Nepal Celebrates LGBTQ+ Milestone at Gai Jatra Festival

Hundreds of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies gathered in Nepal's capital for the annual Pride parade during the Gai Jatra festival. This marked the first Pride parade since the legalization of same-sex marriages in Nepal following a Supreme Court ruling in November 2023. The event included government officials, diplomats, and activists who highlighted the ongoing struggle for equal rights.

Hundreds of LGBTQ+ individuals and their supporters rallied in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, on Tuesday during the annual Pride parade. This year's event holds special significance as it is the first since same-sex couples were allowed to officially register their marriages following a Supreme Court directive in November 2023.

The annual Pride parade coincides with the Gai Jatra festival, a time-honored tradition that originally aimed to remember deceased family members. Over the years, the festival has evolved to include colorful parades featuring the sexual minority community.

The rally saw participation from a government minister, diplomats, and other officials. It began at the city's tourist hub and wound its way through the main streets. Bhumika Shrestha, a prominent gay rights activist, emphasized the importance of preserving the tradition while also advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. The Supreme Court's 2007 decision began Nepal's transformation, with significant progress such as recognizing 'third gender' in official documents and prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in the 2015 constitution.

(With inputs from agencies.)