Nepal IDAHO Report 2013

Dance, speeches, debates, awards for journalists, and a pride flag-raising ceremony marked the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia 2013 in Nepal. Different LGBT associations came together to organise events, in one of Asia’s more liberal contexts for LGBTQI rights, and cultural expression.

Nepalese LGBTQI activists organised a dance programme at Rastriya Nachghar, Kathmandu, to showcase their talent and to join the global movement around IDAHOT 2013.

‘A Nepalese transgendered performer puts on make up backstage for an event on the International Day Against Homophobia and Trans-phobia in Kathmandu. Nepal, home to Asia’s leading gay and transgender rights movement, legally recognizes a third gender category on documents for transgender people.’ (Prakash Mathema/AFP/Getty Images). Source.

The Nepalese Blue Diamond Society LGBT organization also held the following events to celebrate May 17th:

1) Play Competition on the theme of IDAHO and/or LGBTI facing discrimination among the college students,
2) Dance competition among Third genders of Nepal,
3) Speech competition on the theme of IDAHO,
4) Journalists are honored who have supported LGBTI community in the past.
‘We celebrated the day with the aim to coordinate international events that raise awareness of homosexuality and transgender rights violations and stimulate interest in rights advocacy’, Manisha Dhakal, deputy director of the Society, said.
In the flag-hosting ceremony organized at the British Embassy, Dhakal highlighted that many members of the gay community are facing problems because of the way society looks upon homosexuality.

More photos from May 17 in Nepal: