Members of Nepal’s LGBTQ+ community and their supporters gathered in Kathmandu on Sunday for the annual pride rally, marking the first event since a significant reduction in funding following the U.S. government’s withdrawal of financial aid.
Hundreds participated in the lively procession through the city, blending celebrations with the Gai Jatra festival—a traditional event honoring family members who have passed away during the year. Over time, this festival has also become a platform for sexual minorities to join in the colorful parades.
The LGBTQ+ movement in Nepal has faced challenges since the U.S. administration under Donald Trump began dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which was a key source of humanitarian aid. As a result, many support centers for Nepal’s LGBTQ+ community have had to close due to lack of funding.
Despite these setbacks, Nepal’s LGBTQ+ community has made remarkable progress in recent years. The country was one of the first in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, and the 2015 constitution explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation.
The U.S. had been one of the largest contributors to LGBTQ+ rights initiatives in Nepal. Agencies like USAID collaborated with local centers to promote HIV prevention, provide care, and offer safe-sex counseling. Their financial support was crucial for running clinics that distributed free condoms, conducted screenings, and provided treatment for HIV-positive individuals. However, with USAID’s office now closed in Nepal, these vital services have been severely affected.
Simran Sherchan, an LGBTQ+ rights activist participating in the rally, acknowledged the impact of funding cuts on community services but expressed optimism about finding new sources of support to revive these programs.
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