Kathmandu: Laxman Magar has been awarded the title of Mr. Gay Nepal 2024, qualifying for Mr Gay World scheduled to take place in the United Kingdom on August 26, 2024.

Organised by Mayako Pahichan Nepal (MKPN), a non-governmental organisation advocating for the rights of sexual and gender minorities, the event was a segment of the First International Pink Tourism Conference that concluded on Sunday here in Kathmandu. He received a cash prize of Rs 100,000.

Ashok Koirala finished first runner-up and bagged a cash prize of Rs 75,000 while Nabin GC came second runner-up. He bagged a cash prize of Rs 50,000. The cash prize was provided by Dakini Hospitality Group.

Unique Chaudhary won the Best Dress Award and Sunil Tamang won the Photogenic Award. Dinesh Chaudhary received the Best Work award, and Tika Bahadur Magar the Best Talent Award. Laxman Magar bagged the Public Choice Award.

Lasang Dorje Bal bagged the Best Discipline Award. Similarly, Paban Dhakal won the Best Personality Award, Dinesh Chaudhary the Best Swim Suit Award, and Sushil Chand the Mr Congeniality Award.

Sunil Babu Pant, Asia’s first openly gay former parliamentarian of Nepal and executive director of Mayako Pahichan Nepal, Mr Gay Handsome 2017 Manil Singh, Mr Gay Handsome 2013 Bishworaj Adhikari, MPN President Maya Gurung, and Miss Pink’s title winner Yani Lama jointly handed the prizes to the winners amid a function the same day.

The title winner Magar responded that he would help make Nepal known to the world, and advocate for gay rights. He aims to become an inspirational figure for those who want to open up about their gender identity, he said.

On the occasion, Pant announced that the title winners have been appointed ambassadors for promoting rainbow tourism. MKPN President Gurung promised to continue Mr Gay Nepal every year. “I am very happy,” she said, “I want to thank all the winners and participants.”

Congratulating the contestants, Pant said Mr Gay Nepal aimed not only for entertainment but also for the rights of sexual and gender minorities. “It should not be taken only as entertainment. It will promote the country’s tourism.”

About Laxman

Which one would you choose between health, education and property? the tittle winner Laxman was questioned by the jury.

Laxman replied that he would choose health first. “A person should be healthy. Healthy people can acquire education, and create wealth.”

Born 22 years ago in the rural Badhikedar, Doti, to mother Kamasar Devi and father Kabiram, Laxman is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree. “I would like to thank Mayako Pahichan Nepal for giving me this opportunity. The purpose for which I have long aspired for has been fulfilled.”