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‘We feel erased’: Nepal’s asexual community vie for visibility in queer spaces
- Despite granting sexual minorities equal protection in the constitution, some rights advocates claim Nepal’s queer movement is not entirely inclusive
- There is a siloing of different identities in the queer spectrum in Nepal, which is detrimental to the overall movement, a rights advocate says
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Manita Newa Khadgi felt mixed emotions upon seeing a video on asexuality on YouTube in 2020 – joy, validation and a curiosity to connect with others who identified as asexual.
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Seeking to find a community, Khadgi turned to Instagram, anonymously opening an account called Nepali Aspecs, with Aspecs an umbrella term referring to those on the asexuality and aromantic spectra. Four years on, Khadgi has not only expanded the online community but has become the face advocating for the visibility of asexual and aromantic people, who they say are on the “margins of a marginalised community”.
“I was 29 when I found the term asexual,” Khadgi, now 33, said. “I lost the queer joy and security of knowing oneself. It would have made a huge difference in my life had I known earlier, and I just wanted for others to have that.”
Asexuality is the absence of sexual attraction with little interest in sexual activities, while aromanticism is a lack of romantic attraction or longing to form romantic relationships. However, both sexual orientations have a desire for platonic and emotionally intimate relationships.
Nepal has been touted as a beacon for queer rights in Asia and is among the few countries granting sexual minorities equal protection in the constitution. Last year, the country’s top court issued an interim order allowing queer individuals to register their nuptials in government offices until a marriage equality law is passed.
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