Kathmandu (Pahichan) August 22 – Sexual and gender minority community has said that only 1500 LGBTI were counted in national census held in 2068 B.S. It was informed at a program organized by Tewa Nepal inviting Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizen, UN Women, UNFPA, Central Bureau of Statistics, Blue Diamond Society, MItini Nepal and Inclusive Samuha.

As 1500 were counted in earlier census, according to Executive Director of BDS Manisha Dhakal, they urged not to make the data public. “Now, we regret for making such request,” she said. There was not the presence of Media in the discussion where Executive Director Dhakal made her first presentation.

Director of CBS Dhundiraj Lamichhane made it clear that they do not have any difficulties to count this community. He said the number of this community was small in 2086 B.S so that did not make the statics public. He said organizations working in this area have not approached them asking to count the number of this community.

Lamichhane said Pahichan Online is asking about the preparations made so far to count this community. “Why are not you coming with us demanding to count your numbers,” he questioned to the working for the welfare of this community. He said there would not be any problems to mention male, female and others category. Representatives from various organizations spoke in the program. Rita Thapa of Tewa Nepal said that her organization is ready to mediate to count the number of this community.

Speaking to Pahichan, Thapa informed that they organized discussion with a view that members of this community should not be missed in national census. Thapa is of the view that members of this community would be denied from other rights if they are included in national census.

After the discussion organized by Tewa, non-governmental organizations working for the welfare of sexual and gender minority organized separate discussions. They held discussions to make a common position on national census.

They have reached an understanding that along with male and female, members of this community should be incorporated in national census. They also demanded to appoint members of this community in the census process.