From Color to Commitment: The role of artwork in the intersexuality movement

Angel Kafle, a young intersex student in Kathmandu, fell in love with art and realized its transformative impact on raising awareness and advocating for social acceptance. Life may be grey, but a stroke of color can be the great change we all need!

In the bustling city of Kathmandu, Angel Kafle, a young student pursuing her bachelor’s degree, found herself on a transformative journey toward activism. Similar to many intersex individuals, her childhood was filled with constant questions and struggles about herself, her identity, and self-acceptance. Her struggles ended when she crossed paths with Esan, Director of Campaign for Change, the first and only intersex-led organization in Nepal. Since this moment, her path to becoming an activist has been illuminated. 

During her time at Campaign for Change, she witnessed the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in her community and felt a deep empathy for them. Her personal struggles seemingly evolved into something much greater and beyond herself! 

“How can I make a difference to society, to change their perception when many people don’t seem to listen? Should there be a different path?”  Angel wondered.

Realizing her strong passion, Esan introduced her to Intersex Asia and their fellowship program in 2023. Intrigued by the opportunity to delve deeper into the intersex movement, Angel eagerly joined the training, eager to learn more about the challenges faced by the intersex community and look for a new way to answer her call.

As Angel immersed herself in the fellowship program, she was struck by the resilience and determination of the intersex individuals she met. Their stories of discrimination, social stigma, and lack of access to healthcare and legal recognition made her fire grow even stronger. “I want to become a voice for their cause,” she said. That fire then turned from just a desire to a commitment as she recognized the parallels in their journeys and the need for a more inclusive and understanding society.

Coloring the movement!

Inspired by the power of art to convey complex messages and engage a wider audience, Angel decided to use this medium as the foundation for her campaign. She envisioned art workshops where participants could explore themes of identity, expression, and the lived experiences of intersex individuals. Through this creative approach, Angel aimed to raise awareness about intersex rights and SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression, Sex Characteristics). But why art, you may ask? Why not another medium?

“The great thing about art is that everyone will have their own feeling and expression toward it, and even remember it for a lifetime. Because of that, it could spark meaningful conversations. Having a conversation is a great start to perspective and behavior change.” She said

As the workshops unfolded, Angel was captivated by the raw emotion and powerful messages conveyed through the participants’ art. One particular artwork stood out to her – a poignant depiction of a girl whose physical appearance differed from her orientation and attraction, symbolizing the struggles faced by intersex individuals. The emotional depth and message conveyed through this piece left a lasting impression on Angel, reinforcing her belief in the power of art to evoke empathy and understanding.

The art produced during Angel’s campaign was shared on her Facebook page, “Zeal Infinity,” and featured in a video documenting the project. Proud of the impact art had in spreading awareness, Angel remained committed to organizing more workshops and advocating for intersex rights. Her focus on engaging youth and supporting intersex individuals reflected her dedication to creating a more inclusive society in Nepal.

Keep your faith!

Reflecting on her journey, Angel recognized the importance of education and empathy in driving social change. She encouraged others to approach LGBTQIA+ individuals with an open mind and to seek understanding before passing judgment. To those in the LGBTQIA+ community, Angel always tries to support and remind them of their value and resilience in the face of challenges.

“For those who have a bad impression of LGBTQIA+ people, I just wish to say don’t judge anyone without knowing them personally. And for those LGBTQIA+ individuals, remember you are the beautiful creation of god and despite all the challenges, just remember that after a difficult period comes a good time and always remember that the almighty lord is there to support you.”

As Angel looked toward the future, she saw a path illuminated by art, advocacy, and compassion. Her story serves as an inspiration for those seeking to make a difference in the world, one brushstroke at a time. With unwavering determination and a deep commitment to intersex justice, Angel continued to forge ahead, determined to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

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