"Namaste"

**A picture of Namaste's face was used because this individual wanted us to capture his face, as he wants his story and face to be known. Everything in the interaction and all that is shared with you was in the hand's of the storyteller himself.**

Namaste had a sweet smile and a sparkle in his eyes. He was glad we were researching this important topic. Namaste remembers his childhood very fondly, yet he felt alone at times. He knew he was different but was unsure how and felt like he was the only person who felt like this. When he was in his early twenties, he began to understand his sexuality and his attraction to men. But in Nepal, being a member of the LGBTQ community is extremely challenging, leaving one ostracized by society.

Namaste began to express his sexuality with his outfits, and people started to notice. His classmates would mock the way he walked, how he decorated his body, and much more. Namaste tries not to let such negativity affect him; he knows he’s worth more than these harmful judgments. His college included a gender and sexuality class, but this did not help. His classmates exclude him more. He remembers women claiming he would steal all the men, even professors belittling him.

His family wasn’t as supportive either, but Namaste knows his situation and is still grateful to them. His mother and brother both know, and while they aren’t supportive, they did not disown him. He eventually found a helpful friend whom Namaste called his “sister,” She showed him the strong LGBTQ community society in Kathmandu. However, he had to face the worst before he found his community.

While the LGBTQ community has gained a lot of public and political support in the past decade, it is still very contentious in most people’s society being open about their sexuality. Due to the situation, it is challenging for them to meet similar people. Namaste felt often felt lonely and found social media as an avenue to discover potential friends and partners. In Nepal, the LGBTQ community thrives online through websites like Facebook, and people use fake names to interact with other people. Nonetheless, interacting with anonymous characters on the internet can be dangerous, and Namaste claims that his loneliness blinded him to see red flags.

Namaste was first sexually assaulted by a man he met on Facebook. This man was nice to him and asserted that he had jobs available for Namaste. For the LGBTQ community, it is complicated to receive employment. While Namaste has finished his Bachelor’s and is now working towards his Master’s, employers deny him after job interviews due to his “feminine character.” Hearing the news of potential employment excited Namaste. He met this man at a cafe, and the man invited him to a room he booked in the same establishment. Namaste was hesitant but followed. In the room awaited two more men, and they all began to get physical with him. Namaste declined that this was not the relationship he wanted, but they all berated, physically abused, and then raped. He was unconscious by the end. He felt defeated, powerless, and traumatized. Namaste related to the plight of women; he despised these evil men who forced their wills on others.

This was not the only time Namaste was assaulted after meeting someone online. The second time, he was lucky to escape. While these events took place a few years ago, Namaste remains fearful of meeting new people alone. Fortunately, he has found his community through his “sister.” He started working for Blue Diamond Society (BDS), an LGBTQ rights NGO. They were looking for people under 24 who could become outspoken about the issues they face. He came across this community after his rape as he was looking for STI clinics. He feels more secure about himself and meeting other people through their support. He is now more active on social media and has amassed many followers on Tik Tok!

When asked about legal support, Namaste said he didn’t take any action. He knew that he would receive no help from the police, and they would instead punish him for being gay. Although this is illegal, the law and police behave differently. He strongly believes social media is an excellent platform for their activism, and members like him and NGOs can change the system together. He also believes it’s essential for community members to learn how to be safe online and hopes NGOs voice this. He also hopes to shift this narrative that LGBTQ members are sex workers or sex-crazed. It’s a harsh stereotype that inhibits them from participating with other community members. While it is not their fault, Namaste implores LGBTQ members to be respectful in every interaction, as society judges more harshly.

After our interview, Namaste shared his social media with us and showed us his beautiful dance moves. We also painted our nails together! He truly is a bright soul, and I wish the best for him and the future of LGBTQ rights in Nepal.