Nepal Celebrates Historic Pride Despite Foreign Aid Cuts

Nepal marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its first Pride parade since the cuts to foreign aid initiated by former President Donald Trump. On August 10, 2025, hundreds of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies gathered in the capital, Kathmandu, during the annual Gai Jatra festival to advocate for queer rights and visibility.

The event, part of Nepal Pride 2025, featured a wide array of flags, including those representing Pride, Trans Pride, Lesbian Pride, and Asexual Pride. Participants carried signs that emphasized inclusivity, with messages such as “Pride for all intersectional queer identities” and affirmations of transgender rights. A large Progress Pride flag was prominently displayed, symbolizing a collective push for equality.

The LGBTQ+ community in Nepal has faced considerable challenges since the cuts to foreign aid, which resulted in over 80 percent of USAID programs being cancelled as of March 2025. According to reports, many support centres that served the community have been forced to close, leaving thousands without essential services. These centres previously collaborated with USAID to provide crucial HIV prevention and care services, including safe sex counselling and free health screenings. The suspension of funding has had a profound impact on their operations, which were described as “vital” for the community’s wellbeing.

As the USAID office in Nepal remains closed, local organisations are struggling to fill the gaps left by the funding cuts. The situation is not unique to Nepal; LGBTQ+-inclusive programmes in countries like India and the UK have also been affected by similar reductions in support.

Despite these challenges, Nepal has made substantial progress in the recognition of LGBTQ+ rights. In 2023, the country’s Supreme Court ruled in favour of legally registering same-sex marriages. This ruling followed a historic moment when a lesbian couple became the first same-sex pair to have their marriage formally recognised in Nepal. With this legal recognition, Nepal became the second country in Asia to allow same-sex marriage, following Taiwan, which legalised equality in 2019. In 2025, Thailand also joined the ranks, becoming the first nation in Southeast Asia to honour marriage equality.

The vibrant gathering at the Nepal Pride parade not only showcased the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community but also highlighted the ongoing struggle for rights and recognition. As participants celebrated their identities amidst challenges, the event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of solidarity and support within the queer community.

Moving forward, advocates continue to call for increased awareness and support for LGBTQ+ issues, urging both local and international stakeholders to prioritize the needs of marginalized communities in Nepal and beyond.