In a groundbreaking move for LGBTQ+ rights in Nepal, a village in the Himalayan nation has registered the country’s first official same-sex marriage. This historic event, which took place on Wednesday, marks a monumental step in Nepal’s journey towards inclusivity and acceptance in a predominantly conservative society.
The union of 36-year-old Ram Bahadur (Maya) Gurung and 26-year-old Surendra Pandey is not only a personal celebration for the couple but also a symbol of hope and progress for the LGBTQ+ community in Nepal and South Asia. Maya, who identifies as female, and Surendra, who identifies as male, have been in a loving relationship for nine years. They initially tied the knot in 2016 following Hindu traditions in Kathmandu, the nation’s capital.
This official recognition of their marriage comes in the wake of a significant interim order issued by the Supreme Court of Nepal in June, which allowed same-sex couples to register their marriages while awaiting a final verdict. Hem Raj Kafle, the chief administrative officer of the Dordi rural municipality in the Lumjung district, emphasized that the decision to issue the marriage certificate was in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive and guidance from relevant government bodies.
The couple’s joy is shared by many in their community, reflecting a broader shift towards greater acceptance and equality. “We are both very happy. Like us, all others in our community are happy too,” Pandey expressed in an interview, highlighting the positive impact of this development on sexual and gender minorities in Nepal.
Sunil Babu Pant, the founder of the Blue Diamond Society, Nepal’s premier gay rights organization, hailed the event as a historic victory. As a former lawmaker, Pant has been at the forefront of advocating for equal rights for sexual and gender minorities, including the legal recognition of same-sex marriages. “It is historic,” Pant stated, acknowledging the significance of this being the first such registration in South Asia. He emphasized that this breakthrough would facilitate same-sex couples in Nepal to enjoy rights similar to heterosexual couples, such as joint bank accounts and property ownership.
This landmark event positions Nepal as a progressive leader in South Asia, following its transformative journey since the end of a decade-long Maoist insurgency in 2006. The subsequent political reforms, including the abolition of the Hindu monarchy in 2008, have paved the way for more inclusive and forward-thinking policies. Nepal’s strides in LGBTQ+ rights, exemplified by this first official same-sex marriage, set an encouraging precedent in a region where societal norms are largely conservative.
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