Sawt Falasteen - Nepal's first transgender candidates run for local office

Nepal has some of South Asia's most progressive laws on LGBTQ rights.

But no one from the community has held public office since 2008, when an openly gay man became a lawmaker in Nepal's parliament, nominated under the proportional representation system.

"I hope my candidacy will inspire others in the queer community to participate openly in future elections", said Honey Maharjan, 44.

She is running for the post of mayor of Kirtipur, a settlement on the outskirts of the capital Kathmandu, in Sunday's elections.

Despite legal strides, many LGBTQ people continue to face discrimination in employment, healthcare and education.

"Until now, not one of our community members had exercised the right to run for mayoral elections in Nepal," said Honey.

She grew up in a poor family and struggled to make ends meet working at a restaurant washing dishes as well as at a garment factory. She is currently a tour guide.

"When I remember my past, it's like a nightmare because I faced a lot of discrimination and abuses -- like other transgender people, I want to change this," she said.

"We are also part of this society and can contribute to the betterment of society. This is what I want to do if I am elected."

- 'Voice has not been present' -

Mouni Maharjan, who is not related to Honey, is running for a ward chair position in the same municipality.

Both candidates represent the small People's Socialist Party, Nepal, but not one is specifically campaigning for LGBTQ rights.

Chief election commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya said the two candidates will help "open a door for sexual minority groups to come forward in politics".

More than 900,000 people in Nepal identify as a sexual minority, according to the Blue Diamond Society, a leading rights group.

The country has made significant strides in LGBTQ rights. In 2007, it outlawed discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation.

A third-gender category for citizenship documents was introduced in 2013, and passports with an "others" category followed in 2015.

Last year, an interim order from the Supreme Court allowed same-sex and transgender couples to register their marriage.

Former parliamentarian Sunil Babu Pant has been at the forefront of pushing for these changes.

"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," he told AFP.

"We now have two candidates this election. This is hugely a positive development for Nepal."

- 'Courage' -

Honey and Mouni campaigned door-to-door for over a week under their election symbol, an umbrella.

Mouni, 29, said her priorities include not only improving infrastructure and sanitation in her ward.

She is also fighting stigma against LGBTQ people and wants to create jobs for them.

"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," Mouni said.

Many Kirtipur residents have opened their doors for their campaign and expressed support.

"In democracy, everyone should get an equal chance," said Kirtipur local Beeju Maharjan.

"Only the election will tell who will win," she added. "But the courage Honey and Mouni hold for their society should be appreciated."

O.Salim--SF-PST