Story perspectives

Nepal Elects First Transgender Lawmaker, Aims for LGBTQ Rights

3/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

On March 16, Bhumika Shrestha became Nepal’s first transgender woman lawmaker, representing the centrist Rastriya Swatantra Party in the House of Representatives.
At 37, she expressed excitement and responsibility to advocate for LGBTQ rights in Parliament.
Despite advances, constitutional provisions have not yet translated into effective laws.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party won a majority in recent elections, signaling a major political shift after anti-corruption protests in 2025.

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Story summary

On March 16, Bhumika Shrestha became Nepal’s first transgender woman lawmaker, representing the centrist Rastriya Swatantra Party in the House of Representatives.
At 37, she expressed excitement and responsibility to advocate for LGBTQ rights in Parliament.
Despite advances, constitutional provisions have not yet translated into effective laws.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party won a majority in recent elections, signaling a major political shift after anti-corruption protests in 2025.