Kathmandu, Nepal—The vibrant streets of Kathmandu were alive with color and celebration on Tuesday as same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ activists gathered for the annual Pride parade, coinciding with the traditional Gai Jatra festival. The event, a powerful display of solidarity and resilience, attracted hundreds of participants, including government officials, diplomats, and supporters from across the country.
This year’s parade, held in the heart of Kathmandu, marked a significant moment for Nepal’s LGBTQ+ community. It was the first Pride event since the landmark Supreme Court ruling in November 2023, which allowed the registration of same-sex marriages—a historic victory for LGBTQ+ rights in the conservative Himalayan nation.
Starting from Thamel, the city’s bustling tourist hub, the parade wound through the capital’s main streets, drawing cheers and support from onlookers. Participants, adorned in rainbow flags and traditional attire, danced, sang, and marched together, celebrating their identity and advocating for equality.
Bhumika Shrestha, a prominent gay rights activist who has been at the forefront of Nepal’s LGBTQ+ movement, expressed her pride in the community’s achievements. “Gai Jatra is a festival with deep cultural roots, and as members of the sexual minority community, we are doing our part to preserve and celebrate this tradition,” Shrestha said. “Today, we march not just for ourselves, but for the future of all sexual minorities in Nepal.”
The Gai Jatra festival, traditionally held to honor the deceased, has long been associated with colorful parades and performances. In recent years, it has also become a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride in Nepal, with the parade serving as a platform for the community to express their identity and demand equal rights.
Nepal has made significant strides in LGBTQ+ rights over the past two decades. Following a 2007 Supreme Court decision, the government was directed to take measures to ensure the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. This led to the inclusion of a “third gender” category on official documents and the prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation in the 2015 constitution.
However, despite these legal advancements, LGBTQ+ activists continue to face challenges. While same-sex marriage is now legally recognized, activists are pushing for further amendments to fully equalize marriage laws and eliminate existing restrictions that still favor heterosexual couples.
Tuesday’s parade was not just a celebration of past victories but also a reminder of the ongoing struggle for full equality. The presence of government ministers and international diplomats underscored the growing support for LGBTQ+ rights in Nepal, but activists emphasized that there is still work to be done.
As the parade concluded, the mood was one of hope and determination. For Nepal’s LGBTQ+ community, the march through Kathmandu’s streets was a powerful affirmation of their identity and a clear message that their fight for equality will continue.