Kathmandu (Pahichan) August 20 – Blue Diamond Society which is working to ensure the rights of sexual and gender minority has celebrated the Gaijatra Festival with fanfare. The homosexual, transgender, bisexual and inter-sex people were gathered to celebrate the festival which was accompanied by human rights activists, leaders of Naya Shakti.

They jointly celebrated LGBTI pride. The slogan was complete self-respect with violence free society. The members of LGBTI demonstrated their dress and culture.

American Ambassador to Nepal Alaina Teplitz, Marty Rouse of Human Rights Campaign (U.S.A.) national field director,  leader of Naya Shakti Nepal Hishila Yami, Keshav Man Shakya among others participated in the program.

This is the first time that American Ambassador to Nepal has participated in the program. Transgender said they have felt that Naya Shakti respected transgender participating in the program.

“In comparison to previous years, there was representation of political people and diplomats this year,” they said.

The American Ambassador Alaina Teplitz said that it is pride to her to participate in the program. Speaking to Pahichan Online she said the rights of LGBTI are a serious human right issue which should be addressed.

She appreciated that rights of gender and sexual minority has been mentioned in the new constitution.  “I am feeling pride to get an opportunity to be with members of this community,” said Rouse.

He said that all people should get equal rights. He said that America and Nepal should work together to ensure the rights of this community. Naya Shakti Nepal said that rights of transgender have been incorporated in the form.  Yami said she is ready to support in terms of individual and party.

Chairman of Blue Diamond Pinky Gurung expressed the happiness for participating in the program. She said that for the construction of violence-free society there is contribution of all.

Executive Director of BDS Manisha Dhakal expressed thanks for all who participated in the meeting. LGBTI community hailed the role played Sunil Babu Pant in securing the rights of gender and sexual minority.