Presenter
Schild Marie Sophie - Department of South Asian, tibetan and Buddhist Studies, University of Vienna, Vienna, AustriaPanel
63 – Gender and Sexual Diversity in South Asia: Cultural Connections in Contemporary Practice, Activism, and AttitudesAbstract
This ethnographic study explores the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Nepal, with a focus on Kathmandu Valley. Despite the fact that Nepal has legally recognised a third gender and granted full rights to sexual and gender minorities under its 2015 constitution, societal and familial structures perpetuate discrimination, marginalisation and emotional struggles for LGBTQIA+ individuals navigating societal and familial expectations. The study draws on autobiographical accounts of 10 LGBTQIA+ community members, exploring their experiences in relation to family life, that plays a pivotal role in Nepali society.
The research investigates familial pressure, societal expectations to conform traditional gender roles, and how these influences shape decisions regarding coming-out processes or concealments of one’s identity. The study also explores how LGBTQIA+ individuals assert their identities amidst these constraints, addressing themes of self-expression, resistance, and resilience. The findings offer insights into the intersection of personal identity and cultural norms, highlighting the coexistence and tensions between traditional values and LGBTQIA+ identities in Nepal.
