Kathmandu : Tirtha Man Shakya and Dipak Maharjan identifies differently from the gender assigned to them by their parents and society. Despite being identified as sons by their parents and society, they feel a deep connection to their feminine identity. “I am the son of my mother. But, from within, and what I understand, I prefer to identify myself as the third gender individual,” shared Shakya.

Forty years back, while attending Gorakhnath Secondary School in Kirtipur, they faced discrimination due to their gender identity, forcing them to drop out of school.

A dance competition would take place in the school every Friday, and both would participate dressed in third gender women’s clothing. On one occasion, Shakya was beaten by the headmaster for wearing third gender women’s dress. “Why did you dance as a girl when you are a boy?” he was asked.

At that time, marginalised children of Kirtipur and around had limited access to school. Caste-based discrimination was rampant while children from the marginalised communities faced difficulties in getting education.

Even the parents were not aware about educating their children. Although within the valley, Kirtipur and its vicinity were extremely remote and backward. Gorakhnath school was established for the marginalised children, but Shakya and Maharjan faced discriminations due to their gender identity.

Makhamal Shrestha, the current school principal, pointed out the school’s role in educating the marginalised children from Kirtipur and nearby areas, including those from marginalised communities like Pode, Chayame, Sarki, Gaine, Damai, and Kasai. He also praised the contribution of Hira Bahadur Manandhar, Dor Bahadur Bista and Min Bahadur Shrestha to establish the school. However, he admitted that he was initially unaware about the challenges faced by third gender individuals like Shakya and Maharjan.

To address their needs, the school provides extra classes for students from the SGM community to ensure they should not face difficulties or drop out prematurely, he said. “They (Tirtha Man and Dipak) come, offering help,” said principal Shrestha, “They have helped to make the school gender-friendly.”

Recently, with the help of researcher Sabina Gautam, the Samarpan Savya Samaj Nepal, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to educating the children of the third gender individuals, conducted an orientation class on SGMs. Namastika Shrestha led the session, promoting knowledge of the SGM community among the students.

Shakya, now president of the Samarpan Nepal, and Maharjan, secretary, said that they have launched a campaign to ensure education for gay and third gender children. “We are former students of this school. The school staff could not understand our identity. Now they acknowledge it. It makes us happy,” said Shakya.

They have proposed the inclusion of a subject about SGMs in the curriculum so as to make students and teachers recognise and better understand this community. Researcher Gautam requested members of the community to come out publicly, and share their experiences to advance broader acceptance and inclusion.