Who is Bhumika Shrestha, Nepal’s first transgender woman lawmaker?

Shrestha, 37, was greeted with loud cheers and felicitated with garlands following her appointment.

Her elevation marks a significant step towards inclusivity in Nepal’s political landscape, especially as the country heads into elections after last year’s public outrage over corruption.

Shrestha officially became a proportional representation Member of Parliament on March 16 from the Rashtriya Swatantra Party, led by rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, the Prime Minister-designate.

Who is Bhumika Shrestha?

Bhumika Shrestha is a trailblazing transgender rights activist and political figure who has played a key role in advancing LGBTQ+ visibility and rights in Nepal.

Assigned male at birth, Shrestha later identified as a third gender and faced bullying, harassment, and social stigma from a young age due to her gender expression.

Associated with the Blue Diamond Society, she has been one of the leading voices advocating for transgender rights and legal recognition. She also played a crucial role in pushing for the inclusion of a “third gender” category in official documents such as passports.

Shrestha contributed to landmark legal changes, including advocacy surrounding Nepal’s 2007 Supreme Court ruling recognising third gender rights, as well as campaigns for gender identity recognition in citizenship and passports. She was among the first Nepalis to travel with a passport marked “other” gender.