LGBTQ+ in Nepal

Going along with the trend of LGBTQ+ from all around the world, Nepal as

a country is slowly moving toward inclusivity. For the longest period of time the

Nepalese community has had a bad impression towards the community. The Nepalese

community is traditionally a Patriarchal Society. So going against the stigma has

been a problem that Nepal as a society has had for the longest time period. The

Blue Diamond Society was established after 2001 which started to fight for the

rights of LGBTQ+. The first positive step came for Nepal after a landmark ruling

that came in 2007 after a Supreme court hearing which decriminalized same-sex

sexual acts, recognized the existence of a “third gender,” and mandated the

government to create laws protecting LGBTQ+ rights.

In 2015 Nepal’s new constitution included “gender and sexual minorities” as

protected categories, further solidifying legal protections. Nepal has made strides

in allowing individuals to obtain citizenship certificates and passports that reflect

their gender identity. In 2023-2024 the Supreme Court issued an interim order for

the government to create a separate register for same-sex marriages. While this

doesn’t grant the same legal rights as heterosexual marriage, it was a significant

step. Some local governments have begun this temporary registration. Nepal also

holds annual pride events, often coinciding with the Gai Jatra festival, increasing

visibility and community building. Gai Jatra traditionally involves satire and

humorous expression. The LGBTQ+ community has utilized this aspect to bring

attention to social and political issues relevant to them, aligning with the festival’s

history of questioning norms.

Nepal’s journey towards becoming a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+

travelers is indeed evolving from a distant dream to a tangible reality. While

societal acceptance is still growing, particularly across generations, the burgeoning

presence of LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+-affirming guides offers the encouraging

prospect of a discrimination-free travel experience. Although some teasing or lack

of understanding might still be encountered among older generations, the

increasing acceptance among Nepali youth signals a positive shift. This evolving landscape suggests a more comfortable and less stressful travel experience for

LGBTQ+ individuals exploring the beauty and culture of Nepal.