KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 30

LGBTIQA+ activists have stated that they are approaching political parties in order to gain meaningful participation and inclusion in a programme in Kathmandu discussing LGBTIQA+ political inclusion.

'The 2027 elections should be our focus to ensure a justifiable presence and results for LGBTQIA+,' said Sunil Babu Pant, first openly gay member of Parliament in Asia from Nepal and Executive Director, Mayako Pahichan Nepal.

'Today marks a new era for Nepal's gender and sexual minority communities as MayaKo Pahichan Nepal embarks on a five-year journey toward political inclusion and active participation. Together, we will empower and uplift our communities, partner with political parties to foster true inclusivity, and work alongside the Election Commission to ensure every voice is heard and valued. This is a movement for a future where diversity is our strength and equality is our promise.'

According to Intersectional Queer Youth Activist Bibek Susling Magar, the Bibeksheel Sajha Party was far ahead in terms of including LGBTIQIA+ community members, while others made disparaging remarks. He cited the example of Dev Gurung, General Secretary of CPN-MC, who had passed derogatory comments regarding it.

'The Bibeksheel Sajha party had done a lot and included LGBTIQA+, and they included our agenda. It established the Rainbow department, which was headed by Samayara Shrestha,' he said.

Furthermore, when it comes to advocating for equality, the population is irrelevant. Pant claimed, 'The most recent census completely failed to collect accurate data on LGBTIQA+, if one talks from that regard. It's not about data; it's about acceptance, which influences the numbers of LGBTIQA+ data.'

Meanwhile, Hunny Maharjan highlighted that people and political parties invite them to dance on stage, not to voice their agenda and acceptance. 'The party promised us various things, but they did not even bother to deliver a dismal portion of them,' said Hunny.

'What has prevented the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens from developing policies to include the LGBTIQA+ community?,' questioned Ankita Chaudhary.

Bidyut Bajracharya, a JSP-N vice chair, stated, 'Seven constitutions have been adopted thus far, but we are still dissatisfied with the constitution, which requires significant amendments. My party has always provided opportunities for LGBTQIA+ people, and we will continue to do so, and I reiterate my commitment as JSP-N vice chair to include leaders like you in our party.'

Bhagawoti Bhandari of CPN (US) stated that the LGBTIQA+ community has already been included in CPN (US). 'In order to do something different, we have separated ourselves from the CPN-UML,' she added.

Recently, Prime Minister and chief of CPN-UML KP Sharma Oli went viral recently after he expressed that he does not have knowledge about the LGBTIQA+ community after he was asked about how his government would support the LGBTQIA+ community.

On August 24, Oli addressed the National Youth Conclave and said, 'Yes, LGBTQ. Every individual, no matter who they are, should have their rights protected. However, marriage between people of the same gender is something I do not understand. What exactly does that mean? I don't know.' The footage of the remarks went viral on social media platforms.

We welcome and express solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community. Subash Pandey, a central member of the Scientific Socialist Communist Party, believes that it is a struggle for identity, whether genetic or circumstantial, and that not being able to express oneself is an identity crisis.

'Political parties do not want to include the LGBTQIA+ community because they believe it threatens their existence,' he said.

According to Advocate Raunik Aryal, the Public Service Commission should have a quota. 'Quotas should be implemented in both the PSC and the EC, just as they are for women. However, it appears to be difficult to fight to ensure that,' he said.

Hari Datta Joshi, a National Inclusion Commission member, emphasised that political leaders and parties are unaware of sexual minorities. 'This is a social issue that people should be properly educated on,' he said.

Director of the Statistical Analysis and Publication Section of the Women Empowerment Division under the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens Badri Karki, stated, 'The most recent census, which reported only 2,928 people, provides insufficient information about the LGBTIQA+ community.'

He further said, 'We are trying to conduct new counting dedicated to LGBTIQA+ scientifically and properly, so upcoming data may surprise us. I am not entirely familiar with ministry work, but we need to look into amendments and work on sending files to the finance ministry. We are putting together a report on how to solve it. Based on this, 250 LGBTQIA people would be employed in remote parts of Nepal.'