Nepal Pride Parade
Nepal is a country of stunning contrasts towering mountains and bustling cities, ancient traditions and modern activism. Known globally for Mount Everest and its rich cultural heritage, Nepal is also home to a vibrant, growing queer community that’s carving out its space in the tapestry of Nepali society. In recent years, Nepal has emerged as a regional leader in LGBTQ+ rights. In legal and policy contexts in Nepal, these groups are also referred to as "gender and sexual minorities." However, the term “Queer” is widely used in rights-based and activist spaces. Kathmandu’s Pride events and queer art collectives are bringing visibility, celebration, and advocacy into public view.
The Nepal Pride Parade, officially titled the Pride Parade of People of Marginalized Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression, and Sex Characteristics (PoMSOGIESC), is an annual event that advances visibility, recognition, and rights for queer communities in Nepal. Commonly referred to as the Nepal Pride Parade (NPP), it is a platform that centers the diverse experiences and demands of individuals marginalized due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics. This includes, but is not limited to, intersex persons, transgender men, transgender women, non-binary individuals, and those identifying as homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, or aromantic. Nepal, known for its rich ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity, has demonstrated progressive steps in legal recognition of queer communities.
The 2007 Supreme Court decision mandated the government to ensure legal protections and recognition beyond the gender binary. Additionally, the 2015 Constitution guarantees non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Despite these legal commitments, implementation gaps persist. Queer individuals continue to face systemic discrimination, administrative hurdles, and social stigma. In response, community-led and rights-based organizations, particularly trans-led, youth-led, and grassroots collectives, continue to advocate for meaningful change through legal reform, public awareness, and direct engagement. Prior to the formalization of the Nepal Pride Parade, several pride-related events were organized, most notably the Gai Jatra Third Gender March starting in 2010. Organized during the traditional Newar festival of Gai Jatra, this event aimed to promote visibility but raised concerns from within the community about the misuse of cultural platforms and the risk of trivializing queer identities. Despite these strides, queer youth & community in Nepal still face challenges from family expectations to lack of safe spaces but they are also forging community, resilience, and joy through grassroots activism, digital platforms, and creative expression.
Recognizing the need for an autonomous and community-owned platform, the Nepal Pride Parade was officially launched in 2019 (2076 BS) by Queer Youth Group and Queer Rights Collective. Campaign for Change joined as a co-organizer in 2020. The first parade was held on June 29, 2019, the day after the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. This marked a historic step in Nepal’s LGBTQ+ movement. With over 400 participants, the parade marched from Maitighar Mandala (Fibwa Khya) to New Baneshwar (Khunthoo) under the theme: “Inclusion of queer (gender and sexual minorities) at all levels of the state and decision-making process.” Since then, the parade has been organized annually on the second Saturday of June, aligning with both Nepal’s weekend and international Pride Month. The events in 2020 and 2021 were held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the parade returned to physical form. By 2023, it had completed its seventh iteration, reflecting sustained momentum and expanding participation. The Nepal Pride Parade is not only a celebration but also a strategic intervention of visibility and advocacy for queer community in Nepal. It amplifies community voices, mobilizes public support, and holds institutions accountable. It embodies the commitment of queer communities in Nepal to build an inclusive society where dignity, rights, and recognition are realized in both governments institutes, laws and social practice.