KATHMANDU (AFP) — Dozens of transsexuals gathered in Nepal's capital Tuesday to push for official recognition as a minority ahead of crucial polls planned for November to decide the country's political future.
The women and men, who want to be officially identified as transgender, say they face widespread official discrimination in Nepal, a majority Hindu nation that is deeply conservative.
"As the constituent assembly elections approach we want proper representation in the assembly that is going to shape the future of the nation," said Sunil Pant, president of the Blue Diamond Society which works on behalf of sexual minorities in Nepal.
Pant said that transsexuals account for nearly five percent of Nepal's 27 million population, but have trouble getting listed on the voter rolls.
"There are no voters lists of third gender people and this is a very worrying situation for us," he said.
The government and former rebel Maoists reached a landmark peace deal late last year to end 14 months of absolute rule by the monarchy and since then ethnic and caste groups have demanded a greater voice in mainstream politics.
The country is scheduled to go to the polls on November 22 to elect a body that will rewrite Nepal's constitution and plan the country's political future, including the role, if any, of the monarchy.
But the transsexuals say none of the political parties is willing to help them with problems like getting official identification.
"The state has been ignoring us and we are facing difficulties in getting citizenship based on our identity," said Alex Chamling, a member of the Blue Diamond society.
"We want the representation of a few transgender people in parliament and in the constituent assembly."
The Blue Diamond Society was founded in 2001 to address the needs of sexual minorities, and has received financial support from singer Elton John and other celebrities.
Although homosexuality is not listed as a crime under Nepali law, "unnatural sex acts" can be punished here by up to a year in prison.
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