Pride Parade in Nepal Celebrates Same-Sex Marriage

— In a historic celebration, hundreds of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies gathered in Kathmandu on Tuesday for the annual Pride parade, marking a significant milestone as it was the first event since the Supreme Court's November 2023 ruling allowing same-sex couples to officially register their marriages. The parade coincided with the Gai Jatra festival, a traditional event honoring deceased family members, which has increasingly embraced the participation of sexual minorities over the years. The rally commenced at a popular tourist area and wound through the city’s main streets, drawing participation from government officials, diplomats, and activists. Bhumika Shrestha, a prominent gay rights advocate, emphasized the importance of the Gai Jatra festival in preserving cultural traditions while also celebrating LGBTQ+ pride. “We are here to help preserve and continue the tradition,” she stated, highlighting the dual significance of the day. The Supreme Court's decision in November 2023 marked a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ rights in Nepal, following years of advocacy for legal recognition of same-sex marriages. Activists have long campaigned for legislative changes to allow same-sex unions and eliminate restrictions that confine marriage to heterosexual couples. Nepal has made notable strides in LGBTQ+ rights since a 2007 court ruling prompted the government to implement reforms. The 2015 constitution further solidified these advancements by prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, allowing individuals to identify as “third gender” on official documents, and fostering a more inclusive society.