Kathmandu (Pahichan) July 11 – Ramesh Maharjan, chief of Kirtipur Municipality, has said that rights of sexual and gender minority must be guaranteed. He said municipality will play an active role to address the issues of this community.

Speaking at an orientation program jointly organized by Kirtipur Municipality and Federation of Sexual and Gender Minority, he made such commitment. The program was attended by elected representatives, media, stakeholders and representatives from police.

He said members of this community have used Gaijatra as a platform to highlight the plights of this community. He said all the local governments should allocate budget for this community. One of the participant of the program said, this community should bring a change in their behavior.

Vice-chair of Federation Bhumika Shrestha said transgender are receiving separate identity in separate places. Bhumika said members of this community are forced to face discrimination and psychological pressures. Bhumika presented the problems faced by this community such as receiving citizenship among others.

Sudip Gautam said there are a lot of family hurdles to be transformed as per the gender identity. Due to the lack of counseling, members of this community are facing various problems, according to Sudip.  In the program, participants asked about the language suitable for this community and biological needs of this community. Participants explained about the status of this community.

Aman Maharjan, ward no 10 chair said this issue is entirely new for him. He, however, recalled his past experience of teasing this community in the past due to the lack of knowledge about this community. He said he is aware about this community and contemplating about new program and policy targeting this community.

Vice-chair of Municipality Saraswoti Khadka said the issues of LGBTI are the common issue of society. She said local government should address the issues of this community.