Nepal became the first country of South Asia to register same -sex marriages. Frame Bakhadur (Maya) Gurung, a 36-year-old transgender woman who has not changed her gender in official documents, and Surendra pandors, 26 years old, who identifies himself as a man, designed their spouses in the Dori Volodya Department in the West of Nepal.
This event is defined as a historic moment for a predominantly conservative country that has recognized the legality of same -sex marriages this year. The couple, which has been in a relationship for nine years and has already noted its association with Hindu rites in 2016 in Kathmandu, had no confirmation of their marriage.
The initial appeal of marriage registration was rejected, and the lawsuits against the district and high courts of Katmanda were also not successful. However, last week, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Nepal approved changes that allow all local administrations to register same -sex marriages.
Sunil Pant, a former parliamentary member, LGBTK+ activist and open gay, considers this registration a "historical achievement" and the victory of sexual and gender minorities in the struggle for the level of rights. Pant claims that it is a "positive wind" after 23 years of struggle, and now Maya and Surendra will have equal rights, including the ability to open bank accounts and own and transfer property.
