PressAdda
Bala, Kathmandu, July 16
Despite Nepal’s progressive approach to LGBTQ laws, it remains an elusive and sensitive topic to discuss in the media. There are plenty of organizations working on the issue. However, it needs to be addressed more seriously and in a strategic way. While reporting on it, a journalist needs to be pretty serious and sensitive, as the majority of the media also have stereotypes and prejudices against the LGBTQ community.
The best possible way to approach the LGBTQ community in Nepal is to approach the organizations and people on the frontlines, such as the Blue Diamond Society and Maya Ko Pahichan.
The people associated with this movement could be another option to reach for rich information related to it. They could be the founders of the Blue Diamond Society (BDS) and the first ever lawmaker from the LGBTQ community in South Asia, Sunil Babu Pant.
The major challenges experienced by media personnel while reporting on LGBTQ issues are lack of information, stereotypes, the influence of patriarchy, stigmatisation and prejudices. It is not only limited to journalists; it is a deeply rooted problem in Nepali society. A few months ago, a former minister took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to say that it was an unnatural process, despite plenty of legal possibilities and an apex court verdict to legalize same sex marriage.
Kamal Thapa, former chair of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party and Deputy Prime Minister, said that same sex marriage is against natural laws, social norms and values.
On the other hand, Hindu mythology has always recognised other genders in its largest mythology, the Mahabharata. In the Mahabharata, the specific character Shikhandi, who belongs to the LGBTQ community, becomes the reason for Bhisma Pitamah’s death.
These references clearly show why it is crucial for people to understand the significant presence of the LGBTQ community in society and why they need to ensure all the fundamental freedoms guaranteed to all the citizens in Nepal.
Furthermore, the LGBTQ community holds immense importance for each cultural background in Nepal. People from the LGBTQ community are considered pure, and people seek blessings in Tarai (the southern part) of Nepal.
As a result, it is very critical for media professionals to cover the issue of the LGBTQ community in a fair and balanced way. Maintaining the content’s credibility and reaching out to the right people and people engaged in advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ community in Nepal.
But wait, the story is not over; before you can reach them, you must first understand the struggles and hardships they faced in order to obtain legal recognition and identity.
Although Sunil Babu Pant is already a former constituent assembly member and person with great networking. The Supreme Court took the test of his patience until they got the recognition for the same sex marriage in the year of 2023.
However, they continue to struggle with the state apparatus for citizenship and acceptance of their marriage and identity within society. It is not uncommon to hear the news in Nepali media that LGBTQ communities were abused or harassed as they are often overlooked due to societal taboo and patriarchal beliefs. The same is reflected in the laws and legislator’s mindset which requires serious hammering.
