Shale Ahmed, A Queer Queer-Rights Activist and Executive Director
, Bandhu Social Welfare Society (Bandhu)
Profile / Bio:
Shale Ahmed is the founder and executive director of Bandhu Social Welfare Society and has been a dedicated advocate for the health and human rights of Bangladesh’s transgender community and other marginalized sexual identities. Since he established the Bandhu society in 1996, he has been leading the organization's efforts in tackling barriers faced by transgender individuals in accessing healthcare, employment opportunities and vocational training, and peer counseling to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, among other illnesses. Additionally, his work revolves around ensuring that individuals from these marginalized communities have support from lawyers and advocates and have adequate opportunities to fight for their rights.