Dhee 2.0: Tackling forced marriages within LGBTIQ community in Bangladesh

Through the story of a lesbian woman, the comic book Dhee 2.0 addresses the issue of forced marriage within the marginalized LGBTIQ+ community of Bangladesh.

The comic consists of two parts. The first part narrates the story of the lesbian character named “Dhee” and the conversations surrounding her marriage, influenced by the heteronormative society and religious conservatism. It also introduces the stories of two of her friends from the same community. The second part provides information on gender and sexuality, laws and policies, and the social dynamics surrounding marriage.

To develop this knowledge material, the Justicia Feminist Network engaged with individuals of different sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions who either got married or are facing pressure from their families to do so. They conducted two focus group discussions and three informative interviews. These discussions and interviews revealed the reasons and circumstances behind their marriages, as well as the techniques and methods families and relatives used or are using to push them into marriage. The conversations also highlighted the methods people employ to avoid forced marriages. It became evident from these discussions that forced marriage takes an emotional and mental toll, significantly impacting their daily lives.

The content of the comic and the accompanying background texts reflect the insights and deep knowledge acquired from these discussions. This ensures that the perspectives of the LGBTI community on this issue are accurately represented, providing a space for intersectionality.