers. Jordan’s eloquent keynote address at the Democratic National Convention further solidified her as a trailblazer. Her legislative efforts, including championing the first successful minimum wage bill in Texas, underscored her dedication to civil rights. President Bill Clinton awarded her the Medal of Freedom in 1994. Two years later Jordan died, and it was revealed in her obituary that she had been in a more than 20-year relationship with her partner, Nancy Earl.

Dechen Selden

Dechen Selden is celebrated as one of the first openly transgender women in Bhutan, known for her courageous activism and vibrant talent. In high school, she boldly protested against gendered uniforms, eventually leaving school before finding acceptance to wear kira, the traditional women’s attire, at a different institution. Renowned for her exceptional dance abilities, Selden transitioned into the entertainment industry. Moreover, she emerged as a pioneering queer activist, championing transgender rights and advocating for HIV/AIDS awareness with remarkable dedication.

Tashi Choden

Tashi Choden made history as the crowned Miss Bhutan Universe 2022, bravely representing her country on the global stage in the Miss Universe pageant later that year while openly embracing her identity as a queer woman. Throughout her journey, she has used her platform to shed light on the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Bhutan, garnering a devoted following on social media. As an influential figure and beacon of acceptance, Tashi Choden inspires others to embrace diversity and advocate for inclusivity in Bhutanese society.

These remarkable queer women out of many from around the world, including those from Bhutan continue to inspire millions through their contributions to arts, science, humanity, culture, and social rights. Their courage, creativity, and advocacy serve as beacons of hope and catalysts for change, challenging societal norms and fostering inclusivity and acceptance. Their diverse talents and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place exemplify the power of resilience and the transformative impact of embracing one’s authentic self.