As Nepal prepares to host the ILGA Asia Conference later this month, we are witnessing a growing influence of President Trump’s (anti-)LGBTI policies among our leaders. A leading national daily has published a headline today following an interview with Prime Minister’s foreign policy advisor, Arun Subedi. He appears to be a staunch supporter of President Trump, particularly regarding his stance on Gender and Sexuality Minority (GSM/LGBTIQ+) issues.

It is absolutely right that America has stopped funding for social engineering.

Full article:https://www.ratopati.com/category/interview…

Partial translation:

Is it right to stop American grants?

Trump has a strong principle that American taxpayers’ money should not be spent on social engineering in another country. USAID funds were used to commercialize LGBT issues in Nepal, and he has serious objections to that. This does not mean that America will stop supporting physical development. My understanding is that Trump has taken 90 days to differentiate between physical development and social engineering.

A huge amount of money was spent on rapid cultural encroachment, or rather cultural neutralization, in Nepal. Later, LGBT issues were also imposed on us. Now, look at our situation—we are facing a population crisis. If this continues, in a few years, there won’t be enough people to recruit into the army and police forces.

What is the possibility of the continuation of aid?

Now that USAID’s purpose has been deemed inappropriate and suspended, it is up to us to define clear objectives and request specific support. If it is firmly and finally decided that no more funds will be allocated under the name of NGOs for such political and social engineering, it will be beneficial for us. Now, we should focus on the development of physical infrastructure and academic progress.

Will unemployment increase with the suspension of aid?

If you are employed in the wrong sector, you are bound to become unemployed one day. If you are involved in the Rainbow Movement and earning money from it, or if you are an activist promoting cancel culture, then sooner or later, you will face unemployment.

That is still not enough. I strongly appeal to President Trump to immediately stop the continuous flow of funds and investments from non-state actors in the U.S. to Nepal, which are disrupting our social, political, developmental, judicial, and even press environments.

This is a matter of grave concern, I appeal to all GSM/LGBTIQ activists and CBOs in Nepal to get united to fight back such bigotry as this is only the start.

Sunil Babu Pant,
Cultural Emissary for Inclusive (Pink/Rainbow/LGBT+) Tourism in Nepal;
Executive Director, Mayako Pahichan Nepal, Mayakopahichan.com
Film Maker, Meditation Guide, First openly gay member of Parliament in Asia from Nepal. Founder of Blue Diamond society, first lgbitq rights organisation in Nepal.
Former Buddhist Monk
(Spiritual name: Anaagarik Kashyap)