RFP for Consultant: Conduct a Comprehensive Mixed-Method Baseline Study on the Rights and Living Conditions of LGBTQI+ Children and Youth in Nepal"

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Conduct a Comprehensive Mixed-Method Baseline Study on the Rights and Living Conditions of LGBTQI+ Children and Youth in Nepal

Background of Blue Diamond Society (BDS)

Blue Diamond Society (BDS) is a community-based organization established in 2001 and is the leading organization for sexual and gender minorities in Nepal. BDS has been at the forefront of the LGBTIQ+ rights movement in the country, playing a crucial role in landmark legal victories, including the Supreme Court decision of 2007 that recognized gender and sexual minorities. BDS is forging ahead with our founding mission and values at the core of what we do. We continue to advocate for sexual and gender minorities and intersex communities to ensure economic empowerment, livelihood support, equal access to public and private services, representation and protection. We partner with various local and international organizations to lead projects on health and HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention including care, support and treatment; policy change in governance, human rights documentation including legal and constitutional rights violations; employment and income generating opportunities, culture and media representation and more. In partnership with Save the Children, since 2017, Blue Diamond Society is working for the rights of LGBTQI+ children and youth in Nepal through different programs. Blue Diamond Society, with technical and financial support from Save the Children is implementing a project that aims to advocate for the LGBTQI-inclusive policies, plans, programs, budget and social services, contributing to improve the living conditions of LGBTQI+ children and youth in Nepal. 

Our Mission: We facilitate the empowerment of sexual and gender minorities who are socially excluded to achieve social justice. This will be attained through:

• Advocacy for sexual and gender minorities’ rights and social justice
• Delivery of immediate and lasting improvements in the lives of sexual and gender minorities in Nepal and beyond

Our vision: We want to build communities free from discrimination and prejudice. We want to develop culture and promote acceptance in communities where each person is treated as an individual and respected for the choices they make. Our vision is for societies where sexual and gender minorities:

Are respected and valued, Live with equal rights, freedom, and dignity. Have hope and opportunities

Rationale of the Study

Despite progressive legal recognition of sexual and gender minorities in Nepal, including constitutional guarantees and Supreme Court rulings, LGBTIQ+ children and youth continue to face significant barriers to the realization of their fundamental rights. These include persistent discrimination, stigma, physical and sexual violence, family rejection, homelessness, and systematic exclusion from essential services such as education, healthcare, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), child protection, and social security schemes.

While various evidence and project-level data suggest deep-rooted inequalities, there is a critical lack of national-level evidence that systematically documents the living conditions, rights violations, and service access barriers for this specific population. Most existing data is fragmented or focuses on adults. Consequently, policies and programs often fail to address the unique and intersectional vulnerabilities of LGBTIQ+ children and youth, particularly those with disabilities, from Dalit or marginalized ethnic groups, or living in remote provinces like Karnali and Madhesh.

The proposed study intends to analyse the gaps, challenges and opportunities in the legislation and policy frameworks, and further assess availability, accessibility and inclusiveness of essential social services to LGBTQI+ children and youth. The study findings will be utilized to develop and implement project approaches and plans, advocacy and campaign plan for SOGIESC-inclusive laws and policies, strengthening peer /family/ community support, access to services like education, health including mental health and psychosocial support, child protection and social protection.

Click on the link below for the detailed TOR:

Baseline - Terms of Reference

Proposal Submission Guideline/Required Documents 

Proposal Submission Deadline: 2nd July 2026

Required Documents-

• Filled out Consultancy Proposal Form (enclosed with this ToR)
• Financial Proposal Form
• CV(s) of the proposed team members 
• For firms: Copies of- Firm registration certificate, VAT registration certificate, Latest tax clearance certificate. For firms that are tax exempted by the government, a copy of tax exemption certificate should be submitted.
• For Individuals: Copies of citizenship certificate and VAT registration certificate, Tax Clearances.

Interested consultancy organization/individual who meets the above requirement should apply to bds.jobs2012@gmail.com by 2nd July 2026.