KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 16

Aaditya Rai of Nepal has been recognized as one of five LGBTIQ+ Equality Heroes at the inaugural International Pride Awards held in Cape Town, South Africa.

The first-ever awards ceremony hosted by South African trans activist and artist Yaya Mavundla, celebrated five outstanding advocates for LGBTIQ+ equality.

'From the intersections of his identity as an indigenous genderfluid man living with disabilities, he advocates for LGBTIQ+ people with disabilities, striving to raise awareness and create opportunities for them,' according to the press release issued by UNDP. He founded Rainbow Disability Nepal, the country's first charity dedicated to it, the release further states.

The initiative – a joint project by International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, (ILGA World) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – held its inaugural event during the 31st ILGA World Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, honouring the awardees in front of an audience of over 1,000 LGBTIQ+ human rights defenders and allies from around the globe, with additional participants joining online via a live stream. The event featured a live musical performance by South African musician Bongeziwe Mabandla.