For the first time in Nepal’s history, two out transgender candidates, Honey Maharjan and Mouni Maharjan, are running for public office. Their groundbreaking campaigns mark a pivotal moment for the LGBTQ+ community in South Asia.
Honey Maharjan, 44, is contesting for the position of Mayor in Kirtipur, a municipality near Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. Meanwhile, Mouni Maharjan, 29, is campaigning for the role of ward chair in the same area. Despite sharing a surname, the two trailblazing candidates are not related.
Nepal is often recognised for its progressive LGBTQ+ rights compared to other South Asian nations. However, no openly LGBTQ+ individual has held public office in Nepal since 2008.
Honey hopes her candidacy will inspire others in the queer community to engage in politics, saying:
“Until now, not one of our community members had exercised the right to run for mayoral elections in Nepal.”
Reflecting on her journey, Honey added, “When I remember my past, it’s like a nightmare because I faced a lot of discrimination and abuse. Like other transgender people, I want to change this. We are also part of this society and can contribute to the betterment of society.”
Campaigning for Equality
Both Honey and Mouni are members of the People’s Socialist Party Nepal. Their campaigns aim to tackle deep-rooted discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ people, particularly in employment, healthcare, and education.
Mouni, who is running for ward chair, is particularly focused on raising awareness through education and creating job opportunities for the community. She shared her vision:
“I will work to add a curriculum in school courses regarding the community so that the new generation will easily accept our presence and be treated better.”
A Step Forward for Representation
Former parliamentarian Sunil Babu Pant, a leading LGBTQ+ activist in Nepal, praised this historic development. Pant, who championed campaigns for equal marriage and other LGBTQ+ rights during his time in parliament, commented:
“Since I left the parliament [in 2013], no one has been elected. So, our voice has not been present in the lawmaking bodies and policy-making bodies. We now have two candidates this election. This is hugely a positive development for Nepal.”
As Nepal prepares for these local by-elections, Honey and Mouni’s candidacies signal hope for greater LGBTQ+ representation and equality in Nepali politics.
