Thirty five individuals took up membership of Rainbow Hills Welfare Association (RHWA) during a daylong membership drive here at M.G. Marg.  The drive is open for the allies as well the LGBTQIA+ community members.

RHWA president Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha said that,’The main aim of the membership drive is to make our State queer-friendly and create awareness in the society about our community and seek their assistance and support to have a safe space for all’.

RHWA vice president Viveka Gurung highlighted how the schemes and policies are not brought into use as it goes unnoticed in the State.

“We want to bridge the gap between the policies and beneficiaries so that we can benefit from the policies that are introduced for our community and make our community and the activities of our association visible”, said Gurung.

RHWA general secretary Edu Tshering Kaleon expressed how some people openly insult the community members for their sexual orientation which is shocking and hurtful at the same time. Any contribution to the association in the form of financial aid or physical support is acknowledged, said the RHWA executives.