Save the Children and Blue Diamond Society (BDS) launched, ‘Becoming’ – A LGBTQI+ themed web series, featuring the stories of LGBTQI+ young people and their quest for social acceptance. “The web series narrates the story of young people from the LGBTQI+ community and unravels the challenges that they must face to ‘become’ their true self,” shared, Loonibha Tuladhar, the Director of the web series. Consultations with LGBTQI+ young people, along with creative treatment sessions with artists, writers, actors, and researchers was conducted to develop the script of the web series.

“We engaged with many young people, and allies from the LGBTQI+ community, and it has helped us come up with a story which is the real reflection of the LGBTQI+ young people,” shared, Tuladhar. The web series cast, and crew comprised of 60% artists and production line from the LGBTQI+ community.

‘Becoming’ – the web series is a part of Save the Children’s Social and Behavior Change Communications (SBCC) program, aspiring to shift knowledge and attitude towards the LGBTQI+ community using an edutainment approach. “The web series through a humanized story-telling approach primes young people from the LGBTQ+ community as ‘role models’ and dismisses the stereotypical narrative of the community in mainstream media,” shared, Heather Campbell, Save the Children Nepal’s Country Director.

Furthermore, the salient use of edutainment-based approach helps address the negative norms towards LGBTQI+ community and builds empathy and respect towards them. Most importantly, this web series will pave way for conversations regarding the issues and challenges faced by LGBTQI+ community, and a clear call of action to empower, engage, and collaborate with them.”

The web series is released in Save the Children Nepal’s YouTube channel, and features actors such as, Loonibha Tuladhar, Amrit Dahal, Aditi Sherpa, Nirvik Bhattarai, and Eunice Gurung.