The Bhutanese Leading the way.
As LGBTQI+ community members grow older, many face an uncertain future, struggling with financial instability, limited employment opportunities, and societal exclusion. Despite progress in fostering acceptance for younger generations, ageing LGBTQI+ individuals remain overlooked, revealing significant gaps in policies and social support systems.
According to Pride Bhutan, 51.2% of LGBTQI+ individuals report having no income. Among those who earn, 22% make between Nu 5,000 and Nu 15,000 monthly, while 4.2% earn less than Nu 5,000. The lack of income security, compounded by societal discrimination and limited educational qualifications, paints a grim picture for ageing LGBTQI+ individuals. Of the 353 individuals registered with Pride Bhutan, 74.2% are aged 15–26, with only 7% aged 33 or older.
Representative from Pride Bhutan said, “This growing ageing demographic emphasizes the need for systemic reforms to address their financial and social insecurities.”
Likewise, the representative said, “Educational attainment significantly impacts employment opportunities for LGBTQI+ individuals. Nearly 46.5% have completed only higher secondary school, and only 15.9% hold university degrees. Many ageing LGBTQI+ individuals rely on informal work in bars, entertainment, or other precarious sectors, leaving them vulnerable to poverty and housing insecurity.”
Penjor Tshering, popularly known as Aum Penjor, is 48 years old, making her the oldest LGBTQI+ community member in Bhutan. Reflecting on her experience, she said, “Many of us, especially transgender individuals in Bhutan, work in bars and karaoke venues because these spaces offer visibility and acceptance.”
“We can wear the Kira and work without any objections from the owners. At the same time, transgender women attract curiosity, with people often visiting to see and interact with us, saying there’s a beautiful transgender person working there. Additionally, we can confidently converse with men without shying away, which also draws people in,” she added.
7.9% of LGBTQI+ individuals reported sex work as their primary source of livelihood. Stigma and family rejection often push transgender individuals and others into this line of work, exposing them to health risks and societal discrimination.
The representatives from Pride Bhutan said, “Many LGBTQI+ individuals are estranged from their families due to stigma, leaving them without a support system. Combined with low qualifications and limited employment opportunities, they are forced into risky work to survive.”
Discrimination against LGBTQI+ individuals in Bhutan often begins early, with students facing bullying, rigid dress codes, and school policies that fail to recognize gender diversity. According to Pride Bhutan, this leads to high dropout rates, which significantly reduce the chances of securing meaningful employment. The challenges persist into adulthood, where workplace discrimination remains widespread, compounded by the absence of legal protections. Conservative societal norms frequently exclude LGBTQI+ individuals from mainstream employment, making financial stability difficult to achieve.
Aum Penjor, said that she dropped out of school due to rigid dress code policies that forced her to wear clothing misaligned with her identity.
In her early years, she worked as a carpenter, drawn to the job because it allowed her to wear pants and a shirt. However, she eventually left the trade, describing the work as too masculine. Later, she took a hotel job in Paro but felt deeply uncomfortable because she was required to wear a gho, which conflicted with her identity.
Seeking a livelihood that aligned with her sense of self, Aum Penjor spent six years selling porridge on the streets of Thimphu. More recently, she has turned to TikTok, creating content that now sustains her financially. She plans to continue this work, as it offers her the freedom to express herself authentically.
Aum Penjor also disclosed that she never pursued government jobs, fearing the restrictions imposed by her sex designation on her identity card, and the requirement to conform to traditional gendered dress codes.
While she acknowledges that societal attitudes in Bhutan have improved, with some private businesses allowing transgender individuals to dress as they choose, she notes that these jobs are often low-paying positions in bars and karaoke venues.
She expressed a desire to legally change her gender to female, but she has been discouraged by the lengthy and complex process involved. Additionally, she fears that the authorities might withhold her identity card for an extended period during the process, hindering her ability to travel.
Aum Penjor dreams of a future where transgender individuals like herself can fully participate in the workforce without having to conceal their true selves, and where inclusivity and acceptance are the norms, not the exceptions.
It was said that although free healthcare alleviates some financial burdens, the absence of specific policies, social security schemes, pensions, and stable housing options deepens their vulnerabilities. The National Gender Equality Policy, once endorsed, could address systemic inequities, but targeted reforms are needed to ensure its effectiveness.
To address these challenges, experts and advocates recommend anti-discrimination laws that must protect LGBTQI+ individuals in workplaces. Financial incentives for employers hiring from marginalized groups, coupled with vocational training programs, can help bridge employment gaps.
Tailored pension and housing schemes are essential for ageing LGBTQI+ individuals, particularly those estranged from families. Schools should implement anti-bullying measures and revise dress codes to respect gender diversity, reducing dropout rates. Flexible learning opportunities should be available for those who left school early. Campaigns to combat stigma and provide counselling services are crucial for improving societal attitudes and addressing trauma was also recommended.
While Pride Bhutan has been working toward legal recognition as a Civil Society Organization (CSO), its unofficial status limits its ability to implement large-scale interventions.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) is said to be prioritizing gender inclusivity and the needs of LGBTQI+ students through various initiatives. The National Gender Equality Policy, which incorporates the concerns of marginalized groups, including LGBTQI+ individuals, has been revised and submitted for government approval.
Educators are being equipped with tools to foster inclusive environments. A training program for 143 school counsellors focused on gender equality, and a gender equality module has been integrated into the class 5 social studies curriculum to challenge gender stereotypes from an early age.
Vocational Training Institutes (VTIs) are incorporating gender equality into their programs to promote parity across technical and vocational sectors. Meanwhile, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services in schools have been strengthened.
Anti-bullying mechanisms and LGBTQI+ inclusive SOPs have been implemented in all schools in collaboration with the PEMA Secretariat. The Student Health and Wellbeing Strategy is also there.
The official from the ministry said, “Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is now part of the curriculum from Grade PP onward, covering topics such as gender, sexual and reproductive health, and human development. Online counseling services launched in 2023 further ensure easy access to mental health resources for students.”
