Himalayan Pride: LGBT parade in Nepal
Nepal's LGBT community took to the streets of Kathmandu for the fifth annual Gaijatra Pride Festival on August 11. In recent years the gay community has taken over the traditional festival to champion their rights.
Progress for minorities
Hundreds of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transvestites paraded through the streets of Kathmandu‘s old city on August 11. Gaijatra, meaning festival of the cow in Nepali, is a Hindu festival commemorating those who have died during the year. Traditionally, it was the only day people felt free to cross dress. For the last five years, it has provided an occasion for a celebration of LGBT identity.
Turning over tradition
After centuries as a religious monarchy, Nepal is embracing democracy and secularism. Despite struggles with poverty and poor infrastructure, the socially conservative, Hindu-majority nation has leapt forward in granting rights to gays and minorities, becoming the first South Asian country to decriminalize homosexuality in 2007.
High hopes for same-sex marriage
After Nepal's Supreme Court commissioned a study to look into same-sex marriage, a government committee is now recommending that it be guaranteed in a new constitution. This unprecedented move will give gay and lesbian couples the right to adopt, buy property together, open joint bank accounts, and inherit from each other. All of the country’s political parties have already backed the idea.
Youthful optimism
Thousands of people lined the narrow, cobblestoned streets to watch people parading the kilometer-long route from the tourist hub of Thamel to the city’s central square. Although arranged marriage is still the norm, there is hope for change among Nepal’s young and open minded population: of its 27.5 million citizens, the average age is 21, and over a third of the population is 14 or younger.
Third gender
Following Nepal’s transition from autocratic rule to democracy in 2006, analysts said the gay community was one of the first groups to demand recognition, along with the country’s ethnic minorities. In 2007, the country's Supreme Court established a third gender category, "other," providing another identity option which means transgender individuals are legally recognized.
Advocacy and activism
"My country, My constitution, My rights, My identity: My Pride!" was the slogan at this year’s Gaijatra festival. Many people paraded with banners calling for the government to make good on their promises and legalize same-sex marriage. Prime Minister Sushil Koirala has promised to finish the work this year.