As Donald Trump prepares to step back into the White House, having defeated Kamala Harris to secure his second term as the 47th President of the United States, there is widespread concern over the global ripple effects his policies may cause, particularly for LGBTQ+ advocacy. For countries like Nepal, which has seen significant progress in the fight for queer rights, Trump’s return poses significant questions about how this might affect ongoing advocacy efforts. As per report of the The Kathmandu Post.
Trump’s previous administration (2017-2021) rolled back several key protections for the LGBTQ+ community, both in the US and globally. His policies limited transgender rights, reduced healthcare protections, and dismantled federal support for LGBTQ+ individuals. For countries like Nepal, which have benefitted from international support, particularly from the US, the return of Trump signals potential challenges.
Nepal’s LGBTQ+ Movement in a Global Context
Nepal’s LGBTQ+ movement has long drawn support from international donors and global solidarity efforts. Organizations such as the Blue Diamond Society and Mitini Nepal have benefited from projects funded by USAID and other US-based human rights groups. Manisha Dhakal, the executive director of the Blue Diamond Society, expressed concerns about how Trump’s policies might impact these collaborations.
“If US support diminishes under Trump, it could create roadblocks for queer movements across the globe, including Nepal,” says Dhakal. During his first term, Trump’s administration slashed funding for global HIV/AIDS relief programs like PEPFAR, which had been a critical source of support for many LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.
Additionally, Trump’s rollback of federal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals set a troubling precedent, and his Project 2025 proposals suggest even more extreme measures could be on the horizon. These include banning gender-affirming care for minors and restricting federal funding for schools that promote what his administration calls “gender ideology.” The impact of such policies would undoubtedly be felt internationally, potentially emboldening conservative and anti-LGBTQ+ groups across the globe, including in Nepal.
Local Advocacy Adapting to Changing Global Politics
Despite these concerns, local advocacy groups in Nepal remain hopeful and resilient. As Sarita KC, the executive director of Mitini Nepal, points out, the country’s queer rights movement has never been entirely reliant on US funding. “Nepal’s queer advocacy has benefited from international solidarity, but it won’t stop without US support,” she explains.
KC further noted that the movement has received growing support from countries like the UK, Germany, and Finland, which could help counterbalance any potential loss of US aid. While challenges from Trump’s policies may arise, KC believes that the community will find new ways to sustain its efforts, such as through virtual meetings and alternative platforms for international cooperation.
The situation also raises questions about Nepal’s own political climate. Sunil Babu Pant, Nepal’s first openly queer lawmaker, expressed concern that Trump’s anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric could embolden conservative elements within the country. Pant pointed out that a new political party in Nepal, the Aamul Paribartan Nagarik Party, recently held protests aligned with Trump’s anti-abortion and anti-queer campaign stance. The rise of such movements could pose a significant challenge to Nepal’s relatively progressive LGBTQ+ laws and policies.
The Role of Sovereignty in Nepal’s LGBTQ+ Future
Despite the potential threats, Pant and other activists stress that Nepal’s LGBTQ+ movement has survived difficult times before. Nepal’s constitution guarantees rights and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, and the country’s judiciary has been a strong ally in advancing queer rights. “Nepal, as a sovereign nation, has its own constitution and judicial framework for LGBTQ+ rights,” Dhakal asserts. “We should not be swayed by changes in US policies, even under a global power like Trump’s administration.”
The activists also emphasize the importance of strengthening Nepal’s own governmental support for queer advocacy, rather than relying solely on foreign donors. Pant suggests that this could be an opportunity for Nepal to stand as a beacon of progress for LGBTQ+ rights in South Asia, regardless of Trump’s regressive policies.
Global Solidarity in the Face of Adversity
In the face of these challenges, Nepal’s LGBTQ+ advocates remain committed to their cause. Dhakal, who is also a founding member of the Asia-Pacific Transgender Network, notes that her organization will continue to collaborate with international partners to promote LGBTQ+ rights, both in Nepal and worldwide. “We will stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities in the US and across the globe,” Dhakal says. “Nepal should speak out in international forums and conventions against anti-queer activities. Even a global power can learn from small nations.”
As Trump’s second term looms, the future of global LGBTQ+ advocacy remains uncertain. However, Nepal’s queer activists are determined to continue their fight, no matter what challenges may arise.
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