Surveying Nepal’s Sexual and Gender Minorities: An inclusive approach

The report is a collaborative effort by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Williams Institute, and the Blue Diamond Society (BDS). The research aimed to understand the demographics, socio-economic status, experiences of stigma and discrimination, and access to HIV services among Nepal’s sexual and gender minorities. The survey, conducted in 2013, involved nearly 1,200 respondents across 32 districts in Nepal, recruited through a network of HIV outreach workers.

The survey employed a three-question approach covering self-identification, behavioral, and attraction dimensions of sexual orientation and gender identity. The findings revealed significant diversity within Nepal’s sexual and gender minority populations. Key findings included high rates of discrimination and harassment, economic vulnerability, and inadequate access to healthcare and HIV services. Notably, the report highlighted that youth, particularly those assigned male at birth and identifying as third gender, faced extreme marginalization and socio-economic challenges.

The report is intended for policymakers, researchers, and organizations working on sexual and gender minority issues, aiming to inform inclusive policy-making and program development. It underscores the need for culturally competent data collection methods to accurately capture the experiences of sexual and gender minorities, particularly youth, to address their unique vulnerabilities and improve their quality of life.