After historic ruling, Nepal's first same-sex couple promise to continue fight for further recognition

Kathmandu, Dec 1: Getting clicked with their marriage registration certificate was no less than holding a victory trophy for Maya Gurung and Surendra Pandey -- Nepal's first gay couple -- who got the recognition of their marriage in a historic development for the Himalayan nation.

 

 

 

 

Maya -- officially recorded as Ram Prasad Gurung with Nepali database later changed the name to female meaning "Love" on Wednesday (November 29, 20230) formally registered marriage -- between a transwoman and a cisman -- at her hometown in Lamjung. "It became one of the moment, which I cannot forget in my lifetime. Our marriage was registered (temporarily) stepping on the interim order of the Supreme Court, I want to thank all the authorities of the Government of Nepal who played a role in making it happen," Maya Gurung aka Ram Prasad Gurung, told media as she sat alongside her husband Surendra Pandey in Kathmandu on Friday.

 

 

 

 

Maya and Surendra- both identified as male by birth had fought a long legal battle for recognition of their marriage status. Earlier on June 28, 2023, the Supreme Court of Nepal issued an interim order directing the Government of Nepal to register same-sex marriage "temporarily". "After a long fight we have got legal recognition, the sexual minorities like us are thrilled with this step. Those who are awaiting for registration and legal recognition are happy with the decision," Surendra Pandey said. The Dordi Rural Council in Lamjung District had issued the marriage certificate with the comment "As per the orders from the Supreme Court this marriage has been recorded temporarily."

 

 

 

 

 

Around six years back, the couple got married in Kathmandu following the Hindu culture. However, the lack of legal provisions had created a roadblock for them as they couldn't get official recognition curtailing their right to access various governmental services. They couldn't open a joint account as a couple, register their business, or purchase land as their sexuality wasn't recognized and registered by the authorities.

 

 

 

 

"That marriage was conducted with the support of the society, and family, rejuvenating in the beats of 'Panche Baja' traditional Nepali folk musical instrument, now we are served justice. My happiness had no bounds on that day, the local community where I was born hosted a celebratory event, my happiness has no bounds," Gurung said. As per the couple, the villagers on the day of registration came together feasting, singing dancing as a celebration of the whole village. The couples now plan to work for the empowerment of the sexual minorities in the Himalayan mation by providing them with life-surviving training.

 

 

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