Kathmandu (Pahichan) July 14 – Newspaper Editors have said that the issues of sexual and gender are embedded with the issues of social justice and human rights.

They said media should give priority to the issues of gender and sexual minority. They are of the view that issues of this community must be lobbied through media.

Speaking at a program organized by Lekhankunj on “Problems, challenges and Wayout” of transgender, journalist Balchandra Mishra underlined the need of organizing a written competition on the issues of gender and sexual minority. The program was organized in the presence of transgender rights activist Bhumika Shrestha.

Journalist Padam Shrestha shared about his experiences of writing articles being close to Sunil Babu Pant. He said editors used to laugh when they submit stories related to sexual and gender minority. He was of the view that society is yet to understand and members of this community are yet to disclose their identity.

While remembering his experience of doing a story, Deepak Rijal, Editor of Nepal Samarchar Patra Daily said: “When it wrote news about this community, people suspected to me.” He had a written a news saying that there are 10 thousand homosexuals. He said there has been a lot of a change in the society in the last 10 years.

Dilli Acharya, Editor of Rajdhani Dainik pledged to provide fortnight column devoted to sexual and gender minority. He suggested incorporating the issues of this community in school curricula. Editor of Ghost Writing Nepal Tanka Pant said media is aware about the members of this community.

Transgender rights activist Bhumika Shrestha who is affiliated with Blue Diamond Society media has played a vital role to highlight the issues of this community. She said due to media’s support, members of this community are gathering courage to tell their stories. “I reached on the stage of suicide but now due to the support of media I am disclosing my identity,” Shrestha said.

Police official Govinda Raj Kaphle members of this community must not go in all other places. He said they are ready to protect the agenda of this community but they have to take action against those who breach laws. Kamal Dhakal, Founding Chair of Lekhan Kunj said there would be discussions on monthly basis on new issues.