Nepal officially recorded its first-ever case of same-sex marriage on Wednesday, five months after the Supreme Court of Nepal granted legal recognition to such unions, making it the pioneering South Asian nation to do so.
Trans-woman Maya Gurung, aged 35, and Surendra Pandey, a 27-year-old gay man, have become the first couple to legally tie the knot. The registration of their marriage took place in the Dordi Rural Municipality of Lamjung district in Western Nepal, as confirmed by Sanjib Gurung, also known as Pinky, who serves as the president of the Blue Diamond Society—an organization committed to championing the rights and well-being of sexual minorities in Nepal.
This historic event marks a significant step forward in the fight for equal rights, as Nepal has been on a progressive path since 2007 when its Supreme Court initially sanctioned same-sex marriages. The 2015 Constitution of Nepal further solidified this stance by explicitly prohibiting any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Maya Gurung and Surendra Pandey’s union not only symbolizes personal joy but also represents a triumph for the LGBTQ+ community in Nepal, signaling increased societal acceptance and legal recognition.
The achievement is a testament to the ongoing efforts of organizations like the Blue Diamond Society in advocating for the rights and dignity of sexual minorities in the country.
Nepal’s journey towards inclusivity continues to set an example for the region, marking a milestone in the ongoing global struggle for equal rights and recognition for the LGBTQ+ community.
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