Nepal has learned to see queer people. Has it learned to accept them?

Kathmandu's recent Pride Parade showcased a striking sense of normalcy, with hundreds of people, including activists, students, allies, and foreign tourists, marching with rainbow flags, dancing, and chatting. Notable figures like Neelam Paudel, the first transgender woman to climb Mount Everest, and Pushpa Thing Lama, a cast member of the Cannes-celebrated film ‘Elephants in the Fog,’ blended seamlessly into the crowd. This apparent ease and widespread participation suggest that for many, LGBTQ visibility is no longer the primary issue, marking a significant change from past decades when Pride began as a demand to be seen.

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We started without funding. But we believed no one's voice should remain unheard.

Beendu Pariyar, a transgender woman and activist, highlighted the progress made, attributing it partly to Nepal's Constitution, which recognizes rights related to identity, equality, and social justice. She believes this constitutional framework has fostered greater acceptance within families and communities, positioning Nepal as a relatively progressive nation for LGBTQ individuals in South Asia. Visitors, like 22-year-old tourist Gabby, noted the parade's peaceful and fun atmosphere, contrasting it with more confrontational Pride events elsewhere.

However, conversations within the parade revealed that the fight for acceptance is far from over. Bik, a gay Nepali man living in Australia, observed significant progress in LGBTQ visibility and public discussion since his last visit, with events like Pride attracting larger crowds. Yet, he cautioned against declaring the problem solved, stating that society remains homophobic in many ways and gay men still face "horrendous behaviour."

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In many places, Pride events have people standing on the side with hateful signs. Here it felt fun. It felt safe.

This contradiction between legal advancements and social attitudes was palpable. While legal battles for recognition have progressed more rapidly than the social battle for acceptance, the continued need for events like Pride underscores the ongoing challenges. The parade served not only as a celebration of progress but also as a platform to address the persistent gap between legal rights and lived experiences for the LGBTQ community in Nepal.

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There has been progress. But society is still homophobic in many ways, and gay men still experience horrendous behaviour.