Nepal has made history as the first Southeast Asian country to officially register a same-sex marriage, marking a significant step forward for queer rights.
The landmark event occurred in a village in the Lamjung district, where local authorities registered the marriage of Ram Bahadur (Maya) Gurung, a 36-year-old individual who was born male but identifies as female, and Surendra Pandey, a 26-year-old individual who was born and identifies as male.
Maya Gurung and Surendra Pandey became the first same-sex couple to legally marry in #Nepal. Their marriage has just been registered in Dordi rural municipality Lamjung. pic.twitter.com/Tn6eijSJJU
— Rojita Adhikari (@rojitaadhikari) November 29, 2023
The registration follows a Supreme Court interim order issued five months earlier, clearing the way for same-sex marriages in a country that has historically been conservative.
The couple, who had been in a relationship for nine years, celebrated their union according to Hindu rituals in 2016 in Kathmandu.
Maya Gurung and Surendra Pandey made historic achievement. They became the first registered same-sex couple in Nepal.
— Bhadra Sharma (@bhadrarukum) November 29, 2023
Nepal becomes second country in Asia to register same sex marriage. pic.twitter.com/OcaDM5Exxk
The formal registration took place at the Dordi rural municipality office, with Surendra Pandey expressing their joy, stating, "We are both very happy. Like us, all others in our community are happy too."
Nepal's progression toward inclusivity reflects broader societal changes since the end of the Maoist insurgency in 2006. The country's transition from a Hindu monarchy to a more progressive and inclusive nation underscores the transformative journey toward equal rights for all citizens.
Taiwan is currently the only other country to legalise same-sex marriage in Asia.