Kathmandu: Non-governmental organisations advocating gender reassignments and hormone therapy in Nepal are reported to be threatening those who have opposed to the “illegal” treatments. Even protesting parliamentarians have become the target of these NOGs who have backed by national and international donors in supporting these procedures.

Some NGOs working for the SGM rights, including the Blue Diamond Society (BDS), the Federation of Sexual and Gender Minorities-Nepal (FSGMN) and Cruiseaids Nepal, have been blamed for carrying out the “wrong” campaign for gender reassignment and hormone therapy for their personal interests, leading to associated potential adverse health risks. This has now drawn concerns within the community.

The Constitution of Nepal has ensured the right of identity to the citizens of sexual and gender minorities (SGM). There is a provision of non-discrimination and inclusive representation in every state body. The Citizenship Act 2063 has been amended to provide citizenship to SGMs under ‘other’ category.

Nepal’s lawmakers question gender reassignment, hormone therapy

However, Laxmi Ghalan, Chairperson of Mitini Nepal, has misinterpreted the constitution by opposing the statement of lawmaker Sushila Shrestha that those who become women through a gender reassignment or a hormone therapy do not represent the feelings of women.

Shrestha in a deliberation on the budget allocated for the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens in the upcoming fiscal year pointed out gender reassignment and hormone therapy as wrong practices.

Ghalan’s response goes:

The respected parliament belongs to us 30 million Nepalis and every honorable member is our representative who has the responsibility to make our life easier and end inequality!

At least we know that our current constitution accepts SGMs along with social justice and inclusiveness! But this statement from the place that made the constitution is against the constitution and it has hurt everyone who believes in equality!!! Honorable Sushila Shrestha.

The statement made by a woman, who is known as senior womanist, which publicly targeted at our community inside the Parliament, has sadden our entire community.

How could you easily explain this issue of identity, honorable parliamentarian?

Can you ever put yourself in our shoes, honorable parliamentarian? If a person like us is born in this family, will you suppress them by giving such a limited statement?

It is sure that you will evict from the house and the society, or will you also evict from the country, honorable parliamentarian?

This is my question not only for you but also for the entire members of the parliament, who sat quietly being a mute spectator!! Here you are not only a women’s rights activist, honorable parliamentarian, you hold the position that you instruct policy makers to make laws, we also considered you as our parents!!!

Make sure that you are at the helm of delivering justice. What kind of justice do we expect and what kind of law do we expect from a person who has reached a place of justice?

If it is wrong to do injustice, it is a bigger mistake to tolerate injustice. I am in this place today because of the many injustices and atrocities that have happened to me. If someone tries to destroy the movement which I am championing, our response will surely come.

I am a feminist. But today, if a person who is known as a feminist makes such a statement, should we call the person who gives such a statement a feminist or not? It’s not just my question, it is the question of the entire community to all feminists out there?

I hope that you will consider this statement as a common presentation of our community and in the future, we will also have the initiative and cooperation from you to implement our rights provided by the constitution in a safe and effective manner!!

I also request all colleagues, friends and LGBTI supporters who will be with us by supporting this movement of ours to put your expressions, queries and statements. Thank you.

It has been revealed that the BDS, FSGMN, Cruiseaids Nepal and Mitini Nepal have launched a nation-wide campaign supporting gender reassignment and hormone therapy. These NGOs in collusion with the Family Planning Association of Nepal (FPAN) have been openly running hormone clinics, thus supporting gender reassignment.

This has prompted parliamentarians of Nepal to raise their concerns about hormone clinics and these treatments, which are “illegal” as per the constitution, and associated potential health risks.

However, Mayako Pahichan Nepal (MKPN), a non-governmental organisation advocating for the SGM rights, is raising awareness about the potential health risks due to these treatments.

One is free to identify themselves as something than the specified categories. However, the MKPN members are of the view that it is important to be aware of the violation of the rights of others when it comes to their human rights. They have referred to the SGM organisations supporting gender reassignment and hormone therapy.

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